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This guide walks you through everything you need to go from a blank workspace to a completed batch record in Batchlane. You’ll create your account, configure your workspace, add your first items, receive a supplier lot, build a recipe, and run your first production batch — all in under 30 minutes. By the end, you’ll have a working system and a clear picture of how the core Batchlane workflow fits together.
1

Create your account

Go to batchlane.com and click Start free. Enter your name, email address, and a password to create your account. No credit card is required to start on the Free plan.
The Free plan supports up to 250 lots per month and 2 users — enough to run your full core workflow and validate that Batchlane fits your operation before committing to a paid plan.
2

Set up your workspace

After your account is created, Batchlane prompts you to name your workspace and select your industry type. Choose the option that best describes your operation:
  • Specialty food — packaged goods, sauces, snacks, baked goods, and similar products
  • Beverage — alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, kombuchas, juices, and concentrates
  • Co-packer — contract production for multiple customer brands under one roof
Your workspace name appears on batch records, exports, and any documents you generate in Batchlane, so use your business name or production facility name.
3

Add your items

Navigate to Items in the left sidebar and click New item. An item is the master record for anything you buy, produce, or track — ingredients, packaging materials, and finished goods all live here. For each item, fill in:
  • Name — the internal name you use for this material (e.g., “Organic Cane Sugar”)
  • Unit — the unit of measure you receive and consume it in (e.g., kg, L, each)
  • Default supplier — the vendor you typically order from
Items are the template — they define what something is. Lots are the actual batches of inventory you receive and consume. Every lot you receive is linked to an item, which is how Batchlane keeps your inventory organized and traceable.
Add at least the ingredients you plan to use in your first recipe before moving to the next step.
4

Receive your first lot

Navigate to Receiving and click New receipt. A receipt records a real delivery of materials into your inventory. Fill in the following fields for each lot you’re receiving:
  • Item — select the item this lot belongs to
  • Supplier lot number — the lot number printed on the supplier’s label or COA
  • Internal lot code — your own lot identifier (Batchlane can generate this automatically based on your configured format)
  • Quantity — the amount received in the item’s unit of measure
  • Expiry date — the best-by or use-by date on the material
  • Unit cost — the cost per unit for this lot
  • Location — the storage location where this lot is being placed
If you have a COA from your supplier, attach it to the receipt — it will travel with the lot through every downstream record. Click Save receipt to add the lot to your inventory ledger.
5

Create a recipe

Navigate to Recipes and click New recipe. Give your recipe a name and version number, then add the ingredients it calls for. For each ingredient line, specify:
  • Item — the ingredient or packaging material
  • Planned quantity — the amount the recipe calls for
  • Unit — confirm the unit matches how you receive that item
Add your expected yields — the finished goods this recipe produces and at what quantity. When you save the recipe, Batchlane versions it automatically so changes to a recipe don’t overwrite the history of batches that used earlier versions.
6

Run your first batch

Navigate to Batch Records and click New batch. Select the recipe you just created — Batchlane loads the planned inputs and automatically suggests which lots to use based on FEFO (First Expired First Out), so the material expiring soonest is consumed first. Review the suggested lots and confirm your selections.During the run, fill in the Actual column for each ingredient as you consume it, and record any waste or deviations from the plan in the notes fields. When the run is complete, enter your finished quantity and click Sign off. Batchlane generates a finished lot record with a full production history — inputs used, actual quantities, deviations, yield, and the name and timestamp of whoever signed off.
Now that you’ve completed your first batch, explore the core workflows that build on this foundation.

Next: Receiving

Learn how to manage supplier receipts, lot codes, COAs, and multi-lot deliveries.

Batch Records

Go deeper on planned vs. actual, waste tracking, deviations, and batch signoff.