> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://galmis.gitbook.io/serializer-product-tracking/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://galmis.gitbook.io/serializer-product-tracking/getting-started/setup-and-configuration/product-tracking-preferences.md).

# Product tracking preferences

## Overview

Control exactly which products need detailed tracking - so you're only tracking what matters. Product tracking preferences let you enable serial number, warranty or any [custom field](/serializer-product-tracking/getting-started/setup-and-configuration/settings/track-custom-item-information.md) tracking for specific variants. This prevents clutter in your workflow by keeping tracking optional and targeted. You must enable tracking for a variant before you can add unique details to individual items on hand, on orders or in POS.

{% hint style="info" %}
Enabling tracking preferences is a one-time setup step that unlocks the tracking capability for a product variant. Once enabled, you can start adding serial numbers and other details to individual items as needed - think of preferences as flipping the switch, not entering the data itself.
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
Variant tracking preferences are saved in the Shopify variant metafield under namespace "**serializer**" and key "**properties**". Please do not add custom metafield definitions, or delete or edit existing metafields under the "**serializer**" namespace, as the app will not function as intended. Learn more about [metafields](https://help.shopify.com/en/manual/metafields).
{% endhint %}

***

## Configuration options

| Option                                                                                                                                | Description                                                                                                                                                                                                                          |
| ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| Track individual items                                                                                                                | Track each unit of the selected product variant with serial numbers, warranty and custom fields.                                                                                                                                     |
| Item input fields (below)                                                                                                             |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      |
| Serial number                                                                                                                         | Track items using serial numbers. The field is automatically enabled when the "Track individual items" is enabled. However, the field may be optional in the future.                                                                 |
| <[Custom field name](/serializer-product-tracking/getting-started/setup-and-configuration/settings/track-custom-item-information.md)> | Track items using custom fields created in the app's settings.                                                                                                                                                                       |
| Warranty duration                                                                                                                     | Track each sold item's warranty. Enter the default product variant's warranty duration, which will be applied automatically when the item is sold.![](/files/CwOTcEINPVb1Bf14ncmO) However, it can be overridden for each sold item. |

{% hint style="info" %}
The options are the same irrespective of the method used (see below)
{% endhint %}

## Choose your method

### Option 1: Enable tracking on the product page in admin

Use the "Tracking preferences" app block for quick access directly from product and variant pages in Shopify admin.

**How this helps you:**

* Quick access from any product or variant profile page
* Configure tracking inline while editing products
* Enable/disable tracking with a single checkbox
* Select which fields to track (serial number, custom fields, warranty)
* Set default warranty duration if applicable.

<figure><img src="/files/KZM4x8nRMmXFuJoZ2l9Y" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Get started:** [Enable tracking on the product page in Admin](/serializer-product-tracking/getting-started/setup-and-configuration/product-tracking-preferences/enable-tracking-on-the-product-page-in-admin.md)

***

### Option 2: Enable tracking in the embedded app

Use Serializer's **Product tracking preferences** page for bulk management of tracking settings.

**How this helps you:**

* Bulk actions (enable tracking for multiple variants at once)
* Table view of all product variants
* Search and filter variants
* Select specific variants or all variants matching a search
* Background processing for large updates

<figure><img src="/files/JkfIeKjm2x5FkWrWXM8Y" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**Get started:** [Enable tracking in the embedded app](/serializer-product-tracking/getting-started/setup-and-configuration/product-tracking-preferences/enable-tracking-in-the-embedded-app.md)

***

### Choosing between methods

* Use **Admin blocks** for configuring products as you create or edit them
* Use **Embedded app** for enabling tracking on many existing products at once

## Next steps

After enabling tracking preferences, you can start adding serial numbers and other details to [inventory items](/serializer-product-tracking/getting-started/item-management/manage-inventory-items.md), [sold items](/serializer-product-tracking/getting-started/item-management/manage-sold-items.md), or [POS cart items](/serializer-product-tracking/getting-started/item-management/manage-items-in-pos-cart.md).