1. Identify which cell is inside
1. Model name, find datasheet
2. Sometimes removing the heat shrink tubing reveals a more complete code with informations such as fabrication date. See VTC5A datasheet for example

2. Can we by some means connect to the original BMS to retrieve some data about SOH, cycle count, date etc ?
1. Ask the manufacturer for the protocol
2. If we can get cycle count, remaining capacity, this would greatly speed up the process as this would avoid having to cycle the individual cells, which is the longest step. We would be able to sort the cells directly at the output of the IR testing machine.

3. Sort battery packs that are to be tested first ? See :

4. Test a few cells on the 8-channel tester to measure :
1. Voltage discrepancy
2. IR → Compare to nominal & observe spread
3. Capacity → Compare to nominal → Estimate SOH
4. Voltage curve
1. Determine cut-off needed for storage state
5. Cycle life