Warenrotation

Warenrotation refers to the systematic management of stock to ensure that older goods are sold or used before newer ones, with the goal of maintaining product quality and minimizing waste. The concept is particularly important for perishable items such as food, medicines, cosmetics, and other goods with defined shelf lives, though it also applies to non-perishable items to avoid obsolescence.

In practice, rotation is implemented through established methods such as FIFO (first in, first out), where items are arranged so that those received earlier are placed at the front or in more accessible locations; FEFO (first expired, first out) prioritizes items with the earliest expiry date. Rotation is supported by labeling, dating, shelf-placement strategies, and inventory control systems that flag aging stock, trigger replenishment, and provide alerts for close-to-expiry items.

Benefits include reduced spoilage and waste, better compliance with product dating, improved food safety and regulatory compliance, higher customer trust, and reduced recall risk. It can also improve stock turnover and working capital.

Challenges include maintaining discipline across large inventories, accurate data, and consistent labeling; space constraints; product grouping or promotions that favour newer stock; and shrinkage. Effective Warenrotation relies on staff training, clear procedures, and integrated inventory and warehouse management systems, as well as periodic audits.