#USA #Toronto #inFlow Inventory #lot tracking #Expiry Dates

inFlow Inventory Launches Comprehensive Lot Number and Expiry Date Tracking

inFlow Inventory has recently introduced an innovative system that allows small and medium-sized manufacturers and distributors to efficiently track lot numbers and expiry dates. This expansion in functionality is especially beneficial for industries ranging from food production to pharmaceuticals and medical device manufacturing, providing a crucial tool for businesses seeking enhanced traceability. This tracking feature is now easily accessible at a fraction of the cost typically associated with enterprise-level ERP systems.

A Game-Changer for Small Businesses

For years, many small food producers have managed their inventories using time-consuming manual methods, such as spreadsheets. They often record lot numbers upon receipt and check them manually in the event of a market recall. Such processes not only consume valuable time but also pose scalability challenges. The traditional alternative—a full-scale ERP implementation—could cost tens of thousands of dollars and take months to set up. Many small businesses, therefore, still rely on outdated paper systems or spreadsheets.

Louis Leung, the co-founder and CEO of inFlow Inventory, emphasized that "Traceability should not be a luxury. The companies for whom we created this system aren’t looking for sophistication; they just want answers quickly when something goes wrong." He also pointed out that the tools capable of delivering this kind of performance have traditionally been out of reach for smaller companies.

Key Features of the New Tracking System

The new lot tracking system offers several features designed to maximize efficiency and minimize potential loss, including:

• - End-to-End Lot Tracking: From receipt to customer delivery, every lot retains a comprehensive history of its journey, including when it was received, for what purpose it was used, and where it was stored.
• - Expiry Date Management: Businesses can set expiry dates once, and inFlow will automatically calculate the relevant expiry dates for incoming lots. A detailed report categorizes stock by expiry status, helping businesses manage inventory at risk.
• - First-In-First-Out (FIFO) Shipping: The system helps teams prioritize the selection of older stock, ensuring that items are shipped before their expiry dates.
• - GS1 Barcode Compatibility: inFlow can read various GS1 barcodes, allowing for easy data capture in a single scan, including the details of both lot numbers and expiry dates.
• - Concurrent Tracking: Users can track both lot and serial numbers for the same product, a combination that is typically seen only in higher-end systems.
• - Mobile Compatibility: The lot tracking feature works seamlessly in the cloud-based inFlow platform, enabling scanning during key activities such as receiving, order picking, and storage.

Who Can Benefit?

The lot tracking system is particularly valuable for food and beverage producers, pharmaceutical wholesalers, medical device manufacturers, and companies in specialty chemicals. These businesses often face stringent traceability requirements and have limited budgets for sophisticated ERP solutions or in-house IT departments.

Availability and Pricing

The lot number and expiry date tracking functionality is included in all existing plans without additional costs for mid-tier and higher plans. New businesses can start with a free trial that also offers the lot tracking system. Easy-to-follow setup guides are available in inFlow's Learning Center to facilitate onboarding.

About inFlow Inventory

Founded in Toronto in 2007, inFlow Inventory provides a cloud-based inventory management solution designed specifically for small to mid-sized businesses. With over 20 million products registered globally, inFlow helps teams effectively manage inventory, sales orders, purchase orders, and B2B wholesale transactions, all from one platform. The solution integrates with over 95 other tools, including Xero and QuickBooks.

For more information about inFlow Inventory, visit inflowinventory.com.