FIFOFEFOlähtö

FIFOFEFOlähtö is a hybrid approach to managing outgoing stock that combines first-in, first-out (FIFO) with first-expired, first-out (FEFO) principles. The term merges established inventory methods with the Finnish word for departure, reflecting a practical emphasis on both stock age and remaining shelf life during outbound shipments. Conceptually, FIFOFEFOlähtö aims to minimize waste and ensure timely delivery by prioritizing items with the nearest expiry date while using arrival order as a secondary criterion.

In practice, stock picked for dispatch is evaluated primarily by expiry dates. Items with the earliest expiry are selected first (FEFO). If several items have the same or very similar expiry dates, the tie is broken by age of stock, favoring the oldest inventory (FIFO). This dual-rule approach helps balance freshness with waste reduction, particularly in warehouses handling perishable goods, pharmaceuticals, or mixed goods where some items spoil sooner than others.

Implementation typically relies on warehouse management systems or ERP software that tracks arrival dates and expiry dates for each batch. Rules can be configured so FEFO is the default selector, with FIFO as a secondary criterion for ties. Some operations may add thresholds or priority rules for critical products or regulatory requirements.

Benefits of FIFOFEFOlähtö include reduced waste, improved compliance for perishables, and better control over product quality. Challenges involve data accuracy, system configuration, and the complexity of coordinating multiple product lines with varying shelf lives. See also FIFO, FEFO, inventory management, and warehouse optimization.