Standard Operating Procedure for Stock Rotation

Purpose

The purpose of this SOP is to establish guidelines for implementing stock rotation practices in the pharmaceutical warehouse to ensure product freshness, integrity, and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Scope

This SOP applies to all personnel involved in inventory management and warehouse operations within the pharmaceutical facility.

Responsibilities

• Warehouse Manager: Overall responsibility for implementing stock rotation procedures and ensuring compliance.
• Inventory Managers: Responsible for overseeing stock rotation practices and monitoring inventory levels.
• Warehouse Staff: Responsible for implementing stock rotation procedures and maintaining accurate records.
• Quality Assurance: Responsible for verifying the effectiveness of stock rotation practices during inspections and audits.

Procedure

1. First In, First Out (FIFO) Principle:
   • Adopt the FIFO principle to ensure that products are used or sold in the order they are received.
   • Label products with expiration dates or production dates to facilitate proper rotation.
   • Store products with the earliest expiration or production dates in front of or on top of newer stock.
2. Regular Inventory Checks:
   • Conduct regular inventory checks to identify products approaching expiration or nearing their shelf life limits.
   • Record inventory levels and expiration dates accurately to track product movement and facilitate rotation.
   • Implement automated inventory management systems to streamline stock rotation and reduce human error.
3. Stock Segregation:
   • Segregate products with different expiration dates or shelf lives to prevent mixing and ensure proper rotation.
   • Use designated storage areas or shelves for short-dated products to facilitate easy access and monitoring.
   • Implement color-coded labels or tags to visually identify products with different expiration dates.
4. Training and Communication:
   • Provide training to warehouse staff on stock rotation procedures, including the importance of FIFO and proper handling of expired products.
   • Communicate stock rotation policies and procedures to all relevant personnel and ensure understanding.
   • Encourage open communication and feedback to identify areas for improvement in stock rotation practices.

Abbreviations

• SOP: Standard Operating Procedure
• FIFO: First In, First Out

Documents

• Inventory Records
• Expiration Date Labels
• Stock Rotation Training Materials
• Stock Rotation Policy

SOP Version

Version 1.0