Step into the realm of logistics with this comprehensive glossary of terms used in a warehouse. These terms are essential to successfully navigating the intricacies of inventory management and order fulfillment.
Glossary of Warehouse Terms
This glossary provides a concise reference for the key terms in warehouse management. From inventory and storage to order fulfillment and safety, these terms offer insight into the intricacies of efficient warehouse operations.
Inventory:
- Stock: The total quantity of goods held in a warehouse.
- SKU (Stock Keeping Unit): A unique identifier for each distinct product and its variants.
- Safety Stock: Extra inventory held to mitigate the risk of stockouts.
- Stockouts: Situations in which a warehouse runs out of inventory for a particular product.
Storage:
- Racking System: Storage system with shelves or pallets to organize and store goods.
- Pallet: A portable platform with both a top and bottom deck for storing and transporting goods.
- Bin Location: A specific storage location for items within the warehouse.
- Bulk Storage: Warehousing strategy for large quantities of unpackaged goods.
Order Fulfillment:
- Pick and Pack: The process of selecting items from inventory and packing them for shipment.
- Picking List: A document that specifies the items and quantities to be picked for an order.
- Cross-Docking: Direct transfer of goods from inbound to outbound shipping with minimal storage time.
Equipment:
- Forklift: A powered industrial truck used to lift and move materials.
- Conveyor: Mechanical system for moving goods from one location to another.
- Pallet Jack: Manual or powered equipment for moving pallets within a warehouse.
- AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle): Self-guided, driverless vehicle used for material handling.
Operations:
- Cycle Count: Regular and periodic counting of a portion of inventory to ensure accuracy.
- Receiving: Process of accepting and checking incoming shipments.
- Dispatch: The act of sending out goods for delivery to customers.
- Kitting: Combining multiple items into a single kit for sale or shipment.
Technology:
- WMS (Warehouse Management System): Software that helps manage and optimize warehouse operations.
- Barcode Scanner: Device used to scan barcodes on products for tracking and inventory purposes.
- RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification): Technology for tracking and identifying items using radio waves.
- Voice Picking: System that guides warehouse workers through picking tasks using voice commands.
Quality Control:
- Inspection: The process of examining goods for quality and accuracy upon receipt.
- Returns Processing: Handling and assessing returned items to determine their status.
- QA (Quality Assurance): Systematic process to ensure products meet specified standards.
Safety:
- Safety Barriers: Physical barriers or guards to prevent accidents in the warehouse.
- MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet): Document containing information on the properties and hazards of materials.
- Ergonomics: Designing the workplace to optimize human well-being and performance.
Transportation:
- Dock: Area where trucks are loaded and unloaded.
- Shipping Carrier: Company responsible for transporting goods to customers.
- Last Mile Delivery: Final leg of the delivery process to the end-user.
Space Utilization:
- Cubiscan: Technology used to measure and optimize storage space by determining the dimensions of products.
- Vertical Storage: Maximizing space by utilizing vertical shelving and racks.
Whether you're a novice or a seasoned professional, this compilation of terms will serve as a handy guide to navigate the language of the warehouse environment.
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