GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 24, 2026

FIFO management in warehousing

FIFO management in warehousing is an inventory control method in which goods are picked and dispatched in the order they were received—First In, First Out.

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Last updated: 24 June 2026Published: 19 June 2025

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First-in,_first-out

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Definition & Explanation

FIFO management in warehousing is an inventory control method in which goods are picked and dispatched in the order they were received—First In, First Out. It prevents stock from ageing out, ensures systematic product rotation, and reduces write-off risk from expired or outdated items. For perishables, pharmaceuticals, and seasonal goods it is standard practice, but the principle applies equally across general distribution and retail warehousing. Effective implementation requires accurate timestamping at goods receipt and a storage layout—physical or system-enforced—that guarantees the correct pick sequence. FIFO differs from LIFO (Last In, First Out), which is occasionally used for non-perishable goods but is generally impermissible in food and pharmaceutical environments.

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FIFO management in warehousing

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Related Terms

FIFO stock rotation in cold storage

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FIFO (First-In-First-Out)

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