# Pharmacy step 1: expiry, lot numbers and sub-units

> Turn on product expiry, lot (batch) numbers and sub-units for a pharmacy, choose what happens near expiry, and add your branches as locations.

Source: https://docs.smartposhub.com/business-types/pharmacy/step-1-pharmacy-settings/  
Last updated: 2026-10-30  
Product: SmartPOS Hub (https://smartposhub.com)

A pharmacy needs three settings that most shops don't: **expiry dates**, **lot (batch) numbers** and **sub-units** (tablet, strip, box). Turn them on before you import medicines or enter stock, so every unit you receive carries its batch and expiry.

## Before you start

- You are the owner or an admin.
- Add each branch under **Settings › Business Locations** first; see [Locations](https://docs.smartposhub.com/start/locations/). Business name, currency and logo: [Business settings](https://docs.smartposhub.com/start/business-settings/).

## Turn on product expiry

1. Open **Settings › Business Settings** and click the **Product** tab.
2. Tick **Enable Product Expiry** and choose **Add item expiry** (you enter the expiry date on each purchase) or **Add manufacturing date & expiry period**.
3. Under **On Product Expiry**, choose **Stop Selling n days before** and enter the number of days, or **Keep Selling**.
4. Switch on **Enable Sub Units**, **Enable Brands**, **Enable Categories** and **Enable Sub-Categories**.
5. Optional: **Enable Racks**, **Enable Row** and **Enable Position** to record where each medicine sits on the shelves.

![Business Settings Product tab with Enable Product Expiry set to Add item expiry, On Product Expiry, Enable Sub Units and Enable Racks](https://docs.smartposhub.com/_astro/settings-product-expiry.DwF1_60m.png) (web app page: `/business/settings`)
*The Product tab with expiry and sub-units on.*

## Turn on lot numbers

1. Click the **Purchases** tab.
2. Switch on **Enable Lot number**.
3. Optional: **Enable purchase order** if you order from distributors ahead of delivery.
4. Click **Update Settings** at the bottom of the page.

![Business Settings Purchases tab with Enable Lot number, Enable Purchase Status and Enable purchase order switched on](https://docs.smartposhub.com/_astro/settings-purchases-lot-number.BmiUVu8M.png) (web app page: `/business/settings`)
*The Purchases tab with lot numbers on.*

## Other settings for a pharmacy

| Where | Setting | Suggestion |
|---|---|---|
| Business › Stock Accounting Method | FIFO | Older stock is sold first |
| Settings › Tax Rates | Your medicine tax rules | Many countries exempt medicines; check with your accountant |
| Settings › Invoice Settings / receipt layout | A layout that prints batch and expiry | See [Receipts and invoice layouts](https://docs.smartposhub.com/selling/receipts-and-invoice-layouts/) and the [Invoice designer](https://docs.smartposhub.com/modules/invoice-designer/) |
| Settings › Business Settings › Modules | **Product Library** on | Needed for step 2, if your plan includes it |

  - [Step 2: Product Library Pharmacy catalog](https://docs.smartposhub.com/business-types/pharmacy/step-2-product-library-pharmacy-catalog/)
  - [Back to the pharmacy overview](https://docs.smartposhub.com/business-types/pharmacy/overview/)

## Frequently asked questions

### Should I choose Keep Selling or Stop Selling n days before?

Most pharmacies choose Stop Selling with a few days' margin, for example 30, so short-dated medicine is not sold to patients. Keep Selling only warns you through reports.

### What is the difference between Add item expiry and Add manufacturing date & expiry period?

With Add item expiry you type the expiry date on each purchase line. With Add manufacturing date & expiry period you type the manufacturing date and SmartPOS Hub works out the expiry from the product's expiry period.

### Do I need lot numbers if I have expiry dates?

It is strongly recommended. Lot numbers let you trace a batch for recalls and returns, and pick the exact batch at the till.

### Can I switch these settings on after I have stock?

Yes, but stock received before has no lot or expiry. Turn them on before entering opening stock.

### Do I need to switch on sub-units by hand?

The Product Library import switches Enable Sub Units on for you when it creates strip and box units. Turn it on yourself if you create medicines by hand.