Logistic Glossary

Adaptive User Interfaces

Workflows can modify what screens and options appear on warehouse devices

APS (Advanced Planning and Scheduling)

Software used to align production plans and warehouse operations for optimal efficiency.

API (Application Programming Interface)

A set of protocols enabling WMS integration with other software tools like ERP or TMS.

Barcode

A machine-readable code used to identify and track products, pallets, or shipments in the supply chain.

Bill of Materials

A detailed list of raw materials, components, and assemblies required to manufacture a product. Also used for a fulfillment order.

Bin

A reusable container used for storing, transporting, or sorting goods within a warehouse or fulfillment center. The term can also refer to a defined storage location used to hold and organize inventory.

Bonded warehouse

A storage facility where goods are held under customs control until duties or taxes are paid or the goods are legally cleared.

Bundling

The process of combining multiple products or shipments into one package or pallet to optimize shipping and handling.

Carrier

A company or individual responsible for transporting goods (e.g., CEP, trucking companies, airlines, shipping lines).

Collection Movements

Collection movements group multiple related movements that should be executed in a specific sequence.

Consolidation

Combining shipments or SKUs to optimize space and reduce transport costs.

Context-Aware Instructions

Cross-Docking

A logistics practice where incoming goods are immediately sorted and shipped out with little or no storage time, reducing handling and storage costs.

Cycle Counting

A method of auditing inventory accuracy without a full stocktake.

CEP

Courier, Express and Parcel delvery service providers.

Detention

Charges for delays in loading/unloading at docks managed by WMS.

Dynamic Repository

Movable storage units that can be repositioned within the warehouse using Repository Movements.

EDI Exchange

Standard for automating data exchanges between WMS and partners.

EAN (European Article Number)

A standardized 13-digit barcode used internationally to identify products at the point of sale and in logistics systems. It enables efficient tracking, scanning, and inventory management across supply chains.

FIFO (First In, First Out)

Inventory method where older stock is shipped first. Commonly used for perishable goods or products with expiration dates to reduce spoilage or obsolescence.

FILO (First In, Last Out)

An inventory management method where the first items stored are the last ones to be picked or shipped. Often used when product freshness or expiry isn’t a concern (e.g., stacking boxes in a truck or container).

Goods Receipt

The process of confirming the arrival of goods at a warehouse or facility.

Go-Live

The official launch date when a logistics system, warehouse, or process becomes operational.

Handling Costs

Expenses related to physically handling goods within a warehouse.

Inbound Logistics

Inbound shipment management within the WMS, including receiving.

Intermodal Transportation

Use of multiple transport modes, coordinated through WMS and TMS.

Item Movement

Movements facilitate the transfer of goods from one location to another.

Joint Distribution

A logistics strategy where multiple companies share distribution resources (e.g., warehouses or delivery networks) to reduce costs.

JIT (Just-in-Time)

An inventory strategy where materials and products are delivered exactly when needed to reduce storage costs and waste.

Just-in-Sequence

A refinement of Just-in-Time (JIT) where components are delivered not only on time but in the exact order needed for production.

Kanban

A visual system for managing inventory and workflow, often using cards or signals to trigger replenishment.

Kitting

The process of gathering and packaging individual items into a single unit or kit, often used in assembly or fulfillment.

Landed Costs

The full cost of goods including handling and warehousing fees.

Lead Time

Time from order placement to fulfillment, tracked in WMS.

LTL (Less-Than-Truckload)

Shipments not large enough to fill a truck - managed in WMS scheduling.

LIFO (Last In, First Out)

Inventory method where newest stock is shipped first.

Milk Run

A delivery method where one vehicle makes multiple pickups or deliveries in a single trip to improve efficiency.

Movement Tracking

Movement tracking gives full visibility and control over item flows, supports planning, and ensures smooth, sequenced operations.

MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity)

The smallest quantity of a product that a supplier will accept for a single order.

MHE (Material Handling Equipment)

Tools, vehicles, and machines used to move, store, control, and protect materials within a warehouse or logistics facility. Examples include forklifts, conveyors, pallet jacks, AMRs or shelving systems.

Network Analysis

Analyzing the warehouse’s layout, flow, and throughput for efficiency.

OTIF (On-Time In-Full)

WMS metric showing how many orders are delivered on time and complete.

Outbound Logistics

The outbound flow of goods, picked and packed in the WMS.

Packing List

Detailed list of goods included in an order, created by the WMS.

Pick and Pack

Warehouse process of selecting items and preparing orders for shipment.

POD (Proof of Delivery)

Confirmation that a delivery was completed - logged in WMS.

PO (Purchase Order)

Official document initiating a product order handled in WMS.

Point-in-Time Inventory Queries

The system lets you view inventory data from any point in time, helping you audit, trace movements, and spot trends more easily.

Quality Control (QC)

The process of inspecting and verifying that products meet defined standards before they are shipped or stored.

Quantity

The measurable amount or number of units of a product or item, often used in inventory, orders, and shipments.

Quotation / Quote

A formal statement provided by a service provider detailing the estimated cost of services.

Real Repositories

Physically store and track goods.

Repositories

Repositories store goods, and anything that holds goods can be considered a repository. Examples include warehouses, zones, forklifts, shelves, bins, and boxes.

Repository Movement

Repository movements apply only to dynamic repositories. When created, the system checks if the outgoing repository has enough stock to complete the transfer.

Routing Guide

A guide defining routing rules and preferred carriers in WMS.

SKU (Stock Keeping Unit)

A unique identifier for each distinct product.

Slotting

Strategically placing products in optimal warehouse locations to improve efficiency.

Static Repository

Fixed storage like shelves or zones that cannot be moved. Used for stable, organized inventory.

Supply Chain Visibility

Ability to monitor inventory across multiple WMS-connected sites.

Track and Trace

Ongoing monitoring of shipments within WMS or external systems.

TMS (Transportation Management System)

A platform that optimizes transport, often integrated with WMS.

Unloading

The process of removing goods from a transport vehicle, such as a truck or container.

UOM (Unit of Measure)

The standard unit used to quantify inventory (e.g., pieces, kilograms, liters, pallets).

UPC (Universal Product Code)

A barcode used to identify and track retail products in supply chains and point-of-sale systems.

Utilization

A measure of how effectively a resource (e.g., warehouse space, transport vehicle) is being used.

Velocity

The speed of item movement through the warehouse system.

Virtual Repositories

Virtual locations from which stock can be allocated without tracking.

Warehouse Network

The collective group of warehouse locations managed via WMS.

Wave Picking

Grouping multiple orders into waves to optimize picking routes.

WMS (Warehouse Management System)

A software solution that manages and optimizes daily warehouse operations like inventory tracking, order picking, receiving, and shipping.

XML (eXtensible Markup Language)

A data format used in logistics systems to exchange structured information between different software systems (e.g., shipment data, orders).

Yard Management

The process of managing and tracking trucks, trailers, and containers in the yard area of a warehouse or distribution center.

Yield

Output or efficiency of a process - often used in manufacturing to indicate the percentage of usable product.

Zone Picking

Assigning pickers to specific warehouse zones.