How are the shelf life codes categorized?

Shelf life codes are categorized by extendability and purpose because these classifications help in determining how long an item can be stored before it becomes unusable or ineffective. The extendability factor indicates whether the shelf life of a product can be extended under certain conditions and the purpose relates to the type of item (for example, different categories like food, pharmaceuticals, and munitions) and their intended use.

For logistical management and inventory control, understanding these categories allows for better planning in terms of procurement, stock rotation, and disposal of materials. This system ensures that resources are efficiently utilized and that items are not kept beyond their useful life, which can pose safety risks or lead to wastage. Proper categorization based on these criteria is crucial for maintaining operational readiness and effectiveness in logistics operations.