Warehousing and Material Handling — Glossary · Level 2 Certificate in International Supply Chain Logistics

Warehousing and Material Handling Glossary #

Warehousing and Material Handling Glossary

1 #

Automated Storage and Retrieval System (AS/RS)

An Automated Storage and Retrieval System (AS/RS) is a computer #

controlled system that automatically places and retrieves loads from specific storage locations. AS/RS systems are used in warehouses to increase efficiency and reduce labor costs by minimizing human intervention in the storage and retrieval process.

2 #

Barcoding

Barcoding is a method of encoding data in a visual pattern of parallel li… #

Barcodes are used in warehousing and material handling to track inventory, shipments, and products throughout the supply chain. They are scanned using barcode readers to quickly and accurately capture information.

3. Cross #

Docking

Cross #

Docking is a logistics practice where incoming goods are directly unloaded from an inbound vehicle and loaded onto an outbound vehicle with minimal or no storage in between. This process eliminates the need for warehousing space and reduces handling costs and inventory holding time.

4 #

Dock Leveler

A Dock Leveler is a piece of equipment used to bridge the height differen… #

A Dock Leveler is a piece of equipment used to bridge the height difference between a loading dock and a truck bed, allowing forklifts and other material handling equipment to move goods between the dock and the vehicle safely and efficiently.

5 #

FIFO (First In, First Out)

FIFO (First In, First Out) is a method of inventory management where the… #

FIFO is commonly used in warehouses to manage perishable goods or items with expiration dates.

6 #

Inventory Management

Inventory Management involves overseeing the flow of goods into and out o… #

Effective inventory management helps minimize stockouts, reduce excess inventory, and optimize storage space utilization.

7. Just #

In-Time (JIT) Inventory

Just #

In-Time (JIT) Inventory is an inventory management strategy where goods are received and processed as close to the time of use as possible, minimizing inventory holding costs and reducing the risk of obsolescence. JIT inventory requires strong coordination between suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors.

8 #

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are measurable values that demonstrate… #

In warehousing and material handling, KPIs such as order accuracy, on-time delivery, and inventory turnover rate are used to evaluate performance and identify areas for improvement.

9 #

Lean Manufacturing

Lean Manufacturing</b is a production philosophy that focuses on minimizing w… #

Lean principles, such as continuous improvement and just-in-time production, are often applied to warehousing and material handling to streamline operations and reduce costs.

10 #

Material Handling Equipment (MHE)

Material Handling Equipment (MHE) refers to machinery and tools used to m… #

Common types of MHE include forklifts, conveyors, pallet jacks, and automated guided vehicles (AGVs), which help streamline material handling processes in warehouses.

11 #

Order Picking

Order Picking is the process of selecting and gathering items from invent… #

Order picking methods, such as batch picking, zone picking, and wave picking, are used in warehouses to optimize picking efficiency and reduce fulfillment times.

12 #

Pallet Racking

Pallet Racking is a storage system designed to store palletized goods in… #

Pallet racking systems, such as selective racking, drive-in racking, and push-back racking, help maximize storage density and facilitate efficient picking and retrieval of goods.

13 #

Quality Control

Quality Control</b is the process of ensuring that products meet specified qu… #

Quality control measures, such as inspections, testing, and audits, are implemented in warehouses to identify and rectify defects in incoming and outgoing goods.

14 #

Receiving Area

The Receiving Area is a designated space in a warehouse where incoming go… #

Efficient receiving areas help streamline the inbound logistics process and ensure accurate inventory counts.

15 #

Slotting

Slotting is the process of assigning storage locations to products based… #

By optimizing the placement of goods in a warehouse, slotting helps reduce travel time, improve picking efficiency, and maximize storage space utilization.

16 #

Transportation Management System (TMS)

A Transportation Management System (TMS) is a software solution that help… #

TMS systems integrate with warehouse management systems to coordinate transportation activities and track shipments in real-time.

17 #

Unit Load

A Unit Load is a grouping of items that are handled, stored, and transpor… #

Unit loads, such as pallets, containers, and cartons, help streamline material handling processes by reducing handling time, minimizing damage, and maximizing storage space efficiency.

18. Vendor #

Managed Inventory (VMI)

Vendor #

Managed Inventory (VMI)

19 #

Warehouse Management System (WMS)

A Warehouse Management System (WMS) is a software application that helps… #

WMS systems track inventory levels, manage order fulfillment, and automate tasks such as receiving, picking, packing, and shipping to improve warehouse efficiency.

20. X #

Dock

A X #

Dock is a type of loading dock configuration that allows trucks to be loaded and unloaded from both sides simultaneously. X-Docks help streamline cross-docking operations by increasing throughput and reducing dwell times for vehicles at the dock.

21 #

Yard Management System (YMS)

A Yard Management System (YMS) is a software solution that helps companie… #

YMS systems track trailer locations, optimize yard space utilization, and streamline inbound and outbound transportation activities.

22 #

Zone Picking

Zone Picking</b is an order picking method where warehouse pickers are assign… #

Zone picking helps improve picking efficiency by reducing travel time and minimizing congestion in the picking area.

23 #

ABC Analysis

ABC Analysis</b is a method of categorizing inventory items based on their va… #

Items are classified into three categories: A (high-value items), B (medium-value items), and C (low-value items). ABC Analysis helps prioritize inventory management efforts and optimize stock levels.

24 #

AS/RS Crane

An AS/RS Crane is a type of automated equipment used in an Automated Stor… #

AS/RS cranes can operate vertically and horizontally, maximizing storage density and retrieval speed.

25 #

Batch Picking

Batch Picking</b is an order picking method where multiple orders are picked… #

Batch picking helps improve picking efficiency by reducing travel time and consolidating similar items into one pick list.

26 #

Carton Flow Rack

A Carton Flow Rack is a storage system designed to store cartons or boxes… #

Carton flow racks use gravity to move items to the picking face, facilitating fast and efficient order picking in warehouses with high-volume SKU turnover.

27 #

Dead Inventory

Dead Inventory</b refers to goods that are obsolete, damaged, or no longer in… #

Dead inventory should be identified, removed, or liquidated to free up space for more profitable products and improve inventory turnover rates.

28. End #

to-End Supply Chain

An End #

to-End Supply Chain refers to the entire network of companies, processes, and activities involved in delivering goods from raw material suppliers to end customers. An end-to-end supply chain encompasses sourcing, manufacturing, warehousing, transportation, and distribution to ensure seamless product flow.

29 #

Fulfillment Center

A Fulfillment Center is a facility where orders are received, processed,… #

Fulfillment centers play a crucial role in e-commerce and omnichannel retail operations, ensuring timely and accurate order fulfillment to meet customer expectations.

30. Goods #

to-Person (G2P)

Goods #

to-Person (G2P)

31. High #

Density Storage

High #

Density Storage

32 #

Inbound Logistics

Inbound Logistics</b involves managing the movement of goods and materials in… #

Inbound logistics activities include receiving shipments, inspecting goods, storing inventory, and preparing items for outbound distribution to customers.

33 #

Jidoka

Jidoka</b, or automation with a human touch, is a lean manufacturing principl… #

Jidoka helps prevent defects from being passed down the production line, ensuring that only high-quality products are delivered to customers.

34 #

Kanban System

A Kanban System is a visual scheduling tool used to control inventory lev… #

Kanban cards signal when to replenish stock or produce more items, helping to maintain efficient production processes and minimize waste.

35 #

Lean Six Sigma

Lean Six Sigma</b is a methodology that combines lean principles with Six Sig… #

Lean Six Sigma techniques, such as value stream mapping and DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control), are applied in warehousing and material handling to drive continuous improvement.

36. Mixed #

Model Sequencing

Mixed #

Model Sequencing

37. Non #

Conveyable Items

Non #

Conveyable Items

38 #

Order Cycle Time

Order Cycle Time</b is the total time it takes for a customer order to be pro… #

Monitoring order cycle time helps identify bottlenecks, streamline processes, and improve customer satisfaction by delivering orders faster and more accurately.

39 #

Pick Pack Ship

Pick Pack Ship</b is a fulfillment process where warehouse operators pick ite… #

Pick pack ship operations involve order picking, packing, labeling, and manifesting to ensure accurate and timely order fulfillment.

40 #

Quality Inspection

Quality Inspection</b is the process of examining products to ensure they mee… #

Quality inspections are conducted at various stages of the supply chain, including receiving, manufacturing, and shipping, to identify defects and prevent non-conforming products from reaching customers.

41 #

Reverse Logistics

Reverse Logistics</b involves managing the flow of goods from the customer ba… #

Reverse logistics activities include product recalls, warranty repairs, and end-of-life product disposition to minimize waste and maximize value recovery.

42 #

SKU (Stock Keeping Unit)

A SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) is a unique code or number assigned to a speci… #

SKUs help distinguish between different products, variants, or sizes in a warehouse and facilitate accurate inventory management and order fulfillment.

43 #

Takt Time

Takt Time</b is the rate at which a product must be produced to meet customer… #

Takt time is calculated by dividing available production time by customer demand, helping to set production goals, balance workloads, and eliminate overproduction.

44. U #

Boat

A U #

Boat is a wheeled cart with a U-shaped handle used to transport goods, supplies, or equipment in a warehouse or retail environment. U-boats are commonly used for order picking, restocking shelves, and moving items between storage areas, improving efficiency and reducing manual handling.

45 #

Value Stream Mapping

Value Stream Mapping</b is a lean manufacturing tool that visualizes the flow… #

Value stream maps identify value-added and non-value-added activities, bottlenecks, and waste, helping organizations streamline processes, reduce lead times, and improve overall efficiency.

46 #

Wave Picking

Wave Picking</b is an order picking method where multiple orders are grouped… #

Wave picking helps optimize picking efficiency by consolidating orders, reducing travel time, and improving picker productivity in warehouses with high order volumes.

47. X #

Dimension

The X #

Dimension is a measurement used to determine the size and spacing of barcode symbols in a barcode. The X-dimension represents the width of the narrowest element in the barcode, ensuring that the barcode is scannable and readable by barcode scanners.

48 #

Yard Jockey

A Yard Jockey is a specialized truck driver responsible for moving traile… #

Yard jockeys help optimize trailer movement, organize the yard layout, and facilitate efficient loading and unloading operations to streamline inbound and outbound logistics.

49 #

Zero Defects

Zero Defects</b is a quality management approach that aims to eliminate defec… #

Zero defects programs focus on preventing defects at the source, empowering employees to identify and resolve quality issues, and continuously improving processes to achieve perfect quality outcomes.