A systematic process within warehouse management systems that monitors and manages products with time-sensitive shelf lives, automatically tracking expiration dates from receipt through shipment. This functionality ensures compliance with food safety regulations, reduces product waste, and protects customer satisfaction by preventing expired goods from reaching consumers.
The system typically employs First Expired, First Out (FEFO) logic to prioritize items approaching expiration for picking and shipment. Advanced WMS platforms generate automated alerts when products near their expiration dates, enabling proactive decision-making for clearance sales, donations, or disposal. For example, a pharmaceutical distributor can automatically flag medications expiring within 90 days, allowing time to return them to manufacturers or redistribute to facilities with faster turnover. This capability is essential for industries handling perishables, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and any time-sensitive inventory, helping warehouses maintain regulatory compliance while minimizing financial losses from expired stock.
