This article outlines how ShipCalm handles expiration dates for your inventory, ensuring your products are shipped and managed effectively.
FEFO vs FIFO
ShipCalm supports both First Expired, First Out (FEFO) and First In, First Out (FIFO) inventory management methods. Our default setting for products nearing expiration is FEFO, meaning we prioritize shipping the items closest to their expiration date.
Selecting a Minimum Expiration Date for Orders
You can set a minimum acceptable expiration date for orders using the Override Item Receipt (OIR) functionality within the ShipCalm InfoPlus platform. This allows you to specify the minimum remaining shelf life required for products included in an order. Contact your account support or Head of Operations at ShipCalm for assistance setting up this automation.
Item Setup: Requiring Expiration Date Management
To enable expiration date tracking for specific items, you'll need to configure them accordingly within ShipCalm upon SKU setup. This requires setting up the item to force expiration date management. Please reach out to your account support or Head of Operations at ShipCalm to enable this feature for your products.
- Allocation Field
- Set to Expiration Date
- Receiving Criteria Scheme
- Qty. Expiration
To access this - Item Table - LOB - SKU - Operations
When Does ShipCalm Log Expiration Dates?
ShipCalm logs expiration dates during the receiving process, if expiration date tracking is required for the specific item (as described in the previous section).
Cycle Counting Expired Products
ShipCalm performs regular cycle counts of your inventory, including routine checks for expiring products. When expiring products are identified, you will receive a notification.
Disposing of Expired Products
ShipCalm requires the removal or disposal of expired products from our warehouses. Standard disposal fees apply, as detailed in our pricing policy.
Frequently Asked Questions about Expiration Dates
What does ShipCalm do when a product expires?
When a product reaches its expiration date, ShipCalm flags the inventory as expired and notifies you. We do not automatically dispose of the product unless we have received explicit instructions from customer to do so (see below regarding frozen inventory).
Do we automatically freeze inventory?
No, we do not automatically freeze inventory upon expiration. However, we strongly recommend you place the expired inventory on hold (frozen status) to prevent it from being shipped inadvertently. You can do this within the ShipCalm platform.
Do we notify the customer?
Yes, we notify you when a product expires.
Do we notify the customer 30 days before? 60 days before? 90 days before? 120 days before?
Currently, ShipCalm's automated notification system alerts you when a product expires. We do not currently offer automated pre-expiration notifications at 30, 60, 90, or 120-day intervals. This is a feature we are considering for future development. However, you can use reporting tools within the ShipCalm platform to track expiration dates and proactively manage your inventory.
Do we refuse to ship expired product?
Yes, ShipCalm will refuse to ship any product that is marked as expired in our system.
Are we willing to change expiration dates on physical product when asked?
No, ShipCalm will not change expiration dates on physical products. Expiration dates are determined by the manufacturer and are printed on the product packaging. Altering these dates is illegal and unethical.
How do we handle expired inventory when in frozen status and we do not hear back from the customer after a certain period of time?
If expired inventory remains in frozen status and we do not receive instructions from you within a reasonable timeframe (typically 30 days), ShipCalm will contact you again. If we still do not receive a response within an additional 30 days (for a total of 60 days), we will dispose of the expired inventory. Disposal fees will apply. This policy is in place to ensure warehouse space is utilized efficiently and to comply with safety regulations. We will provide you with documentation of the disposal. We encourage you to communicate with us promptly regarding expired inventory to avoid these situations.