Solution
FIFO principle: first in – first out
FIFO (first in – first out) is a picking principle: the goods stored first are taken first. It prevents older stock from ageing on the shelf — important for shelf life, material ageing (e.g. seals, adhesives, paints) and clean valuation. Related principles: LIFO (last in – first out) and FEFO (first expired – first out, by expiry date).
Last updated: · Lavesy editorial team
Sound familiar?
- Goods age at the back of the shelf while the newest delivery is always taken from the front.
- Expired or brittle material is only noticed during installation.
- Without a movement history, nobody knows which batch came first.
How Lavesy helps
Movement history per item
Every receipt and issue with a timestamp – the basis for FIFO in daily work.
Storage bins for rotation
Store replenishment at the back, pick from the front – with clearly named bins.
Goods receipt with date
Posting receipts automatically creates the chronological order of arrivals.
Transparent picking
Who took what and when is traceable without gaps.
How it works
- 1Organize shelves so new goods are stored at the back/bottom.
- 2Post goods receipts in Lavesy – the arrival date is created automatically.
- 3When picking, take the older position first (bin hint).
- 4For perishables, also record the expiry date (FEFO).
Frequently asked questions
What does FIFO mean?
First in – first out: the goods stored first are taken first. Nothing ages on the shelf.
What is the difference between FIFO and LIFO?
LIFO (last in – first out) takes the most recently stored goods first – practical for bulk or stacked storage, but unsuitable for shelf-life goods.
When does FEFO make sense?
FEFO (first expired – first out) picks by expiry date instead of arrival date – the standard for food, chemicals and anything with a use-by date.