In the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector, especially within perishable goods like ice cream, inventory management isn’t just about organization, it’s about survival. Every day, products move closer to their expiry dates, and without precise visibility, valuable stock can expire unnoticed, turning potential profit into literal waste.

This was the exact challenge facing Palmary Food, a leading FMCG manufacturer in Algeria, when they launched a new ice cream factory. With a fully new production site and a nationwide cold-chain distribution strategy, Palmary needed a Warehouse Management System (WMS) that could ensure accuracy, traceability, and efficiency from day one.

Enter Trybe Agency, which designed and developed a tailored WMS ecosystem that didn’t just track stock, it transformed how Palmary’s warehouse operated.

The Problem: Hidden expiry, hidden losses

Before Trybe’s intervention, Palmary’s warehouse faced a critical lack of visibility. Pallets were stored without real-time tracking of their positions or expiry dates. The First Expire, First Out (FEFO) principle essential for perishable goods was not enforced.

The consequences were stark:

• Old batches were forgotten at the back of the warehouse.
• Expired cartons were only discovered during manual inventory checks.
• Valuable stock was routinely written off, leading to lost revenue, squeezed margins, and poor purchasing decisions.

In essence, money was dying in their stock silently and systematically.

The Trybe solution: An end-to-end WMS built for visibility

Trybe delivered a comprehensive, modular WMS designed to reflect the real flow of goods from reception to loading while enforcing strict traceability and minimizing human error.

Here’s how the system works across each key warehouse function:

1. Reception & Quality control

All incoming stock whether from production or suppliers is immediately logged into the system. Each pallet receives a unique SSCC barcode, and operators perform mandatory quality checks. Failed items are automatically routed to blocked zones, while approved pallets move seamlessly into storage.

2. Putaway & Storage optimization

The system determines the optimal storage location based on ABC classification, FEFO rules, temperature zones, and available space. Operators are guided via mobile app to the exact aisle, rack, level, and position ensuring perfect placement every time.

3. Picking & Order preparation

When orders are prepared, the WMS generates FEFO-optimized picklists, guiding operators through a scanning-first process that eliminates errors and ensures older batches are dispatched first.

4. Loading & Validation

Loading is validated in real time. Operators scan each pallet as it enters the truck, and the system alerts them to any mismatches. A final loading sheet confirms what was shipped, by whom, and when closing the logistics loop with full accountability.

5. Stock visibility & Reporting

Managers gain real-time dashboards showing stock by zone, aisle, rack, level, and position. Expiry alerts, batch tracking, and movement histories are all visible at a glance, enabling proactive decision-making.

6. Cycle counting & Inventory

Regular cycle counts are conducted without disrupting operations. The system compares expected vs. actual stock, and managers can validate discrepancies immediately maintaining accuracy without full warehouse shutdowns.

7. Mobile-First operator experience

The intuitive mobile app ensures quick adoption, even among seasonal staff. Each task is screen-specific, scanning is mandatory, and feedback is immediate, reducing training time and boosting compliance.

The Outcome: From blind spots to full control

With Trybe’s WMS, Palmary achieved:

• Zero unplanned expiry losses due to real-time FEFO enforcement
• 100% traceability at pallet and batch level
• Drastic reduction in human error through guided scanning workflows
• Operational agility with real-time dashboards and alerts
• Scalable warehouse operations ready for peak ice cream seasons

Today, Palmary’s warehouse isn’t just a storage space, it’s a data-driven, responsive asset that supports their growth and ensures nothing expires unseen.