#USA #Toronto #inFlow Inventory #lot tracking #expiry date

inFlow Inventory Introduces Lot Number and Expiry Date Tracking

inFlow Inventory, a cloud-based inventory management software, has recently unveiled a new feature designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) track lot numbers and expiry dates effortlessly. This enhancement significantly boosts traceability through the supply chain, from purchasing to manufacturing, distribution, and ultimately to the customer.

The Need for Lot Tracking in SMEs

Small manufacturers and retailers in food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and medical product industries often struggle with inventory management due to limited resources. Many still rely on cumbersome manual processes, using spreadsheets to record batch numbers and track expiration dates. In cases of product recalls, this method becomes not only time-consuming but also prone to errors, which can lead to severe implications for customer safety and business reputation.

Until now, companies seeking efficient traceability had to invest in expensive Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, often costing tens of thousands of dollars and taking months to implement. As a response to this challenge, inFlow Inventory has developed a cost-effective solution, making it accessible for smaller enterprises that previously lacked the budget to adopt such technology.

Key Features of the New Tracking System

Complete Batch Tracking

The new feature allows users to monitor a batch from the moment goods arrive until they reach the customer. With a comprehensive movement history, companies can quickly ascertain when a batch arrived, how it was utilized, where it was stored, and who purchased it. This transparency transforms product recalls from investigative challenges into straightforward reporting tasks.

Expiry Date Management

InFlow gives users the ability to set expiry dates for each batch upon entry; from there, the system automates tracking and reporting. The software categorizes inventory based on expiry status, ensuring that at-risk stock is highlighted while there’s still time to sell it before expiration.

Integrated First-Expired-First-Out (FEFO) Method

To further streamline operations, inFlow instructs staff on which inventory to pick for orders. This prioritizes older stock based on expiry dates, ensuring the oldest batches are shipped first, compliant with best practices in inventory management.

Advanced Barcode Support

InFlow's new tracking feature is compatible with GS1 barcodes, allowing for quick scanning of lot and expiry details with just a single scan. Users can also create and print GS1 Digital Link QR codes for proprietary labels, enhancing efficiency at various stages of inventory management.

Batch and Serial Number Tracking

For the first time, businesses can simultaneously track products with both lot numbers and unique identifiers. This dual capability is vital for industries where understanding the specifics of each item is critical to compliance and quality assurance.

Operation Ready for Diverse Users

The lot tracking system is accessible through inFlow Inventory for web, inFlow Manufacturing, and inFlow Mobile. It facilitates scanning at various points such as receiving, picking, and storing items within the warehouse.

Who Can Benefit?

The lot tracking feature is tailored for a broad range of businesses, including:

• - Food and beverage manufacturers
• - Contract manufacturers and large kitchens
• - Pharmaceutical wholesalers and pharmacies
• - Medical device manufacturers
• - Nutritional supplement and cosmetic producers
• - Specialty chemical companies

These industries face specific traceability demands, strict regulations on product safety, and often operate without large ERP budgets or dedicated IT departments.

Availability and Pricing

The new lot number and expiry date tracking feature is available in all current plans and included for free in mid-size plans and above. Companies new to inFlow Inventory can access a free trial that encompasses this functionality, enabling them to explore the benefits without upfront investment. Guidance for setting up the feature is available in the inFlow Learning Center.

About inFlow Inventory

Established in 2007 in Toronto, Canada, inFlow Inventory serves over 20 million products worldwide through its intuitive inventory management platform. The software integrates seamlessly with popular tools like Xero, QuickBooks Online, Shopify, and WooCommerce, allowing teams to manage stock, customer orders, and B2B wholesale from a single location. For further details, visit inflowinventory.com.