It is currently impossible to know the exact expiration date of existing inventory in stores. If multiple batches of products exist simultaneously in a store, it is even difficult to get a decent estimate, as some consumers strive to find the freshest products. However, distribution centers are a different story. In distribution centers, modern warehouse management systems ensure that inventory is shipped on a first-in, first-out basis. In addition, they track the exact expiration date of each batch of inventory. Making full use of batch-level expiration data in inventory management reduces waste and improves service levels: When a planning system can calculate anticipated spoilage based on forecasted demand and the expiration dates of available inventory, it can order enough goods...