Inventory and Supply Chain AutomationPurpose
1.2. Automate tracking to ensure legal compliance, minimize lost revenue from expired stock, and optimize storage by rotating high-demand and high-value adult products.
1.3. Log all expiry and rotation actions with staff notifications, supply ordering, and adjustment to store displays (both physical and digital), reducing manual checking effort and improving supply freshness.
Trigger Conditions
2.2. Arrival of new batch for an existing SKU triggers rotation notification.
2.3. Inventory system status update (manual/API webhook) or scheduled daily/weekly product report.
2.4. Change in regulatory requirements or store policy affecting shelf-life standards.
2.5. Real-time scan event from POS or barcode/RFID system.
Platform Variants
• Inventory API: Set automated workflows to monitor product expiry metafields, notify via email, and auto-update online catalog.
3.2. Lightspeed POS
• Inventory Module: Use built-in expiry tracking functions, trigger reorder workflows, and flag staff dashboards.
3.3. Square
• Catalog API: Track expiry dates in custom fields, trigger notification to management via webhooks.
3.4. WooCommerce
• Custom Fields and REST API: Check expiry product meta, schedule product status updates or removals.
3.5. Linnworks
• Automation Rules: Configure expiry alerts and batch rotation prompts, link stock actions to suppliers.
3.6. NetSuite
• SuiteScript REST API: Retrieve lot/expiry data, issue internal notifications, and update reorder points dynamically.
3.7. QuickBooks Commerce
• Inventory Tracking: Schedule regular expiry audits and vendor order triggers based on expiry reports.
3.8. Microsoft Power Automate
• Scheduled Flow: Extract expiry info from CRM or ERP, send email/SMS alerts, and log actions in SharePoint.
3.9. Google Sheets + Apps Script
• Scripted Alerts: Import expiry data, run time-based sweeps, and push notifications via Google Chat or Gmail.
3.10. Salesforce
• Process Builder: Create expiry check processes, automate alert Tasks, and flag inventory for sales.
3.11. SAP Business One
• Inventory Management API: Trigger expiry/rotation workflows, generate compliance reports.
3.12. Oracle Fusion Cloud
• Inventory API: Monitor perishable items, send expiring item alerts through built-in notification services.
3.13. Twilio
• Programmable SMS: Send expiry and rotation reminders to store staff’s mobile devices.
3.14. Slack
• Incoming Webhooks: Post rotation/expiry alert messages to inventory management channels.
3.15. SendGrid
• Email API: Batch-send expiry notifications to supplier or procurement emails.
3.16. Zendesk
• Ticket API: Open support/service tickets for urgent expiry or batch issues.
3.17. Monday.com
• Automations: Create expiry columns, trigger alerts, and task assignments as expiry dates approach.
3.18. Airtable
• Automations: Filter views for near-expiry items and send automated messages to specific team members.
3.19. HubSpot
• Workflow Automation: Tag records with product expiry tags and trigger staff task reminders.
3.20. Trello
• Butler Automation: Create new cards in “Expiry” or “Rotation” lists when items near their shelf life.
3.21. Zoho Inventory
• Custom Functions: Auto flag items for reorder or take out expired items from catalog.
3.22. Barcode/RFID Middleware (e.g., Zebra Savanna Data Services)
• Event API: Generate expiry or rotation event on scan; push to ERP/inventory dashboards.
Benefits
4.2. Reduces waste from unsold expired inventory, preserving profit margins.
4.3. Automates reminders, saving staff time on inventory checks and minimizing human error.
4.4. Boosts inventory velocity by prioritizing rotation and special pricing of soon-to-expire batches.
4.5. Enhances customer safety and business reputation through proactive inventory management.