1. Nearest expiry goes out first
The rule is FEFO: First Expiry, First Out, not first received. On the shelf, nearest expiry in front. In the software, sales take from the nearest-expiry batch automatically.
2. Record batch and date on receipt
If the date is not recorded when stock arrives, the only way to know it later is to check boxes by hand. Record the batch number and expiry with the supplier invoice; two dates means two batches.
3. Look 90 days ahead
Group what is expiring within 30, 60 and 90 days, by count and value. Within 90 days there is still time to return it to the supplier under your agreement, discount it, or move it to a faster branch.
4. Block expired sales completely
Alerts alone fail at a busy counter. The software must refuse to sell from an expired batch; expired stock leaves only through a recorded write-off or return.
5. Know where each batch went
When a batch is recalled you need to know in seconds how much you hold and who bought it. That only works if every sale is recorded against its batch.
6. Order to match sales
Check each product's average monthly sales before ordering. A big discounted order is a loss if half of it expires.