FEFOpinsippene

FEFOpinsippene, often abbreviated as FEFO, is a principle used in inventory management and stock rotation. The acronym stands for "First Expired, First Out." This system dictates that inventory items with the earliest expiration dates should be used or sold before items with later expiration dates.

The FEFO principle is particularly crucial for perishable goods such as food, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals where spoilage or loss of efficacy over time is a concern. By prioritizing the use of items nearing their expiration, businesses can minimize waste, reduce losses due to expired products, and ensure that customers receive goods that are still within their usable lifespan.

Implementing FEFO involves careful tracking of expiration dates for all incoming inventory. When stock is received, its expiration date is recorded, and this information is linked to the specific batch or lot. When fulfilling orders or moving stock, the system identifies and selects items with the closest expiration dates first. This requires robust inventory management systems capable of handling and reporting on expiration date data.

While FEFO is highly effective for perishable items, it can also be applied to non-perishable goods where other factors like obsolescence or model updates make older stock less desirable. The core idea remains to move older or time-sensitive inventory before newer stock. This contrasts with the FIFO (First-In, First-Out) principle, which prioritizes the oldest stock regardless of expiration date.