The shortest-dated item should sell first. It is a basic rule of restocking.
Product rotation follows FIFO – first in, first out: shorter-dated products must go first. In spiral machines, new items go in behind older ones. Each restock includes a date check and removal of items nearing their date.
At restocking
- Check dates on every selection.
- Remove items near their date.
- New items behind older ones.
- Log changes if the system requires.
Planning deliveries
Matching quantities to sales reduces the risk of expiry. Telemetry data helps.
Chilled products
Short-dated items, such as those in vending coolers (publisher's site), need more frequent checks.
FAQ
What happens to expired items? The operator removes them per its procedures.
Can machines block expired items themselves? Some systems can, if they track product dates.