In today’s fast-paced supply chain, managing inventory accurately isn’t just about knowing
what you have—it’s about ensuring that the right products move at the right time. At Axolt,
we understand that whether you’re handling durable goods or perishable items, having
flexible, automated stock-rotation rules built directly into your ERP can make all the
difference. That’s why Axolt’s Cloud ERP on Salesforce gives you seamless, out-of-the-box
support for both FIFO (First In, First Out) and FEFO (First Expired, First Out) inventory
strategies—so you can reduce waste, prevent stock obsolescence, and keep customers happy.
Understanding FIFO: First In, First Out
FIFO is the cornerstone of inventory management for products that don’t carry strict expiry
dates but may become outdated or less desirable over time—think electronics, spare parts, or
seasonal apparel. With Axolt:
- Automated Receipt-Date Tracking
Every lot or serial-tracked item you receive is timestamped in Salesforce. Axolt’s
picking engine automatically prioritizes the oldest in-stock quantities first, ensuring
that you’re never holding onto inventory longer than necessary. - Real-Time Visibility
Dashboards highlight average stock age by SKU, so you can proactively plan
promotions or reordering to avoid aging inventory. - Exception Alerts
Configure custom thresholds (e.g., 60 days in inventory) and receive notifications
when items approach the “age” you define—empowering you to act before products
lose value.
Embracing FEFO: First Expired, First Out
For industries handling perishable goods—such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, or
specialty chemicals—expiration dates are mission-critical. Axolt’s FEFO capabilities include:
- Expiration-Date Capture
Scan or import manufacturer “use by” or “best before” dates at receipt. These dates
live alongside lot or batch details in your unified ERP record. - Dynamic Picking Logic
When you process an order, Axolt’s fulfillment rules automatically pull items with the
soonest expiration date, dramatically reducing spoilage and waste. - Compliance & Traceability
Complete audit trails record every pick and ship event against expiration-date
data—simplifying regulatory compliance and recall readiness.
Why Dual-Mode Rotation Matters
Many distributors and manufacturers juggle mixed inventories: some SKUs need FIFO, others demand FEFO. Manually sorting these rules across different systems leads to errors,
wasted time, and unhappy customers. Axolt solves this by:
- Unified Configuration
Define rotation rules at the product or location level—FIFO for electronics, FEFO for
perishables—without custom coding or bolt-on modules. - Smart Warehousing
Use Axolt’s mobile app to guide warehouse teams with clear, rule-driven pick lists.
The system even suggests optimal bin layouts to surface the right goods. - Scalable Automation
As your product lines evolve, you simply update your rule set in a few clicks.
Whether you add a new food line or start selling industrial parts, your ERP adapts
instantly.
Tangible Business Benefits
Implementing FIFO and FEFO isn’t just about process—it’s about your bottom line:
- Reduced Waste & Write-Offs
Automated expiration management cuts spoilage by up to 30%, translating directly
into cost savings. - Improved Cash Flow
Faster inventory turns free up working capital and lower carrying costs. - Enhanced Customer Satisfaction
Deliver fresher products with accurate shelf-life, boosting brand trust and repeat
business. - Regulatory Confidence
Detailed lot-and-expiration tracking ensures you’re always audit-ready, with full
traceability from receipt to shipment.
Getting Started with Axolt
Ready to optimize your stock rotation?With Axolt on the Salesforce AppExchange, you can:
1. Install the free trial and configure your first warehouse rule in under 10 minutes.
2. Import historical lot data or start fresh—our guided wizards make setup painless.
3. Train your team with built-in mobile guidance and contextual help.
Transform how you manage inventory—minimize waste, prevent obsolescence, and drive
operational excellence with Axolt’s flexible FIFO and FEFO support. Visit our listing on the
Salesforce AppExchange to learn more and get started today!
Install now:
https://appexchange.salesforce.com/appxListingDetail?listingId=a0N3000000B4A4PEAV
Axolt is the leading Cloud ERP built natively on Salesforce, delivering unified finance,
inventory, manufacturing, and supply-chain solutions to help businesses innovate faster.
| Aspect | FIFO (First In, First Out) | FEFO (First Expired, First Out) |
|---|---|---|
| Core Principle | Sell/use the oldest stock based on receipt or production date | Sell/use the items with the earliest expiration date |
| Typical Use Case | Durable goods (e.g., electronics, hardware) | Perishables or time-sensitive products (e.g., food, pharmaceuticals) |
| Key Data Tracked | Arrival or production date | Manufacturer’s “use by” or “best before” date |
| Goal | Avoid stock aging and prevent inventory from becoming obsolete | Minimize waste and spoilage from expired products |
| System Complexity | Simple to implement in most ERP/WMS systems | More complex—requires capturing and comparing expiration dates |
| Example | A batch received on Jan 1 is used before one received on Feb 1 | A yogurt expiring on May 20 is sold before one expiring on May 25 |
When to use which
- FIFO
o Your products don’t expire but may become obsolete or less sellable over time
(e.g., fashion, electronics).
o You just need a straightforward “oldest‐stock‐first” rule. - FEFO
o Your items carry a hard expiration or “best before” date (e.g., dairy, vaccines,
chemicals).
o You need to actively minimize spoilage and waste.
Implementation tips
1. Labeling & tracking
o FIFO: Mark batches with receipt or production dates.
o FEFO: Clearly print and scan expiration dates on every carton/unit.
2. Warehouse layout
o For both methods, arrange shelves so that the proper stock (oldest or soonest-
to-expire) is at the front.
3. System configuration
o Ensure your ERP or WMS enforces your chosen rule at pick
time—automating the sort by date rather than relying on manual judgment.
4. Auditing
o Regularly run cycle counts to confirm that stock‐rotation rules are followed,
and that no expired or overly aged items remain on shelves.
By choosing the right method and embedding it into your labeling, storage layout, and
software, you’ll keep inventory fresh, reduce waste and improve order‐fulfillment accuracy.
