Top 5 Expiry Tracking Software for India (2026)

Why expiry tracking deserves its own evaluation

Most Indian retailers shopping for software start with billing and GST compliance. That makes sense — those are regulatory requirements. But if you sell perishable goods, the software decision that affects your bottom line the most is not how you generate invoices. It's how you track what's about to expire.

The distinction matters because billing software and expiry tracking software solve fundamentally different problems. Billing software records what has already happened — a sale, a purchase, a return. Expiry tracking software predicts what is about to happen — which batches will expire, which need to be sold first, which should be returned to suppliers. One is backward-looking, the other is forward-looking. The best tools do both, but their emphasis and design priorities differ significantly.

This comparison covers five software options available to Indian retailers in 2026, evaluated specifically for their expiry and shelf life management capabilities. We've tried to be fair — every tool on this list has real strengths, and the right choice depends on your business type, scale, and priorities.

A note on pricing: software pricing in India changes frequently, and many vendors offer custom quotes based on store count and features. The prices mentioned here are based on publicly available information as of early 2026 and may not reflect promotional or negotiated rates. Always verify directly with the vendor.

1. ShelfLifePro

What it is

A purpose-built shelf life and expiry management platform designed specifically for Indian retail — pharmacies, grocery stores, dairy shops, supermarkets, and FMCG distributors. Unlike the other tools on this list, ShelfLifePro was built from the ground up around the expiry tracking problem, not around billing or ERP.

Key features for expiry tracking

• Batch-level inventory with expiry date tracking for every unit
• FEFO (First Expiry, First Out) enforcement at the point of sale
• Configurable expiry alerts (7-day, 30-day, 90-day windows, adjustable by category)
• Supplier return window tracking with automated reminders
• AI-powered markdown suggestions for near-expiry stock
• Morning dashboard showing expiry risk across the entire store
• Mobile-first design for shelf checks and warehouse operations

Pricing

Subscription-based plans starting from ₹899/month for small stores. Tiered pricing for larger operations and multi-store setups.

Best for

Retailers whose primary pain point is expiry waste — dairy shops, pharmacies, fresh grocery stores, and any business where perishable inventory is a significant portion of stock.

Strengths

Expiry tracking is the core product, not a feature added to a billing system. The alert system, FEFO enforcement, and markdown suggestions are more developed than in any general-purpose retail software. The Indian retail focus means it understands local supply chain workflows — distributor returns, MRP-based pricing, GST integration for credit notes on expired goods.

Limitations

ShelfLifePro is newer to the market compared to established players like GoFrugal and Marg. Its billing and GST features, while functional, are not as mature or feature-rich as dedicated ERP systems that have been refining those capabilities for a decade or more. If your primary need is deep GST compliance, multi-branch accounting, or hardware POS integration, you may find that ShelfLifePro needs to be paired with your existing billing software rather than replacing it entirely. The ecosystem of third-party integrations is still growing.

2. GoFrugal

What it is

A well-established retail technology company offering a comprehensive suite of POS, ERP, and inventory management solutions. GoFrugal has been in the Indian retail market for over two decades and serves a wide range of retail formats from small shops to large chains.

Key features for expiry tracking

• Batch and expiry date tracking within the inventory module
• Expiry alerts and near-expiry reports
• Integration with their POS hardware for barcode-based batch scanning
• Multi-store inventory visibility
• Supplier management and purchase order automation
• Comprehensive reporting and analytics

Pricing

GoFrugal offers tiered plans. Pricing is typically custom-quoted based on the number of stores, terminals, and modules required. Expect starting costs in the range of ₹15,000-25,000 for initial setup plus monthly/annual subscriptions, though this varies significantly based on configuration.

Best for

Medium to large retailers and retail chains that need a full-suite retail management platform — POS, inventory, accounting, CRM, and e-commerce — with expiry tracking as one of many capabilities.

Strengths

The most complete retail technology ecosystem on this list. If you need POS hardware, e-commerce integration, loyalty programs, and multi-branch management alongside expiry tracking, GoFrugal covers more ground than any single competitor. Their POS hardware options (billing counters, barcode scanners, weighing scale integration) are extensive. Strong customer support infrastructure with offices across India. The platform is mature and handles scale well — retailers with 50+ stores use it successfully.

Limitations

Expiry tracking is a feature within a large platform, not the central focus. The batch-level expiry alerts exist but are not as granular or proactive as what a purpose-built expiry tool provides. FEFO enforcement at the POS requires specific configuration and is not always the default behaviour. The platform's breadth means the learning curve is steeper — you're adopting a retail operating system, not just an expiry tracker. Cost is higher than single-purpose tools, which may not be justified if your primary need is shelf life management rather than full retail ERP.

3. Marg ERP

What it is

One of the most widely used accounting and ERP solutions for Indian businesses, particularly strong in pharmaceutical retail and distribution. Marg has deep roots in the Indian SME market and is a familiar name to any retailer or distributor who has been in business for more than a few years.

Key features for expiry tracking

• Batch-wise inventory management with expiry dates
• Near-expiry and expired stock reports
• GST-compliant credit notes for expired goods returns
• Supplier return tracking
• Pharma-specific features: Schedule H/H1 drug registers, DL (Drug License) compliance
• Comprehensive GST return filing support (GSTR-1, GSTR-2A reconciliation)

Pricing

Marg operates on a perpetual license model with annual maintenance fees, though they have been introducing subscription options. License costs vary by edition — Marg Pharmacy, Marg Supermarket, Marg Distribution — typically ranging from ₹8,000-20,000 for the license plus ₹2,000-5,000 annual maintenance. Pricing is generally on the lower end compared to cloud-based alternatives.

Best for

Pharmacies and pharmaceutical distributors, especially those prioritizing GST compliance and regulatory record-keeping. Also strong for businesses that prefer a perpetual license (one-time payment) over monthly subscriptions.

Strengths

Marg's GST integration is arguably the deepest on this list. For pharmacies, the drug schedule compliance features (Schedule H/H1 registers, DL management) are genuinely useful and hard to find elsewhere. The software has been battle-tested in Indian pharmacies for years, and most accountants and CAs are familiar with Marg's reporting formats, which simplifies audit and filing processes. The pricing model (perpetual license) appeals to cost-conscious retailers who dislike recurring subscription fees. Marg's dealer network across India means local support is usually available.

Limitations

Marg's interface and user experience feel dated compared to modern cloud-based tools. It's primarily a desktop application — cloud and mobile access exist but are not the primary design paradigm. Expiry tracking features are present but oriented toward reporting (seeing what's expired) rather than prevention (being alerted before things expire and being guided on what to do). FEFO enforcement at the billing counter requires manual discipline rather than system-level enforcement. The software excels at recording and reporting; it's less strong at the proactive, predictive side of expiry management. Multi-store synchronization requires additional setup and is not as seamless as cloud-native alternatives.

4. Vyapar

What it is

A mobile-first accounting and inventory app that has gained massive traction among Indian small businesses. Vyapar's strength is simplicity — it makes GST invoicing, inventory tracking, and basic accounting accessible to business owners who may not have used software before.

Key features for expiry tracking

• Basic batch tracking with manufacturing and expiry dates
• Low stock alerts
• Inventory reports with batch details
• GST-compliant invoicing with batch number on bills
• Mobile-first design — works entirely from a smartphone
• Offline capability for areas with poor connectivity

Pricing

Vyapar offers a free tier with limited features. Paid plans start at approximately ₹3,499/year (Silver) with higher tiers (Gold, Diamond) offering more features. Very accessible pricing for small businesses.

Best for

Small retailers and kirana store owners who are moving from manual registers or basic calculators to their first digital inventory system. Businesses that operate primarily from a mobile phone rather than a desktop.

Strengths

The most accessible tool on this list. If you're a small shop owner who has never used inventory software, Vyapar's onboarding experience is genuinely well-designed. The mobile-first approach means you don't need a computer or dedicated billing hardware. The free tier lets you try before committing. The app works offline, which matters in areas where internet connectivity is unreliable. For basic batch tracking — knowing that you have 50 units of a product with a specific expiry date — Vyapar does the job adequately. The pricing is the most affordable on this list.

Limitations

Vyapar is an accounting app with inventory features, not an inventory management system with accounting features. The distinction matters for expiry tracking. Batch tracking exists but is basic — you can record expiry dates, but the system does not proactively manage them. There are no configurable expiry alerts (e.g., "alert me 7 days before expiry for dairy, 30 days for packaged goods"). No FEFO enforcement at the point of sale. No markdown suggestions. No supplier return window tracking. If you have 20 SKUs of packaged goods with long shelf lives, Vyapar's batch tracking is likely sufficient. If you have 100+ SKUs of perishable products with short shelf lives, you'll outgrow it quickly. The reporting, while adequate for GST compliance, lacks the depth needed for serious expiry analysis.

5. RetailGraph

What it is

A retail management solution focused on the Indian grocery, supermarket, and hypermarket segment. RetailGraph provides POS, inventory management, and customer engagement tools designed for the Indian retail format.

Key features for expiry tracking

• Batch-wise stock management with expiry date fields
• Near-expiry product reports
• Purchase and supplier management
• Multi-counter POS with barcode scanning
• Customer loyalty and engagement tools
• Integration with weighing scales (important for grocery)

Pricing

Custom pricing based on store configuration, typically in the range of ₹10,000-30,000 for setup with ongoing support fees. Pricing varies by number of counters and modules.

Best for

Grocery stores, supermarkets, and hypermarkets that need a purpose-built retail management solution with POS, customer engagement, and inventory management integrated.

Strengths

Designed specifically for the Indian grocery and supermarket format, which means it handles common workflows — loose items by weight, combo offers, counter-level billing — without workaround configurations. The integration with weighing scales and barcode printers is well-developed. For grocery retailers, the customer engagement features (loyalty points, SMS offers) can help move near-expiry stock if configured properly. The POS experience is optimized for high-throughput billing environments like busy supermarket counters.

Limitations

Expiry tracking is a reporting feature, not a management feature. You can see what's near expiry in reports, but the system doesn't actively guide decisions — no automated markdown suggestions, no FEFO enforcement at the POS, no supplier return window tracking. The focus is on the grocery supermarket format; pharmacies, dairy distributors, and FMCG distributors may find it doesn't accommodate their specific workflows. The platform is less well-known nationally than GoFrugal or Marg, which can mean fewer available support resources in some regions.

How to think about the comparison

Rather than declaring a "winner," here's a framework for matching the right tool to your situation:

If your primary problem is expiry waste and you want the most focused solution:

ShelfLifePro is the only tool on this list where expiry tracking is the central design principle. If batch-level expiry alerts, FEFO enforcement, markdown optimization, and supplier return tracking are your top priorities, this is where those capabilities are deepest. The trade-off is that it's newer and its billing and GST features, while functional, aren't as feature-rich as dedicated ERP tools.

If you need a complete retail operating system:

GoFrugal offers the broadest feature set — POS, inventory, e-commerce, CRM, accounting, and more. If you're a retail chain or a growing business that needs everything under one roof, GoFrugal's platform makes sense. Expiry tracking is one capability among many, and it's competent but not the primary focus.

If you're a pharmacy and GST compliance is paramount:

Marg ERP has the deepest GST integration and the most mature pharma-specific features. If your accountant already uses Marg, if you need Schedule H/H1 registers, and if you want a one-time license rather than a subscription, Marg is a strong choice. Its expiry tracking is reporting-oriented — good for seeing the problem, less good at preventing it.

If you're a small retailer looking for your first digital tool:

Vyapar is the most accessible entry point. If you're currently tracking inventory on paper or in your head, Vyapar's basic batch tracking and affordable pricing get you started. You may outgrow it if your perishable inventory becomes complex, but it's a solid first step.

If you're a grocery store or supermarket focused on the retail experience:

RetailGraph is designed for your format. The POS, weighing scale integration, and customer engagement features are purpose-built for grocery retail. Its expiry tracking is adequate for stores with moderate perishable inventory but limited for operations where expiry management is the central challenge.

The honest summary

No single tool is perfect for every Indian retailer. The market is fragmented because the needs are fragmented — a pharmacy in Chennai, a dairy distributor in Gujarat, a supermarket chain in Delhi, and a kirana store in a tier-3 town all sell products that expire, but they operate in fundamentally different contexts.

The tools on this list represent genuinely different approaches:

• ShelfLifePro is a specialist — deep on expiry, still building out the broader retail feature set
• GoFrugal is the generalist — broad and capable, with expiry as one of many features
• Marg ERP is the veteran — battle-tested, deeply integrated with Indian tax and pharma compliance, interface showing its age
• Vyapar is the democratizer — making digital inventory accessible to the smallest retailers, with basic but limited expiry features
• RetailGraph is the format specialist — optimized for grocery supermarket operations, with adequate but not advanced expiry management

The right choice depends on which problem is costing you the most money. If that problem is expiry waste, shrinkage, and missed supplier returns — and you want a tool that was designed from day one to solve exactly that — ShelfLifePro deserves serious consideration. If your priorities lie elsewhere — full ERP, tax compliance, POS hardware, or simplicity — the other tools on this list have genuine advantages in those areas.

The best advice: try before you commit. Most of these tools offer demos or trial periods. Test them with your actual product catalog, your actual batch data, and your actual daily workflow. The tool that feels right at 5 AM when you're deciding what to put on the shelves is the right tool for your store.

ShelfLifePro offers a free trial so you can evaluate its expiry tracking capabilities with your own inventory data. We believe in earning your business by demonstrating value, not by locking you into a contract before you've seen the product work.