A short-term tracking system, typically spanning four weeks, helps manage items with a limited shelf life. This system often appears in food safety practices, healthcare for medication management, and project management for short sprints. For example, perishable goods stocked on a particular date require careful monitoring to ensure consumption or disposal before spoilage.
Managing expiration dates precisely minimizes waste, prevents health hazards from consuming spoiled items, and ensures projects stay on schedule. Historically, similar systems existed in various forms, from simple chalk marks tallying days to intricate paper-based systems. Modern digital solutions offer enhanced features such as automated alerts and integration with inventory systems, boosting efficiency and accuracy.