Match lot expiry, arrival dates, and customer requirements before a shipment is picked.
Where this helps
Picking the oldest lot first is not enough when customers require different remaining shelf life. A compliant lot at dispatch may fail the requirement after a long transit.
What Rectangle connects
The assistant connects ERP customer requirements with WMS lot dates, reservations, quality holds, and TMS expected arrival. It calculates remaining days at receipt and uses the earliest eligible expiry. Missing specifications or uncertain arrival dates are surfaced for review.
Read the requirement Arrival in 5 days · minimum remaining shelf life: 60 days
- Lot A: 300 cases · expires in 62 days
- Lot B: 500 cases · expires in 90 days
- Both lots are released; reservations already deducted.
A closer look
Match lot expiry, arrival dates, and customer requirements before a shipment is picked.
Test eligibility Allocate 400 cases from Lot B. Lot A will not meet this customer’s 60-day shelf-life requirement on arrival.
| Lot | Days until expiry now | Days at arrival | Eligible? |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | 62 | 57 | No |
| B | 90 | 85 | Yes |
This uses a five-day transit assumption. Lot B retains 100 cases after the proposed allocation; Lot A needs a destination with a compatible requirement.
From answer to action
The warehouse receives an allocation proposal with eligible and ineligible lots explained. Planners can compare a faster service or an alternative destination for aging inventory. Quality holds stay in place until the authorized team releases them.
Prepare the pick Pick proposal: Lot B · 400 cases · 85 days at receipt
- Customer requirement and arrival assumption attached.
- Lot A routed to aging-stock review.
- Allocation pending approval; no quality status changed.
Reduce avoidable rejections by checking shelf life at arrival, before picking.
