# FIFO, digital inventory and location | Courier insights Canonical: https://x25pronto.ch/en/blog/ersatzteillager-optimieren-fifo-digitale-inventur-und-standortwahl.html VW Tiguan R · 320 PS 4MOTION · discreet · direct EXPRESS COURIER · DIRECT · MON–SUN Courier service Switzerland. Express courier. Direct. Also overnight. x25pronto Switzerland takes goods direct to the destination. Small loads go by car. Larger loads go by van or Van XL. Direct, express and overnight trips run Monday to Sunday when a slot is free. Free times are shown in the booking calendar. This keeps the plan clear. [Calculate price](https://x25pronto.ch/en/#quote)[How overnight works](https://x25pronto.ch/en/overnight.html) Direct Mon–Sun Overnight Mon–Sun Car & van up to 1,000 kg COURIER INSIGHTS # Optimising spare parts storage: FIFO, digital inventory and location Actionable advice for SME spare parts storage: start with an inventory review, choose mobile-friendly software, apply FIFO and design a pick-friendly layout for Swiss operations. 9 September 2026 ## Quick answer For Swiss small and medium-sized spare-parts stores, focus on three practical levers: implement FIFO to avoid ageing parts, use a digital inventory for accurate counts, and choose a location that cuts delivery times. Start with a quick stock analysis, adopt mobile scanning software and arrange your layout by picking frequency. ## Why optimisation matters Spare parts tie up capital. Old stock, missing space and counting errors cost time and money. Optimising reduces stockouts, improves delivery speed and frees space. For Swiss SMEs, that often means faster response to clients in Zürich, Basel or Lausanne. ## Start with a quick stock review Run an ABC/VED analysis: A items move fast, C items rarely. Check storage conditions and note critical parts, vendor SKUs and package sizes. A short audit of one to two days usually reveals priorities and quick wins. ## Practical FIFO implementation FIFO (first in, first out) prevents long-held items. Mark pallets and shelves with in/out directions. Use coloured labels or date stickers and train staff on daily routines. For small stores, simple flow lanes work better than complex automation. ## Digital inventory: tools and approach Choose mobile-ready software with barcode or QR scanning. Key features: real-time stock, item history, reorder lists and ERP links. Do regular cycle counts for A items rather than one annual full count. Start with cloud solutions that offer data residency options for Swiss firms. ## Optimise layout and picking Place fast-moving items close to the pick station. Use FIFO lanes, visible bins for small parts and modular shelving. Design clear aisles and labels. Small investments in ergonomic stations reduce mistakes and speed up work. ## Location choice for Swiss SMEs Pick locations by customer proximity, road access and supplier distance. A central site near highways can cut transport costs. Review available space, security needs and rental terms. Local courier services can help with quick city deliveries. ## Frequently asked questions Which software suits a small spare parts store? Cloud inventory systems with mobile scanning fit best. Look for barcode/QR support, ERP integrations and simple user interfaces. Trial periods are useful to test real-world fit. How often should I do inventories? Run cycle counts for A items monthly to quarterly. B items semi-annually and C items yearly. This lowers disruption and keeps critical parts visible. Is FIFO necessary for all parts? FIFO matters most for items with expiry, wear or seasonal demand. For durable standard parts it still improves transparency, but priorities can vary by part type. When will I see improvements? Many SMEs see effects within 2–3 months after an ABC analysis, cycle counts and FIFO rules. Full rollouts depend on size and resources. ## Plan a courier trip in Switzerland x25pronto Switzerland carries small and well packed shipments by car. Businesses can choose a direct courier trip or overnight service. Route, timing and shipment details can be entered online before booking. The guide price is then shown for the planned courier order. [Direct courier →](https://x25pronto.ch/en/direct-courier.html)[Overnight →](https://x25pronto.ch/en/overnight.html)[Services →](https://x25pronto.ch/en/services.html)[Calculate guide price →](https://x25pronto.ch/en/#quote) ### At a glance: Optimising spare parts storage: FIFO, digital inventory and location Key points from this article. Follow the links to read each explanation. Why optimisation matters Old stock, missing space and counting errors cost time and money. [Read this section](https://x25pronto.ch/en/blog/ersatzteillager-optimieren-fifo-digitale-inventur-und-standortwahl.html#courier-article-step-1) Start with a quick stock review Run an ABC/VED analysis: A items move fast, C items rarely. [Read this section](https://x25pronto.ch/en/blog/ersatzteillager-optimieren-fifo-digitale-inventur-und-standortwahl.html#courier-article-step-2) Practical FIFO implementation FIFO (first in, first out) prevents long-held items. [Read this section](https://x25pronto.ch/en/blog/ersatzteillager-optimieren-fifo-digitale-inventur-und-standortwahl.html#courier-article-step-3) Digital inventory: tools and approach Choose mobile-ready software with barcode or QR scanning. [Read this section](https://x25pronto.ch/en/blog/ersatzteillager-optimieren-fifo-digitale-inventur-und-standortwahl.html#courier-article-step-4) Optimise layout and picking Place fast-moving items close to the pick station. [Read this section](https://x25pronto.ch/en/blog/ersatzteillager-optimieren-fifo-digitale-inventur-und-standortwahl.html#courier-article-step-5) More on this topic These guides cover related questions: [Digital spare‑parts management: QR codes and interfaces to maintenance](https://x25pronto.ch/en/blog/digitales-ersatzteilmanagement-qr-codes-und-schnittstellen-zur-instandhaltung.html) · [Equipping service vehicles efficiently: spare-part kits & inventory](https://x25pronto.ch/en/blog/service-fahrzeuge-effizient-ausrusten-ersatzteilkits-inventar.html)