A warehouse's core functions follow a sequence: receiving incoming goods and checking them against purchase orders, storing them in an organized layout, picking items to fulfill orders, and packing them for shipment. FIFO (First In, First Out) rotates stock so the oldest inventory is sold or used first, which is essential for perishable or time-sensitive goods to avoid spoilage or obsolescence, while LIFO (Last In, First Out) sells the newest stock first, a method more common in accounting for certain non-perishable goods than in physical warehouse rotation. A warehouse management system (WMS) is software that tracks inventory location, quantity, and movement in real time, dramatically reducing picking errors and the time spent locating items compared to manual, paper-based tracking. Efficient warehouse layout — placing fast-moving items near packing stations — can significantly reduce the time and labor needed to fulfill each order.