Yes, in many cases. Whether you must count individual lot or serial numbers depends on whether lot specific or serial specific tracking is turned on for the item, not simply on whether the item has lot or serial numbers. If specific tracking is off, you can count quantities without recording the detail, and Advanced Inventory Count supports this in no bin locations as well.
The role of specific tracking
An item can carry lot or serial numbers for reference, such as a lot number that records an expiry date, without having lot specific or serial specific tracking enabled. Specific tracking is the setting that forces the full life cycle, from receipt through counting to shipment, to be matched on exact lot or serial numbers. When specific tracking is on and a discrepancy exists, you are required to enter the affected lot or serial number to post the adjustment. When specific tracking is off, there is no requirement to count by lot or serial at all, which removes a large amount of effort.
Counting in a no bin location with lot numbers
Advanced Inventory Count supports all Business Central location configurations, including locations without bins. If your items live in a no bin location and use lot numbers only to display a date, you can count them by quantity in the usual way. The module captures the count, reconciles the difference, and posts the adjustment without demanding lot level detail, because the lot numbers are informational rather than specifically tracked. This keeps a simple location simple.
A practical recommendation
Some warehouses turn on lot specific or serial specific tracking when they do not actually need it, then find every count and every discrepancy forces lot or serial entry. If all you need is to record the lot or serial number that comes in and goes out, specific tracking may not be necessary. Reviewing whether specific tracking is genuinely required can spare your counters a great deal of work, since items without specific tracking never have to be counted by lot or serial. Changing this setting has implications, so plan it deliberately rather than mid count.
Related Tools
Advanced Inventory Count works across all location configurations, including no bin locations, and only requires lot or serial detail where specific tracking demands it. Warehouse Insight lets staff scan quantities on handhelds without forcing lot or serial capture when that detail is not specifically tracked.
Conclusion
You do not always have to count lot or serial numbers. The deciding factor is whether lot specific or serial specific tracking is enabled. With it off, including in no bin locations that use lot numbers only for dates, Advanced Inventory Count lets you count by quantity and post adjustments without recording the detail.