Managing product expiration dates is a critical aspect of inventory management, especially for businesses dealing with perishable goods. Whether you’re in the food industry, pharmaceuticals, or any other sector where shelf-life matters, keeping track of expiration dates ensures compliance, reduces waste, and maintains customer trust. Odoo 18, a powerful ERP Accounting and business management solution, offers robust tools to help you manage product expiration dates efficiently. In this blog, we’ll explore how you can leverage Odoo 18 to streamline this process and keep your inventory in top shape.
Why Managing Expiration Dates is Crucial for Your Business
Expired products can lead to significant financial losses, legal issues, and damage to your brand’s reputation. Properly managing expiration dates helps you:
- Reduce Waste: Identify and remove expired products before they cause losses.
- Ensure Compliance: Meet industry regulations and avoid penalties.
- Improve Customer Satisfaction: Deliver fresh and safe products to your customers.
- Optimize Inventory: Make informed decisions about stock replenishment and discounts.
With Odoo 18, you can automate and simplify these tasks, saving time and minimizing errors.
Setting Up Expiration Dates in Odoo 18
Before you can manage expiration dates, you need to configure your Odoo system to track them. Here’s how to set it up:
Step 1: Enable Expiration Date Tracking
- Go to Inventory > Configuration > Settings.
- Enable the Expiration Date option under the Products section.
- Save your changes.
Step 2: Configure Product Categories
- Navigate to Inventory > Products > Product Categories.
- Select or create a category for perishable products.
- Enable the Expiration Date option for the category.
Step 3: Set Expiration Dates for Individual Products
- Go to Inventory > Products and select a product.
- Under the General Information tab, enable the Expiration Date field.
- Specify the Expiration Time (e.g., 12 months) if applicable.
Managing Expiration Dates in Odoo 18
Once your system is set up, Odoo 18 provides several tools to help you manage expiration dates effectively.
1. Expiration Date Alerts
Odoo 18 allows you to set up alerts for products nearing their expiration dates. This feature ensures you take timely action, such as discounting or removing stock.
- Go to Inventory > Configuration > Reordering Rules.
- Create a new rule and set the Expiration Alert threshold (e.g., 30 days before expiration).
2. FIFO (First-In, First-Out) Method
Odoo 18 uses the FIFO method to ensure older stock is sold first. This is particularly useful for perishable goods.
- Enable FIFO by navigating to Inventory > Configuration > Settings.
- Select FIFO under the Costing Method section.
3. Expiration Date Reports
Odoo 18 provides detailed reports to help you monitor expiration dates across your inventory.
- Go to Reporting > Inventory > Expiration Date Report.
- Filter by product, category, or date range to analyze your stock.
Custom Code: Automating Expiration Date Notifications
For businesses with specific needs, Odoo 18 allows customization through its API. Below is an example of custom Python code to automate email notifications for products nearing expiration:
python
from odoo import models, fields, api
from datetime import datetime, timedelta
class ProductExpirationNotification(models.Model):
_inherit = ‘stock.quant’
def send_expiration_notification(self):
today = fields.Date.today()
alert_threshold = today + timedelta(days=30) # 30 days before expiration
expired_products = self.search([
(‘product_id.use_expiration_date’, ‘=’, True),
(‘expiration_date’, ‘<=’, alert_threshold)
])
for product in expired_products:
template = self.env.ref(‘your_module.email_template_expiration_notification’)
template.send_mail(product.id, force_send=True)
@api.model
def cron_send_expiration_notification(self):
self.send_expiration_notification()
This code sends an email notification for products expiring within 30 days. You can customize the threshold and email template to suit your business needs.
Best Practices for Managing Expiration Dates in Odoo 18
To make the most of Odoo 18’s expiration date management features, follow these best practices:
- Regular Audits: Conduct regular inventory audits to ensure accuracy.
- Training: Train your team on how to use Odoo’s expiration date tools.
- Integration: Integrate Odoo with your supply chain and sales processes for seamless operations.
- Customization: Use custom code and modules to tailor Odoo to your specific requirements.
Conclusion
Managing product expiration dates doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With Odoo 18, you can automate and streamline the process, ensuring your inventory is always fresh and compliant. From setting up expiration date tracking to generating detailed reports, Odoo 18 provides all the tools you need to stay on top of your stock.
If you’re ready to take your inventory management to the next level, consider hiring an Odoo Implementation Consultant. They can help you customize and optimize Odoo 18 to meet your unique business needs. Don’t let expired products hurt your bottom line—get started with Odoo 18 today!
By following the steps and tips outlined in this article, you’ll be well-equipped to manage product expiration dates effectively in Odoo 18. Whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise, Odoo’s robust features and customization options make it the perfect solution for your inventory management needs.
