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| | | Author: | calsbricks  | | Posted: | Feb 25, 2022 08:16 | | Subject: | What, if anything, do sellers use lot id for | | Viewed: | 198 times | | Topic: | General | |
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| I know what the system uses it for but I am curious as to what sellers use it
for. It is unique per item (Item, colour, and condition). It has been around
since Dan put the software together (from an auction house system)
Just curious - if it wasn't there would that be a problem ?
I cam think of a couple of uses but they aren't all that important. Would
you want to track by lot (Cost analysis??)
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| | | | | Author: | tons_of_bricks | | Posted: | Feb 25, 2022 08:19 | | Subject: | Re: What, if anything, do sellers use lot id for | | Viewed: | 47 times | | Topic: | General | |
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| In General, calsbricks writes:
| |
Just curious - if it wasn't there would that be a problem ?
|
YES!!! Many syncing services use the lot ID. Without it, my store on Brickowl
would be impossible.
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| | | | | | | Author: | calsbricks | | Posted: | Feb 25, 2022 08:33 | | Subject: | Re: What, if anything, do sellers use lot id for | | Viewed: | 42 times | | Topic: | General | |
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| In General, firestar246 writes:
| | In General, calsbricks writes:
| |
Just curious - if it wasn't there would that be a problem ?
|
YES!!! Many syncing services use the lot ID. Without it, my store on Brickowl
would be impossible.
|
Okay thanks for that - as we do not use another site the syncing is something
we were not aware of. So you need a unique number that identifies part no, colour
and condition.
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| | | | | | | | | Author: | tons_of_bricks | | Posted: | Feb 25, 2022 08:44 | | Subject: | Re: What, if anything, do sellers use lot id for | | Viewed: | 31 times | | Topic: | General | |
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| In General, calsbricks writes:
| | In General, firestar246 writes:
| | In General, calsbricks writes:
| |
Just curious - if it wasn't there would that be a problem ?
|
YES!!! Many syncing services use the lot ID. Without it, my store on Brickowl
would be impossible.
|
Okay thanks for that - as we do not use another site the syncing is something
we were not aware of. So you need a unique number that identifies part no, colour
and condition.
|
It needs that lot ID to determine if it's already carried that listing over
or not; that way I could technically have to identical listing and they still
work properly, because the ID is different. It also brings that id over to brickowl
so if I need to check a specific lot, then I can then search the lot id and it
comes right up.
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| | | | | | | | | | | Author: | calsbricks | | Posted: | Feb 25, 2022 08:51 | | Subject: | Re: What, if anything, do sellers use lot id for | | Viewed: | 27 times | | Topic: | General | |
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| In General, firestar246 writes:
| | In General, calsbricks writes:
| | In General, firestar246 writes:
| | In General, calsbricks writes:
| |
Just curious - if it wasn't there would that be a problem ?
|
YES!!! Many syncing services use the lot ID. Without it, my store on Brickowl
would be impossible.
|
Okay thanks for that - as we do not use another site the syncing is something
we were not aware of. So you need a unique number that identifies part no, colour
and condition.
|
It needs that lot ID to determine if it's already carried that listing over
or not; that way I could technically have to identical listing and they still
work properly, because the ID is different. It also brings that id over to brickowl
so if I need to check a specific lot, then I can then search the lot id and it
comes right up.
|
Thanks for the further clarification. We can see from that how you use it. -
From a sales point of view it may not be quite as important . we want to know
how many black 2 x 4 new bricks we sold that might be a large number of lots
so the lot number is not important in that case (to us, anyway) but the prod
id colour and condition are. We would not want to have to know all the lot ids
associated with black 2 x 4 bricks to get at that info., but I do see your point.
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| | | | | Author: | Stellar | | Posted: | Feb 25, 2022 08:21 | | Subject: | Re: What, if anything, do sellers use lot id for | | Viewed: | 45 times | | Topic: | General | |
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| In General, calsbricks writes:
| | I know what the system uses it for but I am curious as to what sellers use it
for. It is unique per item (Item, colour, and condition). It has been around
since Dan put the software together (from an auction house system)
Just curious - if it wasn't there would that be a problem ?
|
BrickLink would break, it is an intrinsic value needed to operate.
| |
I cam think of a couple of uses but they aren't all that important. Would
you want to track by lot (Cost analysis??)
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| | | | | | | Author: | calsbricks | | Posted: | Feb 25, 2022 08:34 | | Subject: | Re: What, if anything, do sellers use lot id for | | Viewed: | 32 times | | Topic: | General | |
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| In General, Stellar writes:
| | In General, calsbricks writes:
| | I know what the system uses it for but I am curious as to what sellers use it
for. It is unique per item (Item, colour, and condition). It has been around
since Dan put the software together (from an auction house system)
Just curious - if it wasn't there would that be a problem ?
|
BrickLink would break, it is an intrinsic value needed to operate.
|
Yes we are aware of that but that goes back to basic design
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I cam think of a couple of uses but they aren't all that important. Would
you want to track by lot (Cost analysis??)
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| | | | | Author: | psusaxman2000 | | Posted: | Feb 25, 2022 08:29 | | Subject: | Re: What, if anything, do sellers use lot id for | | Viewed: | 45 times | | Topic: | General | |
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| In General, calsbricks writes:
| | I know what the system uses it for but I am curious as to what sellers use it
for. It is unique per item (Item, colour, and condition). It has been around
since Dan put the software together (from an auction house system)
Just curious - if it wasn't there would that be a problem ?
I cam think of a couple of uses but they aren't all that important. Would
you want to track by lot (Cost analysis??)
|
This is standard database Unique Key identifier. Whether you see it or not, it
is most definitely needed for core functionality and data processing. Visually
it matter to make reporting and integration to external systems easier. If you
find a invalid item for sale, you report with this id. Can you imagine if instead
you had to say "go to buyer xyz, and look at part 123...." and they happen to
be one who doesn't consolidate lots.
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| | | | | | | Author: | calsbricks | | Posted: | Feb 25, 2022 08:35 | | Subject: | Re: What, if anything, do sellers use lot id for | | Viewed: | 35 times | | Topic: | General | |
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| In General, psusaxman2000 writes:
| | In General, calsbricks writes:
| | I know what the system uses it for but I am curious as to what sellers use it
for. It is unique per item (Item, colour, and condition). It has been around
since Dan put the software together (from an auction house system)
Just curious - if it wasn't there would that be a problem ?
I cam think of a couple of uses but they aren't all that important. Would
you want to track by lot (Cost analysis??)
|
This is standard database Unique Key identifier. Whether you see it or not, it
is most definitely needed for core functionality and data processing. Visually
it matter to make reporting and integration to external systems easier. If you
find a invalid item for sale, you report with this id. Can you imagine if instead
you had to say "go to buyer xyz, and look at part 123...." and they happen to
be one who doesn't consolidate lots.
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Yes -
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| | | | | Author: | kzinti | | Posted: | Feb 25, 2022 08:32 | | Subject: | Re: What, if anything, do sellers use lot id for | | Viewed: | 39 times | | Topic: | General | |
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| In General, calsbricks writes:
| | I know what the system uses it for but I am curious as to what sellers use it
for. It is unique per item (Item, colour, and condition). It has been around
since Dan put the software together (from an auction house system)
Just curious - if it wasn't there would that be a problem ?
I cam think of a couple of uses but they aren't all that important. Would
you want to track by lot (Cost analysis??)
|
It's an internal function of the BrickLink database. Every lot entered has
to have a unique number which is used as a primary relational key within the
database. Data tables link to all sorts of stuff, and every part entered reads
your user number, part number, color, etc. Almost every item aspect is linked
to other tables, which hold other data. The entirety of BrickLink could not function
without it.
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| | | | | | | Author: | calsbricks | | Posted: | Feb 25, 2022 08:41 | | Subject: | Re: What, if anything, do sellers use lot id for | | Viewed: | 30 times | | Topic: | General | |
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| In General, kzinti writes:
| | In General, calsbricks writes:
| | I know what the system uses it for but I am curious as to what sellers use it
for. It is unique per item (Item, colour, and condition). It has been around
since Dan put the software together (from an auction house system)
Just curious - if it wasn't there would that be a problem ?
I cam think of a couple of uses but they aren't all that important. Would
you want to track by lot (Cost analysis??)
|
It's an internal function of the BrickLink database. Every lot entered has
to have a unique number which is used as a primary relational key within the
database. Data tables link to all sorts of stuff, and every part entered reads
your user number, part number, color, etc. Almost every item aspect is linked
to other tables, which hold other data. The entirety of BrickLink could not function
without it.
|
Well aware of that side of it. And a unique identifier is essential, agreed
so from a systems point of view, which we are well aware of the lot id takes
care of fundamental db requirements. As long as some unique identifier is there
that would satisfy that requirement - but that is system functionality - where
does the seller come into that.
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| | | | | | | | | Author: | peregrinator | | Posted: | Feb 25, 2022 08:49 | | Subject: | Re: What, if anything, do sellers use lot id for | | Viewed: | 39 times | | Topic: | General | |
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| In General, calsbricks writes:
| | so from a systems point of view, which we are well aware of the lot id takes
care of fundamental db requirements. As long as some unique identifier is there
that would satisfy that requirement - but that is system functionality - where
does the seller come into that.
|
I grade minifigures so when I list one I put a piece of paper with the lot ID
in the zip bag with the minifigure. So when I receive an order I can hover over
the item's image on the order detail page and make sure I'm pulling the
precise lot.
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| | | | | | | | | | | Author: | calsbricks | | Posted: | Feb 25, 2022 08:53 | | Subject: | Re: What, if anything, do sellers use lot id for | | Viewed: | 26 times | | Topic: | General | |
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| In General, peregrinator writes:
| | In General, calsbricks writes:
| | so from a systems point of view, which we are well aware of the lot id takes
care of fundamental db requirements. As long as some unique identifier is there
that would satisfy that requirement - but that is system functionality - where
does the seller come into that.
|
I grade minifigures so when I list one I put a piece of paper with the lot ID
in the zip bag with the minifigure. So when I receive an order I can hover over
the item's image on the order detail page and make sure I'm pulling the
precise lot.
|
All our items include a product label which we create when we list so we do the
same thing but without lot id, purely prod id colour and category (file location)
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | Author: | peregrinator | | Posted: | Feb 25, 2022 09:26 | | Subject: | Re: What, if anything, do sellers use lot id for | | Viewed: | 25 times | | Topic: | General | |
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| In General, calsbricks writes:
| | In General, peregrinator writes:
| | I grade minifigures so when I list one I put a piece of paper with the lot ID
in the zip bag with the minifigure. So when I receive an order I can hover over
the item's image on the order detail page and make sure I'm pulling the
precise lot.
|
All our items include a product label which we create when we list so we do the
same thing but without lot id, purely prod id colour and category (file location)
|
That's normally sufficient for me, but in the case of minifigures I'll
often have 6-7 of the same product ID, color, and condition (Used) in various
stages of fading/wear. Particularly with Classic Space, where there can also
be other variations like chinstraps and whether or not there are torso prongs.
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Author: | calsbricks | | Posted: | Feb 25, 2022 09:29 | | Subject: | Re: What, if anything, do sellers use lot id for | | Viewed: | 22 times | | Topic: | General | |
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| In General, peregrinator writes:
| | In General, calsbricks writes:
| | In General, peregrinator writes:
| | I grade minifigures so when I list one I put a piece of paper with the lot ID
in the zip bag with the minifigure. So when I receive an order I can hover over
the item's image on the order detail page and make sure I'm pulling the
precise lot.
|
All our items include a product label which we create when we list so we do the
same thing but without lot id, purely prod id colour and category (file location)
|
That's normally sufficient for me, but in the case of minifigures I'll
often have 6-7 of the same product ID, color, and condition (Used) in various
stages of fading/wear. Particularly with Classic Space, where there can also
be other variations like chinstraps and whether or not there are torso prongs.
|
Do those variations in minifigs not have their own product id?
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Author: | peregrinator | | Posted: | Feb 25, 2022 09:37 | | Subject: | Re: What, if anything, do sellers use lot id for | | Viewed: | 26 times | | Topic: | General | |
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| In General, calsbricks writes:
| | Do those variations in minifigs not have their own product id?
|
On BL? No, they don't. BL doesn't distinguish between torso variants
like: no prongs, short prongs, and long prongs (ribs). They do distinguish helmets,
but different helmet variants are acceptable even if they're not in the official
inventory (minifigure inventories don't allow for alternates).
For my own sanity I match helmets with thick chinstraps with torsos that have
prongs. But even there there are two varieties of thick-chinstrap helmets, one
with dimples and one without. So for, e.g.
I have three variations before even considering whether the space logo pattern
is faded, etc.
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Author: | calsbricks | | Posted: | Feb 25, 2022 09:53 | | Subject: | Re: What, if anything, do sellers use lot id for | | Viewed: | 25 times | | Topic: | General | |
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| In General, peregrinator writes:
| | In General, calsbricks writes:
| | Do those variations in minifigs not have their own product id?
|
On BL? No, they don't. BL doesn't distinguish between torso variants
like: no prongs, short prongs, and long prongs (ribs). They do distinguish helmets,
but different helmet variants are acceptable even if they're not in the official
inventory (minifigure inventories don't allow for alternates).
For my own sanity I match helmets with thick chinstraps with torsos that have
prongs. But even there there are two varieties of thick-chinstrap helmets, one
with dimples and one without. So for, e.g.
I have three variations before even considering whether the space logo pattern
is faded, etc.
|
Interesting - well aware of no variants on minifigs but not so aware of the number
of variations you are mentioning.
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| | | | | | | | | | | Author: | zorbanj | | Posted: | Feb 25, 2022 09:07 | | Subject: | Re: What, if anything, do sellers use lot id for | | Viewed: | 25 times | | Topic: | General | |
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| I also use it if I have more than one copy of a used set listed and each listing
is different. For example, if set 1 is missing instructions, set 2 is missing
stickers, etc.
In General, peregrinator writes:
| | In General, calsbricks writes:
| | so from a systems point of view, which we are well aware of the lot id takes
care of fundamental db requirements. As long as some unique identifier is there
that would satisfy that requirement - but that is system functionality - where
does the seller come into that.
|
I grade minifigures so when I list one I put a piece of paper with the lot ID
in the zip bag with the minifigure. So when I receive an order I can hover over
the item's image on the order detail page and make sure I'm pulling the
precise lot.
|
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | Author: | calsbricks | | Posted: | Feb 25, 2022 09:21 | | Subject: | Re: What, if anything, do sellers use lot id for | | Viewed: | 23 times | | Topic: | General | |
|
| In General, zorbanj writes:
| | I also use it if I have more than one copy of a used set listed and each listing
is different. For example, if set 1 is missing instructions, set 2 is missing
stickers, etc.
In General, peregrinator writes:
| | In General, calsbricks writes:
| | so from a systems point of view, which we are well aware of the lot id takes
care of fundamental db requirements. As long as some unique identifier is there
that would satisfy that requirement - but that is system functionality - where
does the seller come into that.
|
I grade minifigures so when I list one I put a piece of paper with the lot ID
in the zip bag with the minifigure. So when I receive an order I can hover over
the item's image on the order detail page and make sure I'm pulling the
precise lot.
|
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Good point
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| | | | | Author: | bricks2you | | Posted: | Feb 25, 2022 08:53 | | Subject: | Re: What, if anything, do sellers use lot id for | | Viewed: | 38 times | | Topic: | General | |
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| On occasion when I can't find an item, I search a downloaded inventory by
lot id, check the location of the parts on either side of the errant item and
there it usually can be found.
In General, calsbricks writes:
| | I know what the system uses it for but I am curious as to what sellers use it
for. It is unique per item (Item, colour, and condition). It has been around
since Dan put the software together (from an auction house system)
Just curious - if it wasn't there would that be a problem ?
I cam think of a couple of uses but they aren't all that important. Would
you want to track by lot (Cost analysis??)
|
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| | | | | | | Author: | calsbricks | | Posted: | Feb 25, 2022 09:20 | | Subject: | Re: What, if anything, do sellers use lot id for | | Viewed: | 24 times | | Topic: | General | |
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| In General, bricks2you writes:
| | On occasion when I can't find an item, I search a downloaded inventory by
lot id, check the location of the parts on either side of the errant item and
there it usually can be found.
In General, calsbricks writes:
| | I know what the system uses it for but I am curious as to what sellers use it
for. It is unique per item (Item, colour, and condition). It has been around
since Dan put the software together (from an auction house system)
Just curious - if it wasn't there would that be a problem ?
I cam think of a couple of uses but they aren't all that important. Would
you want to track by lot (Cost analysis??)
|
|
Okay - we don't associate lot id with location but understand your point.
All our part id's have a location and that is all we need as we always consolidate
lots as appropriate.
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| | | | | Author: | Teup | | Posted: | Feb 25, 2022 09:10 | | Subject: | Re: What, if anything, do sellers use lot id for | | Viewed: | 29 times | | Topic: | General | |
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| In General, calsbricks writes:
| | Just curious - if it wasn't there would that be a problem ?
|
Yes, of course it would be a problem. Products always need SKU's. Without
barcodes, the supermarket would be a giant mess.
But it's true you could in some situations derive SKU's from a kind of
part+colour code, which is actually what I personally do in my inventory management
outside of BL. But principally it's a little bit dirty because those numbers
aren't meant to serve that purpose, and functionally it's a downgrade.
Because obviously that makes it impossible to list the same part+colour(+condition,type,..)
multiple times, and means consolidation is obligatory. Also, if an item number
changes (rare but it happens), you're in trouble if you don't have a
separate SKU to fall back on.
And if we talk about not just hiding it but really removing it from the
code, we're in trouble as obivously it's not uncommon for a particular
part to be in the inventory of not just one but multiple sellers worldwide 
In order to facilitate that, items would need a list of which seller sells them
and how much. So instead of sellers having lotIDs, lots would be having sellerIDs
 I won't call any data structure "wrong", it's all a matter of style,
but let's say the current one does make sense
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| | | | | | | Author: | calsbricks | | Posted: | Feb 25, 2022 09:28 | | Subject: | Re: What, if anything, do sellers use lot id for | | Viewed: | 23 times | | Topic: | General | |
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| In General, Teup writes:
| | In General, calsbricks writes:
| | Just curious - if it wasn't there would that be a problem ?
|
Yes, of course it would be a problem. Products always need SKU's. Without
barcodes, the supermarket would be a giant mess.
But it's true you could in some situations derive SKU's from a kind of
part+colour code, which is actually what I personally do in my inventory management
outside of BL. But principally it's a little bit dirty because those numbers
aren't meant to serve that purpose, and functionally it's a downgrade.
Because obviously that makes it impossible to list the same part+colour(+condition,type,..)
multiple times, and means consolidation is obligatory. Also, if an item number
changes (rare but it happens), you're in trouble if you don't have a
separate SKU to fall back on.
And if we talk about not just hiding it but really removing it from the
code, we're in trouble as obivously it's not uncommon for a particular
part to be in the inventory of not just one but multiple sellers worldwide
In order to facilitate that, items would need a list of which seller sells them
and how much. So instead of sellers having lotIDs, lots would be having sellerIDs
I won't call any data structure "wrong", it's all a matter of style,
but let's say the current one does make sense
|
We actually use part id, colour and copndtion but basaically it is the same thing.
The lot id is almost an element of traceability if u sed in that way. It could
be helpful in cost analysis as well but that is another subject.
SO it appears there is more use of itthan first appears.
From a db design point of view it is quite rare for a unique identifier to have
as many external uses as we are now seeing. We remember prod ids all the time
but never a lot id. We also do not use stockroom or retain when 0 so each item,
when replaced gets its own lot id. Our tracking is by part no, colour and condition
not lot id.
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| | | | | | | | | Author: | qwertyboy | | Posted: | Feb 25, 2022 11:08 | | Subject: | Re: What, if anything, do sellers use lot id for | | Viewed: | 30 times | | Topic: | General | |
|
| In General, calsbricks writes:
| | From a db design point of view it is quite rare for a unique identifier to have
as many external uses as we are now seeing.
|
On the contrary. When a shop puts up a lot for sale (say, a minifig), it is a
physical entity that has some form of representation in the BrickLink database.
If at one point we run out of numbers again for minifigs, the catalog admins
might decide to do a massive renumbering, effectively changing the product code
from say "sw112" to "sw0112". If a lot did not have a unique ID but instead depended
on its product code (combined with color, condition etc), the physical item that
this poor seller put up for sale (and used code/color/condition to track it in
their shop) could now be lost in their inventory.
So it makes 100% sense for shops to use lot IDs in some cases, as a lot on the
shelf is 100% uniquely tied to the entry that shows up in the BrickLink database
(regardless of what catalog admins decide to change).
From a DB design point of view, pretty much ALL of the DB records that identify
something should have a unique serial, even if you don't use it at the time
(and you might want to in the future). Since these are unique, it makes sense
to expose them to the outside world for people to make use of for whatever reason.
Niek.
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| | | | | | | | | | | Author: | calsbricks | | Posted: | Feb 25, 2022 11:13 | | Subject: | Re: What, if anything, do sellers use lot id for | | Viewed: | 31 times | | Topic: | General | |
|
| In General, qwertyboy writes:
| | In General, calsbricks writes:
| | From a db design point of view it is quite rare for a unique identifier to have
as many external uses as we are now seeing.
|
On the contrary. When a shop puts up a lot for sale (say, a minifig), it is a
physical entity that has some form of representation in the BrickLink database.
If at one point we run out of numbers again for minifigs, the catalog admins
might decide to do a massive renumbering, effectively changing the product code
from say "sw112" to "sw0112". If a lot did not have a unique ID but instead depended
on its product code (combined with color, condition etc), the physical item that
this poor seller put up for sale (and used code/color/condition to track it in
their shop) could now be lost in their inventory.
So it makes 100% sense for shops to use lot IDs in some cases, as a lot on the
shelf is 100% uniquely tied to the entry that shows up in the BrickLink database
(regardless of what catalog admins decide to change).
From a DB design point of view, pretty much ALL of the DB records that identify
something should have a unique serial, even if you don't use it at the time
(and you might want to in the future). Since these are unique, it makes sense
to expose them to the outside world for people to make use of for whatever reason.
Niek.
|
Hiya Niek
Agreed
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | Author: | qwertyboy | | Posted: | Feb 25, 2022 11:21 | | Subject: | Re: What, if anything, do sellers use lot id for | | Viewed: | 34 times | | Topic: | General | |
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| In General, calsbricks writes:
So now that we are all on the same page -
Can you elaborate why you asked this question? I doubt you woke up this morning
thinking "Hmmm - this lot ID, why can we see it? Let's ask!". Are you doing
a BL database redesign for your BrickBill web site?
Niek.
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Author: | calsbricks | | Posted: | Feb 25, 2022 11:46 | | Subject: | Re: What, if anything, do sellers use lot id for | | Viewed: | 36 times | | Topic: | General | |
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| In General, qwertyboy writes:
| | In General, calsbricks writes:
So now that we are all on the same page -
Can you elaborate why you asked this question? I doubt you woke up this morning
thinking "Hmmm - this lot ID, why can we see it? Let's ask!". Are you doing
a BL database redesign for your BrickBill web site?
Niek.
|
Of coujrse
Thinking of how it can be used in the new search and update element of sellers
tools
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Author: | Stellar | | Posted: | Feb 25, 2022 14:22 | | Subject: | Re: What, if anything, do sellers use lot id for | | Viewed: | 31 times | | Topic: | General | |
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| In General, calsbricks writes:
| | In General, qwertyboy writes:
| | In General, calsbricks writes:
So now that we are all on the same page -
Can you elaborate why you asked this question? I doubt you woke up this morning
thinking "Hmmm - this lot ID, why can we see it? Let's ask!". Are you doing
a BL database redesign for your BrickBill web site?
Niek.
|
Of coujrse
Thinking of how it can be used in the new search and update element of sellers
tools
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When searching in the "My Inventory" on the top of the site search bar let it
work for Remarks too, that is the most needed for me that I use a third party
website for.
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| | | | | Author: | 1001bricks | | Posted: | Feb 25, 2022 09:39 | | Subject: | Re: What, if anything, do sellers use lot id for | | Viewed: | 39 times | | Topic: | General | |
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| | | Just curious - if it wasn't there would that be a problem ?
I cam think of a couple of uses but they aren't all that important. Would
you want to track by lot (Cost analysis??)
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Yes, very important.
In case there seem to be an Inventory problem (on BL), you can check on 2 or
more invxml.txt downloads if the same lot ID has a changed qty, or if the same
physical lot changed of lot ID (which means it has been destroyed and recreated
with a new lot ID).
You can also use it to check if the Added date corresponds; the lot IDs are always
incremented, so the date must correspond. If you find an old lot ID with a recent
date, or the opposite, then there's something impossible.
And of course, as it's a unique identifier in BL, and it's linked to
many other tables, you just can get rid of it
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| | | | | | | Author: | calsbricks | | Posted: | Feb 25, 2022 09:52 | | Subject: | Re: What, if anything, do sellers use lot id for | | Viewed: | 26 times | | Topic: | General | |
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| In General, 1001bricks writes:
| | | | Just curious - if it wasn't there would that be a problem ?
I cam think of a couple of uses but they aren't all that important. Would
you want to track by lot (Cost analysis??)
|
Yes, very important.
In case there seem to be an Inventory problem (on BL), you can check on 2 or
more invxml.txt downloads if the same lot ID has a changed qty, or if the same
physical lot changed of lot ID (which means it has been destroyed and recreated
with a new lot ID).
You can also use it to check if the Added date corresponds; the lot IDs are always
incremented, so the date must correspond. If you find an old lot ID with a recent
date, or the opposite, then there's something impossible.
And of course, as it's a unique identifier in BL, and it's linked to
many other tables, you just can get rid of it
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Okay - inventory tracking as [part of sellers tools) should allow you to track
all movements. But when we will see that remains to be seen (if in my lifetime)
Basically it looks like there are many uses of the lot id by sellers above and
beyond the db usage for a unique idetifier.
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| | | | | Author: | runner.caller | | Posted: | Feb 25, 2022 11:58 | | Subject: | Re: What, if anything, do sellers use lot id for | | Viewed: | 29 times | | Topic: | General | |
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| In General, calsbricks writes:
| | I know what the system uses it for but I am curious as to what sellers use it
for. It is unique per item (Item, colour, and condition). It has been around
since Dan put the software together (from an auction house system)
Just curious - if it wasn't there would that be a problem ?
I cam think of a couple of uses but they aren't all that important. Would
you want to track by lot (Cost analysis??)
|
When I export my inventory to excel, I use vlookup to match it with the copied
and pasted Price Guide summaries which are somewhat tied to the lot after pasting
the data into excel.
I then use that to set prices and re upload via xml.
I suppose I could just use the itemID for figures, but I'd probably need
to make a new cell that ties the ItemID and Color code to correctly vlookup pricing
for parts.
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| | | | | | | Author: | calsbricks | | Posted: | Feb 25, 2022 12:28 | | Subject: | Re: What, if anything, do sellers use lot id for | | Viewed: | 24 times | | Topic: | General | |
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| In General, runner.caller writes:
| | In General, calsbricks writes:
| | I know what the system uses it for but I am curious as to what sellers use it
for. It is unique per item (Item, colour, and condition). It has been around
since Dan put the software together (from an auction house system)
Just curious - if it wasn't there would that be a problem ?
I cam think of a couple of uses but they aren't all that important. Would
you want to track by lot (Cost analysis??)
|
When I export my inventory to excel, I use vlookup to match it with the copied
and pasted Price Guide summaries which are somewhat tied to the lot after pasting
the data into excel.
I then use that to set prices and re upload via xml.
I suppose I could just use the itemID for figures, but I'd probably need
to make a new cell that ties the ItemID and Color code to correctly vlookup pricing
for parts.
|
Understand what you are doing - things, as far as that goes, could get easier
as and when sellers tools come along.
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| | | | | Author: | Shiny_Stuff | | Posted: | Feb 25, 2022 12:01 | | Subject: | Re: What, if anything, do sellers use lot id for | | Viewed: | 37 times | | Topic: | General | |
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| In General, calsbricks writes:
| | I know what the system uses it for but I am curious as to what sellers use it
for. It is unique per item (Item, colour, and condition). It has been around
since Dan put the software together (from an auction house system)
Just curious - if it wasn't there would that be a problem ?
I cam think of a couple of uses but they aren't all that important. Would
you want to track by lot (Cost analysis??)
|
One actual USE of the Lot ID by sellers is to create SUPER LOTS.
Sellers have to manually input the Lot ID of each item that goes into the super
lot in order to create that super lot.
https://www.bricklink.com/inventoryBind.asp?utm_content=subnav
Also, after I manually add or upload new items to my shop, I sort my shop by
NEWEST Items to check for errors. So, I want everything to show up in the same
order I added them, which makes use of the Lot ID Number.
Unfortunately, this is rarely possible anymore because for some reason, BL mixes
up stuff into random order and that random order even changes from day to day.
There is NO logical reason for the mix-up to happen. It didn't use to happen,
but it does, even tho it means that the main BL database of shop listings is
corrupt somehow and is a failure of the system.
I hate it and it makes me quite annoyed. It definitely makes it difficult to
double check my new listings for errors or potential (price) adjustments.
Here is an example of items listed on the same day in the same upload batch that
SHOULD show up in numerical order by LOT ID number:
274240 270
274240 277
274240 263
274240 267
274240 265
274240 262
274240 256
274240 279
274240 274
274240 284
274240 269
274240 243
274240 271
274240 252
274240 246
274240253
274240247
274240272
274240255
274240251
____
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| | | | | | | Author: | calsbricks | | Posted: | Feb 25, 2022 12:30 | | Subject: | Re: What, if anything, do sellers use lot id for | | Viewed: | 24 times | | Topic: | General | |
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| In General, Shiny_Stuff writes:
| | In General, calsbricks writes:
| | I know what the system uses it for but I am curious as to what sellers use it
for. It is unique per item (Item, colour, and condition). It has been around
since Dan put the software together (from an auction house system)
Just curious - if it wasn't there would that be a problem ?
I cam think of a couple of uses but they aren't all that important. Would
you want to track by lot (Cost analysis??)
|
One actual USE of the Lot ID by sellers is to create SUPER LOTS.
Sellers have to manually input the Lot ID of each item that goes into the super
lot in order to create that super lot.
https://www.bricklink.com/inventoryBind.asp?utm_content=subnav
|
Understand completely - that needs to be addressed as lots of people do similar
things.
| |
Also, after I manually add or upload new items to my shop, I sort my shop by
NEWEST Items to check for errors. So, I want everything to show up in the same
order I added them, which makes use of the Lot ID Number.
Unfortunately, this is rarely possible anymore because for some reason, BL mixes
up stuff into random order and that random order even changes from day to day.
There is NO logical reason for the mix-up to happen. It didn't use to happen,
but it does, even tho it means that the main BL database of shop listings is
corrupt somehow and is a failure of the system.
I hate it and it makes me quite annoyed. It definitely makes it difficult to
double check my new listings for errors or potential (price) adjustments.
Here is an example of items listed on the same day in the same upload batch that
SHOULD show up in numerical order by LOT ID number:
274240 270
274240 277
274240 263
274240 267
274240 265
274240 262
274240 256
274240 279
274240 274
274240 284
274240 269
274240 243
274240 271
274240 252
274240 246
274240253
274240247
274240272
274240255
274240251
____
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| | | | | | | | | Author: | Shiny_Stuff | | Posted: | Feb 25, 2022 12:38 | | Subject: | Re: What, if anything, do sellers use lot id for | | Viewed: | 32 times | | Topic: | General | |
|
| In General, calsbricks writes:
| | In General, Shiny_Stuff writes:
| | In General, calsbricks writes:
| | I know what the system uses it for but I am curious as to what sellers use it
for. It is unique per item (Item, colour, and condition). It has been around
since Dan put the software together (from an auction house system)
Just curious - if it wasn't there would that be a problem ?
I cam think of a couple of uses but they aren't all that important. Would
you want to track by lot (Cost analysis??)
|
One actual USE of the Lot ID by sellers is to create SUPER LOTS.
Sellers have to manually input the Lot ID of each item that goes into the super
lot in order to create that super lot.
https://www.bricklink.com/inventoryBind.asp?utm_content=subnav
|
|
| | | |
Also, after I manually add or upload new items to my shop, I sort my shop by
NEWEST Items to check for errors. So, I want everything to show up in the same
order I added them, which makes use of the Lot ID Number.
Unfortunately, this is rarely possible anymore because for some reason, BL mixes
up stuff into random order and that random order even changes from day to day.
There is NO logical reason for the mix-up to happen. It didn't use to happen,
but it does, even tho it means that the main BL database of shop listings is
corrupt somehow and is a failure of the system.
I hate it and it makes me quite annoyed. It definitely makes it difficult to
double check my new listings for errors or potential (price) adjustments.
Here is an example of items listed on the same day in the same upload batch that
SHOULD show up in numerical order by LOT ID number:
274240 270
274240 277
274240 263
274240 267
274240 265
274240 262
274240 256
274240 279
274240 274
274240 284
274240 269
274240 243
274240 271
274240 252
274240 246
274240 253
274240 247
274240 272
274240 255
274240 251
____
|
|
| | Understand completely - that needs to be addressed as lots of people do similar
things.
|
It _has_ been fixed in the recent past, but seems to also have been un-fixed
soon after:
https://www.bricklink.com/message.asp?ID=1319587
____
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| | | | | | | | | | | Author: | calsbricks | | Posted: | Feb 25, 2022 12:42 | | Subject: | Re: What, if anything, do sellers use lot id for | | Viewed: | 23 times | | Topic: | General | |
|
| In General, Shiny_Stuff writes:
| | In General, calsbricks writes:
| | In General, Shiny_Stuff writes:
| | In General, calsbricks writes:
| | I know what the system uses it for but I am curious as to what sellers use it
for. It is unique per item (Item, colour, and condition). It has been around
since Dan put the software together (from an auction house system)
Just curious - if it wasn't there would that be a problem ?
I cam think of a couple of uses but they aren't all that important. Would
you want to track by lot (Cost analysis??)
|
One actual USE of the Lot ID by sellers is to create SUPER LOTS.
Sellers have to manually input the Lot ID of each item that goes into the super
lot in order to create that super lot.
https://www.bricklink.com/inventoryBind.asp?utm_content=subnav
|
|
| | | |
Also, after I manually add or upload new items to my shop, I sort my shop by
NEWEST Items to check for errors. So, I want everything to show up in the same
order I added them, which makes use of the Lot ID Number.
Unfortunately, this is rarely possible anymore because for some reason, BL mixes
up stuff into random order and that random order even changes from day to day.
There is NO logical reason for the mix-up to happen. It didn't use to happen,
but it does, even tho it means that the main BL database of shop listings is
corrupt somehow and is a failure of the system.
I hate it and it makes me quite annoyed. It definitely makes it difficult to
double check my new listings for errors or potential (price) adjustments.
Here is an example of items listed on the same day in the same upload batch that
SHOULD show up in numerical order by LOT ID number:
274240 270
274240 277
274240 263
274240 267
274240 265
274240 262
274240 256
274240 279
274240 274
274240 284
274240 269
274240 243
274240 271
274240 252
274240 246
274240 253
274240 247
274240 272
274240 255
274240 251
____
|
|
| | Understand completely - that needs to be addressed as lots of people do similar
things.
|
It _has_ been fixed in the recent past, but seems to also have been un-fixed
soon after:
https://www.bricklink.com/message.asp?ID=1319587
|
One of the most common pitfalls when working with undocumented code. The current
development team are working very hard to resolve many of the spaghetti code
issues they were left with. That and dealing with the current barrage of compliance
issues (e.g. sales tax, VAT, etc)
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| | | | | | | Author: | hpoort | | Posted: | Feb 25, 2022 12:40 | | Subject: | Re: What, if anything, do sellers use lot id for | | Viewed: | 28 times | | Topic: | General | |
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| In General, Shiny_Stuff writes:
| | Unfortunately, this is rarely possible anymore because for some reason, BL mixes
up stuff into random order and that random order even changes from day to day.
There is NO logical reason for the mix-up to happen. It didn't use to happen,
but it does, even tho it means that the main BL database of shop listings is
corrupt somehow and is a failure of the system.
|
You are expecting an auto increment field and in stead get a field that provides
unique numbers, but not in order. From the database point of view, the only requirement
is for the field values to be unique.
For an auto increment field to function, there needs to be a single 'authority'
to provide these numbers. In a large database setup, that same authority may
become the bottleneck. Every add request for every user worldwide would need
to go through the same server. That system has been superseded by different setups
that can handle upscaling.
In an asynchronous setup (for load spreading), the numbers are assigned differently,
still guaranteed to be unique, but not necessarily in chronological order.
So it is not a bug, it is a feature that shows us that Bricklink now likely uses
an asynchronous setup for this part of the database.
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| | | | | | | | | Author: | calsbricks | | Posted: | Feb 25, 2022 12:45 | | Subject: | Re: What, if anything, do sellers use lot id for | | Viewed: | 30 times | | Topic: | General | |
|
| In General, hpoort writes:
| | In General, Shiny_Stuff writes:
| | Unfortunately, this is rarely possible anymore because for some reason, BL mixes
up stuff into random order and that random order even changes from day to day.
There is NO logical reason for the mix-up to happen. It didn't use to happen,
but it does, even tho it means that the main BL database of shop listings is
corrupt somehow and is a failure of the system.
|
You are expecting an auto increment field and in stead get a field that provides
unique numbers, but not in order. From the database point of view, the only requirement
is for the field values to be unique.
For an auto increment field to function, there needs to be a single 'authority'
to provide these numbers. In a large database setup, that same authority may
become the bottleneck. Every add request for every user worldwide would need
to go through the same server. That system has been superseded by different setups
that can handle upscaling.
In an asynchronous setup (for load spreading), the numbers are assigned differently,
still guaranteed to be unique, but not necessarily in chronological order.
So it is not a bug, it is a feature that shows us that Bricklink now likely uses
an asynchronous setup for this part of the database.
|
All true and part of the infrastructure review. Is a separate database server
required for different modules e.g. catalogue. inventory etc ?
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United Kingdom, England
USA, Missouri
Spain, Comunidad Valenciana
Netherlands, Utrecht
Canada, Alberta
France, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur
