Glossary

A 3D matrix solution is a multi-dimensional storage and buffer system that dynamically manages load units in the X, Y, and Z directions, enabling significantly higher space utilization than conventional systems.

3PL (Third Party Logistics) refers to the outsourcing of operational logistics processes – such as warehousing, order picking, or transportation – to an external service provider. The company retains strategic responsibility, while the 3PL vendor handles operational execution.

4PL (Fourth Party Logistics) refers to a logistics model in which an external partner coordinates the entire supply chain and manages multiple 3PL providers and carriers without performing any physical transport or warehousing services itself.

ABC analysis is a method for classifying items, vendors, or processes into three priority classes (A, B, C) based on their economic significance. It forms the basis for differentiated decision-making in warehousing, inventory management, and procurement.

AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) refers to driverless transport vehicles that automatically move goods in warehouses and production environments. They follow predefined or sensor-controlled routes without a human driver.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to systems that learn from data, recognize patterns, and on this basis support or automate decisions.

An Automated Small Parts Warehouse (AKL) is a fully mechanized storage system for bins, trays, or cartons that automates the goods-to-person process using aisle-captive storage and retrieval machines or shuttles.

AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot) is a driverless, self-navigating transport robot that moves goods within a warehouse without any fixed installed infrastructure. It orientates itself independently using sensors and digital maps, and dynamically avoids obstacles.

An API (Application Programming Interface) is a defined interface through which two software systems can exchange data in an automated and standardized way. In intralogistics, it connects systems such as WMS, ERP, or TMS with one another and with external services.

Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology that overlays digital information onto the real field of view in real time. In intralogistics, AR is used primarily in picking, maintenance and training.

The unloading point is the precisely defined location where a delivery is physically unloaded — such as a dock, a warehouse gate, or a marked bay. It forms the spatial foundation for inbound logistics and must be clearly specified in delivery agreements.

The acceptance process (FAT/SAT) comprises two consecutive test phases used to verify that intralogistics systems comply with contractual requirements before commissioning.

Distribution logistics encompasses all logistical processes that ensure the flow of goods from the company to the end customer. It includes warehousing, transportation, order fulfillment, and service level management in the outbound area.

Sales planning refers to the systematic forecasting of future sales volumes for defined products, regions, or channels. It forms the foundation for all downstream planning processes in production, procurement, and logistics.

The sales forecast estimates future demand for products or items over a defined period. It forms the basis for inventory, capacity, and procurement planning in logistics and purchasing.

Airport Billing Systems are software-based billing solutions that capture, calculate, and invoice all chargeable services at airports – from handling and storage to security checks and infrastructure usage.

An actuator is a technical component that converts electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic control signals into mechanical movement or force. In intralogistics, actuators control conveyor belts, diverters, grippers, and lifting elements in automated systems.

Acoustic order picking is a paperless picking method in which warehouse employees receive pick instructions via voice and confirm each step using spoken responses. Both hands remain free throughout the actual picking process.

A pallet truck (colloquially known as a "pump truck" or "hand truck"

An item is the smallest uniquely identifiable unit in warehousing, procurement, and ERP – described by master data such as name, dimensions, weight, and identification numbers. It forms the basis for planning, order picking, and inventory management.

The item description is the human-readable name of an item in the inventory management or warehouse management system. It helps people in purchasing, logistics, and planning to quickly identify an item and distinguish it from others.

The item unit defines the unit of measure in which an item is managed, posted, and handled within the system. It forms the basis for consistent inventory management, picking, and pricing.

Item classification refers to the systematic categorization of items based on defined criteria such as value, turnover frequency, storage requirements, or hazardous material characteristics. It forms the foundation for differentiated warehousing, procurement, and picking processes.

The item number is an internally assigned, unique identifier that unambiguously identifies an article within the inventory management and warehouse system. It forms the basis for postings, purchase orders, and communication between purchasing, warehousing, and production.

The item master is the central data repository that permanently stores all logistically and commercially relevant features of an item. It forms the basis for warehousing, inventory planning, picking, and billing.

Item master data refers to the permanently valid base data of an item – such as dimensions, weight, packaging units, hazardous goods classification, and best-before date relevance. It forms the foundation for all logistical, procurement-related, and system-driven processes along the supply chain.

The tasks of logistics encompass the planning, control, and execution of all goods, information, and value flows along the supply chain. These typically include procurement, warehousing, transportation, distribution, and disposal.

A semi-trailer is the non-self-propelled trailer component of an articulated truck that rests on the tractor unit and is pulled by it. It forms the central transport unit in long-distance haulage and is available in various configurations for different types of cargo.

Order fulfillment refers to the complete process from receiving a customer order through to its successful delivery and invoicing. It encompasses all operational and administrative steps required to fulfill an order on time and without errors.

The order type classifies an order according to its process logic and thereby determines which workflows, priorities, and rules apply in the warehouse management or ERP system. Typical examples include customer order, stock transfer, return, or sample order.

Order throughput time refers to the total time from the receipt of an order to its dispatch to the recipient. It encompasses all waiting, processing, and internal transport steps, and serves as a key indicator of the performance of a warehouse or fulfillment process.

Make-to-order refers to a production model in which the manufacture of a product does not begin until a specific customer order has been received. Unlike make-to-stock production, goods are produced individually for each customer and demand-driven.

Order management refers to the systematic control and monitoring of orders throughout their entire lifecycle – from capture through prioritization and status tracking to completion. It forms the operational link between sales, logistics, purchasing, and IT.

Order line items are the individual lines within an order, each describing an article, a quantity, and supplementary delivery conditions. They form the smallest controllable unit in order processing and serve as the basis for picking, procurement, and invoicing.

Augmented Reality (AR) overlays the real environment in real time with digital information such as text, graphics, or 3D models. In intralogistics, AR primarily supports picking, maintenance, and the onboarding of new employees.

Retrieval refers to the physical process by which goods or load units are removed from a storage area and transferred to a downstream process – such as picking or shipping.

Logistics tender management refers to the structured overall process by which companies solicit bids for logistics services or systems on the market, make offers comparable, and prepare a well-founded award decision.

AutoStore is a cube-based automated storage system in which driverless robots traverse an aluminum grid to stack plastic bins and retrieve them on demand for delivery to picking ports. The system is considered one of the most space-efficient automated small-parts warehouses available for standardized bin-compatible goods.

The AutoStore storage system is a fully automated cube storage system in which robots stack, retrieve, and transport plastic bins across a three-dimensional grid structure to stationary picking stations.

An automated warehouse is a fully or partially automated storage system in which the receipt, retrieval, transport and management of storage units are carried out without manual intervention, using conveyor technology, storage and retrieval machines, and a higher-level control software.

An automation panel is an industrial-grade operator panel that serves as an HMI interface between operating personnel and automated systems in intralogistics. It enables manual control, monitoring, and parameterization of conveyor, storage, and picking systems directly on-site.

The Automated Small Parts Warehouse (AKL) is a fully automated storage system for totes, trays and small parts, in which storage and retrieval operations are performed without manual intervention by stacker cranes or shuttle systems.

Automation refers to the use of technologies and systems to execute processes fully or partially without human intervention. In intralogistics, the spectrum ranges from simple conveyor systems to fully automated high-bay warehouses with autonomous vehicles.

Avis AI refers to the use of artificial intelligence for the automated detection, extraction, and processing of delivery notifications from various incoming channels such as email, PDF, or EDI. It reduces manual data entry effort and improves data quality in goods receipt.

Pre-advice refers to the advance notification of a delivery by the supplier to the recipient before the goods arrive. It enables the warehouse to plan staffing, dock capacity, and put-away processes in a timely manner.

A BDE system (operational data collection system) captures machine and manual process data in real time directly at the source – such as at machines, conveyor systems, or workstations.

BDE terminals are stationary or mobile devices used for operational data capture, enabling employees at workstations, machines, or warehouse areas to digitally record process, time, and quantity data directly at the point of origin.

Business Intelligence (BI) refers to the systematic collection, preparation, and analysis of company data to support informed decision-making in logistics and supply chain management.

The Balanced Scorecard is a performance measurement system for holistic business management that links financial and non-financial objectives across four perspectives.

A barcode is a machine-readable optical code that represents information as a pattern of bars and spaces or as a two-dimensional matrix. It enables the automatic identification of items, load carriers, and documents along the entire supply chain.

A barcode scanner is an optical reading device that captures printed barcodes and converts them into machine-readable data. It is used in intralogistics for the seamless identification of goods, load carriers, and storage locations.

Batch picking is a method in which multiple customer orders are consolidated into a single pick run. This allows the picker to travel one route while simultaneously covering positions from different orders.

Requirements planning refers to the systematic process by which an organization's future material or goods requirements are determined in terms of quantity and timing. It forms the basis for inventory management, procurement, and warehouse planning.

The demand quantity refers to the quantity of an item required at a specific point in time or within a planning period. It forms the basis for ordering decisions, inventory planning, and production planning.

Demand planning refers to the systematic process by which a company determines what quantities of materials, goods, or resources are needed and when. It forms the foundation for inventory management, procurement, and warehouse planning.

Touch operator terminals are stationary or mobile input devices that use a touchscreen to enable direct interaction with warehouse management and control systems.

Paperless picking refers to the assembly of orders in the warehouse without paper pick lists, where all instructions are transmitted digitally via terminals, displays, voice, or optical signals.

Procurement refers to the systematic process by which a company sources materials, goods, and services from external suppliers. It encompasses all steps from requirements identification through vendor selection to order placement and goods receipt monitoring.

Procurement logistics encompasses all logistical processes that manage the flow of materials from suppliers through to handover at the warehouse or production facility. It connects purchasing, transportation, and goods receipt into a seamless inbound process.

Procurement planning refers to the process by which a company systematically determines which materials or goods need to be sourced, in what quantities, at what time, and from which suppliers.

Best-of-Breed refers to an IT strategy in which the highest-performing specialist solution is selected for each function within the organization — rather than deploying a single suite from one vendor.

Best-of-Breed refers to an IT strategy in which the most specialized individual system is selected for each logistics process – as opposed to Best-of-Suite, where an integrated platform from a single vendor covers multiple processes.

In logistics, inventory refers to the quantity of goods physically present or recorded in accounting at a specific point in time – including raw materials, semi-finished goods, and finished products. It is a key control variable because it ties up capital while simultaneously ensuring the ability to deliver.

Inventory controlling refers to the systematic monitoring, analysis, and management of stock levels using defined key performance indicators. It connects logistics and procurement to reduce tied-up capital and ensure delivery capability.

Inventory management refers to the system-supported administration and continuous updating of all warehouse and material stocks within a company. It forms the basis for planning, procurement and accounting – and ensures that the book inventory and physical inventory are in agreement at all times.

Inventory management refers to the systematic planning, control, and monitoring of stock levels across the entire supply chain. The goal is to ensure delivery capability while keeping capital commitment and warehousing costs within economically viable limits.

Inventory accuracy refers to the degree to which the book inventory and the actual physical stock in the warehouse match. High inventory accuracy prevents shortages, excess stock, and faulty replenishment decisions.

Inventory accuracy in the warehouse refers to the correspondence between stock levels recorded in the system and those physically present. It is a central quality benchmark for warehouse processes and the foundation for reliable delivery capability.

The reorder point method is a replenishment procedure in which an order is automatically triggered as soon as the current stock level falls below a predefined reorder point.

Movement data captures all transactions and physical goods movements in the logistics process – from goods receipt and stock transfers to dispatch. It contains timestamps, quantities, locations and the units involved, and forms the basis for transparency, control and analysis in warehouse and…

Blockchain is a cryptographically linked, distributed data structure in which transactions are stored in a tamper-resistant manner and are traceable by all participants.

A block storage system is a storage method in which load units — typically pallets — are stacked directly on the floor in rows and blocks without any racking structure.

Floor storage refers to the storage of goods directly on the floor, without the use of racking systems. Pallets, stacks, or marked floor positions serve as the basic structure for area organization.

Curbside denotes the minimum delivery option, in which goods are delivered only to the pavement or in front of the recipient's building – without carrying items inside, without placement, and without installation.

Bottleneck analysis identifies the process step with the lowest capacity in a logistics system, making the limiting factor for overall throughput visible.

Brown goods refers to consumer electronics products – such as televisions, audio systems, or gaming consoles – and is a common trade term used for product category segmentation.

A break bulk point is a transshipment node in a logistics network where large shipments or full loads are split into smaller units and sorted for regional onward distribution. It sits between the entry node of a transport network and the final recipients.

Brownfield logistics refers to the modernization, expansion, or restructuring of existing warehouse and logistics sites during ongoing operations. In contrast to the greenfield approach, it involves working with existing building structures, infrastructure, and technology.

"Bundesverband Logistik"

The Business Case Automation evaluates, from an economic and operational perspective, whether an investment in warehouse or intralogistics automation is justified. It summarizes costs, benefits, risks, and assumptions in a structured way, forming the basis for management approval decisions.

A C-conveyor is a conveyor technology element – typically a chain conveyor – whose mechanical structure describes a characteristic C-shape and which is used for transporting pallets or heavy load carriers in automated intralogistics systems.

CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) is an Incoterms delivery clause under which the seller bears the transport costs and insurance up to the agreed port of destination. However, the transfer of risk to the buyer occurs at the point of loading at the port of origin.

The CO₂ balance in logistics captures and quantifies all greenhouse gas emissions arising along the logistics process chain – from transport and warehousing to upstream and downstream activities.

CapEx (Capital Expenditures) refers to investment expenditures for long-term assets such as plant, machinery, or IT infrastructure. These expenditures are capitalized and depreciated over their useful life, rather than being recorded immediately as an expense.

Cargo Handling refers to the physical processing of freight at transshipment points such as ports, terminals, hubs, or warehouses. It encompasses all operational activities from loading and unloading through sorting to cargo securing.

A carrier is a transport service provider that physically moves goods from a point of origin to a destination. It assumes operational responsibility for the actual transport – as opposed to freight forwarders or logistics service providers, who often only coordinate.

Chaotic storage is a warehousing principle in which items are not stored in fixed, pre-assigned locations, but are instead dynamically placed in any available, suitable slot in the warehouse. A warehouse management system handles the control and tracking of all storage locations.

A batch is a uniquely identifiable quantity of products manufactured or processed under identical conditions. It forms the basis for traceability, quality control, and legally required recall processes throughout the entire supply chain.

Batch traceability refers to the complete and uninterrupted trackability of products and materials along the supply chain based on their batch assignment. It enables companies to quickly identify and selectively block all affected quantities in the event of a quality issue or recall.

Cloud computing for logistics refers to the operation of logistics software and data platforms via external cloud services instead of on-premises data centers. Typical applications include warehouse management systems, transportation management systems, track-and-trace, as well as BI and integration platforms.

Colli refers to a single package within a shipment – such as a carton, a crate, or a bundle. The number of colli represents the package count in shipping documents and serves as the basis for labeling, loading, and freight billing.

Compliance refers to adherence to legal regulations, regulatory requirements, internal policies, and contractual obligations.

Computers in continuous operation refers to IT hardware used in logistics and production environments around the clock without planned shutdown windows. Suitable devices are designed for continuous operation, harsh conditions, and long lifecycles.

Container logistics refers to the planning, control, and execution of all processes related to the transport and handling of freight containers – from pre-carriage through ocean freight to on-carriage.

Corlette refers to an industry-specific metal load carrier or carrier frame used in goods handling and warehouse logistics. As the term is not governed by a uniform standard, dimensions, load capacity and handling rules must be defined as binding specifications within each respective network.

Corletten is the plural of Corlette and refers to specialized, often industry-specific metal carriers or frames used as load carriers in the goods cycle. Since no uniform standard exists, individual specifications regarding dimensions, load capacity, and stackability are essential.

Cost-to-Serve refers to the total costs incurred to fully serve a specific customer, customer segment, or order. The metric consolidates all relevant cost components along the order fulfillment process and enables cause-based cost allocation.

Cross-docking is a logistics method in which goods are transferred directly from inbound to outbound transport at a transshipment point, without going through conventional put-away and storage.

Cross-docking refers to a goods handling process in which items are transferred directly from inbound receiving to outbound shipping without interim storage. The goal is to reduce throughput times and avoid warehousing costs.

A cube system is a high-density, grid-based storage system in which bins are stacked in a three-dimensional grid and moved by robots. It is particularly suited for small to medium-sized items with high throughput in limited storage space.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) refers to a strategy and software system for the structured management of customer relationships, including contact data, interactions, quotes, and service cases.

Customer Experience Management (CEM) refers to the systematic design, control, and measurement of all customer experiences across the entire customer journey.

The cut-off time is the latest point by which an order must be received in order to be processed, picked, or shipped on the same day. Orders arriving after this time are generally not considered until the next processing cycle.

DACH refers to the economic region comprising Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, derived from the country codes D, A, and CH. In intralogistics and supply chain planning, the term is used to address networks, legal matters, and transport structures for this German-speaking tri-country area collectively…

DESADV (Dispatch Advice) is a standardized EDI message in EDIFACT format that electronically announces an upcoming delivery. It transmits structured information on packaging units, items, quantities, and identifiers such as the SSCC to the goods recipient.

Data Matrix is a two-dimensional barcode that stores significantly more information in a very small area than conventional 1D barcodes. Thanks to integrated error correction, it remains reliably readable even when partially damaged or soiled.

Data analysis refers to the systematic evaluation of raw data from logistics and IT systems in order to measure performance indicators, identify the causes of deviations, and make well-informed decisions.

A database is a structured system for the persistent storage, management, and querying of data. In intralogistics, it forms the technical foundation for WMS, ERP, and TMS by reliably maintaining master data, transactional data, and historical records.

Data radio devices are mobile or stationary hardware components that transmit data wirelessly via radio protocols such as WLAN or cellular. In warehouse and transport environments, they form the operational interface between employees and IT systems such as WMS or ERP.

A data radio terminal is a mobile device for wireless data capture and transmission in the warehouse, combining a display, input, and scanner in one unit. It typically communicates with a warehouse management system via Wi-Fi and supports processes such as goods receipt, picking, and inventory counting.

Accounts receivable encompasses all outstanding, unpaid invoices a company holds against its customers. In intralogistics, it is relevant because exceeded credit limits or block statuses can directly prevent delivery releases and halt order processing.

Digital Warehouse refers to a warehouse in which processes, systems and decisions are consistently data-driven and system-guided. Typical building blocks include a warehouse management system, real-time visibility, IoT sensors, mobile data capture and automated optimization logic.

Dimensioning refers to the systematic design of warehouse capacities, material handling equipment, and logistics systems based on volume frameworks, throughput requirements, and peak loads. It forms the planning foundation for investment decisions in intralogistics.

Direct delivery refers to the shipment of goods directly from the vendor to the end customer or production facility, bypassing any intermediate warehouse.

A dispatcher plans, controls, and monitors transport or warehouse processes, ensuring that capacities, deadlines, and costs are aligned. The role combines operational planning with communication and disruption management.

Disposition refers to the operational planning and control of resources, quantities, and orders in logistics – for example in transport or materials disposition. It encompasses capacity assignment, scheduling, prioritization, and response to disruptions.

Dispatching software is a software solution for the operational planning, control, and optimization of transports, routes, and resources in logistics. It helps dispatchers efficiently coordinate orders, capacities, and time windows.

A distribution concept describes the overall structure through which goods move from the warehouse or plant to the customer – including location structure, storage tiers, transport network, service levels, and returns logic. It serves as the operational target picture for logistics processes and network decisions.

A distribution center is a type of warehouse that consolidates goods and prepares them for targeted delivery to customers, branches, or downstream locations.

Distribution logistics encompasses all processes that move goods from the manufacturer or warehouse to the end customer – from network planning through storage and transportation to order fulfillment.

Dock and yard management refers to the system-supported control of all processes at the loading docks and yard area of a warehouse or logistics site. It encompasses time slot scheduling, vehicle check-in, dock assignment, trailer movements, and real-time communication with transport service providers.

In intralogistics, dual cycling refers to an operating strategy in which a storage and retrieval machine or conveying equipment performs both a storage and a retrieval operation within a single travel cycle.

The rotated-stack container is a reusable plastic container that, when empty, can be nested inside one another by rotating 180°, reducing the stack to a fraction of its filled volume. When loaded, the containers can be stacked stably on top of one another.

Dropshipping is a fulfillment model in which the retailer accepts and invoices orders, but the goods are shipped directly from the supplier or manufacturer to the end customer — without the retailer operating their own warehouse or physically handling the merchandise.

A flow rack is a racking system with inclined roller tracks or conveying elements along which pallets or containers slide gravity-assisted from the loading side to the retrieval side.

The average storage duration indicates how many days an item remains in the warehouse on average before it is retrieved or consumed. It is a key metric for assessing inventory turnover speed and tied-up capital costs.

E-commerce refers to the sale of goods or services through digital channels, typically via online shops or marketplaces. For intralogistics, this means small-volume orders, high service expectations, and elevated return rates.

E-Fulfillment refers to the logistical processing of online orders – from order receipt through picking, packing and shipping to returns handling.

The EAN number (European Article Number) is a globally valid, standardized barcode identifier for trade items based on the GS1 system.

EDIFACT (Electronic Data Interchange For Administration, Commerce and Transport) is an internationally standardized UN standard for the structured electronic exchange of business documents between companies.

EPAL (European Pallet Association) is the system that defines specifications, quality requirements, and exchange rules for standardized Euro pallets and organizes their use in the open pallet pool.

ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) refers to an integrated software platform that maps core business processes such as purchasing, warehousing, production, sales, and finance within a shared system.

ERP Getränke refers to an ERP system or industry-specific module that covers the particular requirements of beverage trading and beverage production. Core functions include deposit management, packaging unit management, returnable container cycles, and route-based delivery logic.

ERP for wholesale refers to Enterprise Resource Planning systems specifically designed to meet the requirements of wholesale businesses. They cover purchasing, sales, inventory management, order processing, and billing in a single, integrated system.

ERP for food designates Enterprise Resource Planning systems specifically tailored to the requirements of the food industry. They map core functions such as batch and best-before date management, traceability, and food-law documentation obligations at the system level.

An ERP terminal is a stationary or mobile device through which users access ERP functions directly — such as goods receipt postings, inventory queries, or shipment recording.

An ERP touch system is a touch-operated device — such as a panel PC or touch terminal — that enables ERP transactions directly at the workstation, for example at goods receipt, packing stations, or in manufacturing.

ERP systems (Enterprise Resource Planning) are company-wide software platforms that consolidate core processes such as purchasing, sales, production, warehousing, and finance in a single integrated database.

ESG logistics refers to the systematic management of environmental, social, and governance requirements in logistics operations and along the supply chain. The term brings together topics such as CO₂ emissions, occupational safety, supply chain risks, and regulatory reporting obligations into an integrated…

EWM (Extended Warehouse Management) is the SAP module for sophisticated warehouse management with deep process coverage. It addresses complex intralogistics requirements that a standard WMS cannot meet.

Levels in logistics refer to the hierarchical structuring of logistical systems – for example in packaging units, warehouse structures, or process chains. Clear level definitions are a prerequisite for processes to be mapped in a system-compatible way, scanned, and automated.

A panel-mount PC with touch is an industrial computer with an integrated touch display that is installed flush or as a panel in machines, control cabinets, or workstations.

Panel mount monitors are displays permanently integrated into machines, workstations, or vehicles to show process information such as WMS dialogs, HMI interfaces, or dashboards.

A drive-in racking system is a racking system in which forklifts drive directly into the racking structure to store or retrieve pallets in multi-deep storage channels. It offers very high storage density but operates predominantly on the LIFO principle.

Putaway refers to the process by which goods are assigned to a storage location after goods receipt and physically transported there. The process includes identification, status assignment, location determination, physical transport, and system-side posting.

A push-in rack is a shelving system in which load carriers such as bins or cartons are slid into guided compartments. It is particularly suitable for standardized small parts and enables organized, space-efficient storage with defined access.

A one-way pallet is a pallet designed exclusively for a single transport cycle, after which it is disposed of or recycled. It is not intended for exchange within a pool system, which fundamentally distinguishes it from reusable pallets such as the EPAL pallet.

The electronic signature is a digital method by which persons or systems confirm the authenticity and integrity of a document or transaction.

An embedded PC is a compact computer permanently integrated into machines, control cabinets, or automation environments to perform dedicated, predefined tasks. It is designed for long-term stability, minimal maintenance, and robust industrial suitability.

End-to-end visibility refers to the seamless visibility of all material, information, and status flows along a supply chain – from the source of goods to delivery to the customer. It encompasses inventories, orders, transports, and events across system boundaries and business partners.

Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) refers to the systematic management of physical assets across their entire lifecycle – from procurement through operation and maintenance to decommissioning.

Disposal logistics refers to all processes involved in the collection, transport, storage, and recycling or disposal of waste and residual materials generated within a company.

Spare parts logistics refers to the planning, storage and provision of spare parts with the goal of returning failed equipment or products to operation as quickly as possible.

Labels are identification carriers made of paper, film, or similar materials that are applied to items, containers, storage locations, or shipments.

The Euro pallet is a standardized wooden load carrier with dimensions of 1200 × 800 mm, used as a reusable pallet for transport and storage throughout Europe. It is considered the most widely used pallet standard in European supply chains.

An exoskeleton is a wearable assistive system that reduces musculoskeletal strain during physical work. In intralogistics, exoskeletons are used to support employees during lifting, carrying, and overhead tasks.

e-logistics refers to the digital control and networking of logistical processes using electronic platforms, interfaces, and data-based tools.

The Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) is a formal acceptance test in which a system or installation is checked at the manufacturer's site for functionality, completeness, and contractual compliance. It is considered a central milestone in the procurement project before the system is delivered to the operator.

FIFO (First In – First Out) is a warehousing principle in which the goods stored first are also retrieved first. It protects against inventory obsolescence and is a key control principle, particularly for goods with limited shelf life or batch tracking requirements.

An Automated Guided Vehicle System (AGVS) is a complete system of automatically controlled vehicles, infrastructure, and control software that transports goods within a facility without human drivers.

A shelving unit is a modular racking system consisting of frames and horizontal shelves, used for the manual storage and picking of cartons, containers, and small parts. It is characterized by flexible configurability and easy expandability.

An Automated Guided Vehicle system (AGV system) is a system of automated industrial vehicles that transport goods independently within buildings or on company premises, without any manual vehicle operation.

A shortfall refers to the difference between an expected or required quantity of an item and the quantity actually available. It occurs when a specific demand — such as in picking, production, or goods receipt — cannot be fully met.

The fill rate indicates what percentage of the ordered quantity or order lines can be fulfilled immediately and completely from available stock. It is a key metric for delivery capability in inventory and order management.

Fleet management refers to the holistic planning, control, and monitoring of a company's vehicle fleet – from procurement through daily operations to cost control.

Industrial trucks are vehicles for in-house transport and lifting of loads, including forklifts, pallet trucks, and reach stackers. They form the backbone of manual warehousing and transport processes in manufacturing, retail, and logistics.

Industrial trucks is a collective term for all devices and vehicles that transport, lift, or handle goods within facilities, warehouses, and production sites. It encompasses both manual aids and powered vehicles as well as automated systems.

A bill of lading is a transport document that evidences the contract of carriage between the consignor and the carrier, and contains all essential shipment data such as consignee, description of goods, weight and transport conditions.

Freight refers to the goods or consignment transported as part of a shipping order. Characteristics such as weight, volume, packaging, and hazardous goods classification determine the respective transport requirements.

Freight rates are the contractually agreed prices for transport services, on the basis of which actual freight costs are calculated. They form the foundation for carrier selection, budget planning, and the management of overall transport costs within a company.

Fresh logistics encompasses all logistical processes for fresh and perishable goods, where temperature control, short throughput times, and end-to-end traceability are critical.

Fulfillment refers to the complete operational processing of customer orders – from goods receipt through storage, picking, and shipping to returns handling. The term is used especially in e-commerce and contract logistics.

The fill rate indicates the proportion to which a loading unit, vehicle, or storage area is utilized relative to its maximum capacity. It is typically expressed as a percentage and refers to volume, weight, or storage spaces depending on the context.

The GLN (Global Location Number) is a globally unique, 13-digit number based on the GS1 standard that identifies locations, organizations, and functional areas within the supply chain.

GPS (Global Positioning System) is a satellite-based navigation system that continuously provides geographic position data worldwide. In intralogistics and transport management, it serves as the foundation for real-time tracking of vehicles, shipments, and mobile assets.

The GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) is a globally unique product identification number based on the GS1 standard. It is used at the item, secondary packaging, and pallet level, and forms the basis for barcodes as well as automated data exchange in the supply chain.

A forklift is a motorized industrial truck used for lifting, lowering, and transporting pallets and other loads in warehouses, production facilities, and on company premises.

A packaging unit is a defined packaging or sales unit in which goods are grouped together – for example, a carton, a crate, a sack, or a canister. The packaging unit size plays a decisive role in how a product is stored, picked, and transported.

The transfer of risk designates the point in time at which the risk of loss or damage to goods passes from the seller to the buyer. It is defined by contract and determines who is liable and must maintain insurance at each stage of the transport chain.

Dangerous goods refers to substances and objects that pose a risk to people, the environment, or property during transport and are therefore subject to strict legal regulations.

A hazardous materials warehouse is a specially equipped and officially approved storage area for the safe storage of hazardous substances and dangerous goods.

The hazardous goods regulation is a collective term for statutory frameworks that govern the transport of dangerous goods by mode of transport. It establishes obligations for shippers, carriers and consignees, and covers classification, packaging, labeling, documentation as well as…

A hazardous materials storage area is a defined storage zone for substances that impose special requirements on safety, equipment, and organization under hazardous substances law. It encompasses regulations on storage classes, segregation, containment sumps, ventilation, fire protection, and documentation.

The counterflow method is a layout principle in intralogistics in which material or goods flows are deliberately routed in opposite directions. The goal is to reduce crossings, congestion, and mutual interference in warehouse or production operations.

General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) is a packet-switched mobile communications standard of the second mobile generation (2G/GSM), enabling data transfer rates of typically 20–50 kbit/s.

A pallet cage is a standardized, stackable load carrier made of metal that combines the base dimensions of a Euro pallet with a surrounding mesh frame.

The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based navigation system that transmits the precise geographic position to receiver devices worldwide. In logistics, it forms the technical foundation for vehicle tracking, shipment tracing, and transport planning.

Green Logistics refers to the systematic alignment of logistical processes with ecological sustainability – from transportation and warehousing to packaging and network design.

Green Procurement refers to the management of purchasing processes with the goal of reducing environmental impacts across the entire product lifecycle without compromising supply security.

Greenfield logistics refers to the planning and implementation of a logistics facility on a greenfield site – free from any existing structural, procedural, or technical legacy constraints. Processes, layout, automation, and IT are designed entirely from scratch.

The pick time refers to the portion of the order picking process required for the physical retrieval of an item from its storage location. Along with travel time, search time, and confirmation time, it is one of the four fundamental components of the total picking time.

A grid is the spatial raster structure of a cube-based automated storage system, in which bins are stacked on top of one another and moved by robots. It defines the capacity, footprint, and scalability of the entire system.

SAP HANA is an in-memory database platform from SAP that keeps data entirely in main memory, enabling real-time processing of both analytical and transactional workloads.

HIFO (Highest In – First Out) is a warehouse retrieval principle in which the stock with the highest value of a defined criterion is removed first. The criterion – such as purchase price, quality status, or another feature – must be clearly established before application.

An HMI (Human Machine Interface) is the operator interface through which employees interact with machines, systems, or control systems. It encompasses both the hardware (e.g., touch panels, keyboards) and the software for displaying statuses and entering commands.

A high-bay warehouse (HBW) is an automated or manually operated storage facility with rack heights typically exceeding twelve meters, enabling high storage capacity within a small footprint.

A Handling Unit (HU) is a logistical unit that combines goods and packaging materials into a jointly managed and traceable entity. It forms the basis for storage, transport, and tracking in warehouse management.

Retail logistics refers to all logistics processes that arise in retail – from goods receipt at the central warehouse through store replenishment to the fulfillment of e-commerce orders and returns.

A manual warehouse is a manually operated storage facility in which employees store and retrieve goods themselves without automated conveyor technology. It is particularly suitable for small parts, C-items, and assortments with low turnover.

A Handling Unit (HU) is a logistical unit comprising goods and packaging that is moved as a whole during warehousing and transportation processes and managed systemically with a unique ID. Typical HUs include pallets, cartons, or containers.

A handheld scanner is a mobile device for contactless capture of barcodes and 2D codes such as Data Matrix or QR code. It is used in intralogistics for goods receipt, order picking, stocktaking, and shipping.

Headsets are audio devices used in intralogistics primarily for pick-by-voice applications, enabling workers to pick with their hands free. Wearing comfort, noise cancellation, and durability are the key selection criteria.

A high-bay warehouse is an automated storage facility with racking from approximately twelve meters in height, where stacker cranes automatically store and retrieve pallets.

High-quality industrial computers are rugged computing devices specifically designed for continuous operation in demanding environments such as warehouses, production facilities, or automation systems.

The maximum stock level is the highest permissible storage quantity for an item or item group. It protects against excessive capital tie-up, space overload, and specific storage risks such as expiry or hazardous material quantity limits.

IDoc (Intermediate Document) is a SAP-proprietary data format for the structured, asynchronous exchange of business documents between SAP systems as well as between SAP and third-party systems. It forms the technical foundation for EDI-based integrations in intralogistics and supply chain.

IP protection ratings (Ingress Protection) classify, according to the IEC 60529 standard, how well a device is protected against the ingress of foreign objects, dust, and water. The two-digit code following "IP"

IP69K is a protection class according to DIN EN 60529 that protects devices against high-pressure and steam jet cleaning with hot water. It is considered the most demanding water protection class and is a mandatory requirement wherever devices are exposed to intensive wet cleaning.

IPCs in continuous operation are industrial PCs designed for uninterrupted operation — typically 24/7 or in multi-shift environments — in warehousing, production, and logistics.

IT (information technology) refers to the entirety of all systems, processes and infrastructures used for the electronic capture, processing, storage and transmission of data.

IT/OT infrastructure refers to the combined technical foundation of enterprise-wide information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT), including controllers, sensors, and equipment.

Inbound logistics refers to all processes that control and coordinate the flow of goods from the supplier through to storage in your own warehouse. This includes supplier management, advance shipping notification, goods receipt, incoming goods inspection, and putaway.

Incoterms are internationally standardized trade terms issued by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) that define in the sales contract who bears transportation costs, at what point risk transfers from seller to buyer, and who is responsible for which formalities.

Industrie 4.0 refers to the fourth industrial revolution: the comprehensive digital networking of machines, plants, production and logistics processes using technologies such as the Internet of Things, data analytics and automation.

An Industry 4.0 Panel PC is a rugged industrial computer with an integrated touch display, designed specifically for networked production and logistics environments. It combines traditional operator interface functions with the modern connectivity and security requirements of the connected industry.

An Industry 4.0 terminal is a networked operating and data capture device that displays and processes real-time data in warehouse and production environments and transmits it to higher-level systems.

An Industry 4.0 touch system is a robust, network-capable operating device with a touchscreen designed for industrial and logistics environments. It connects humans and machines at workstations that place high demands on protection class, connectivity, and continuous operation.

An industrial tablet PC is a tablet designed for harsh environments that meets the demands of warehousing, production, and field service through its shock-resistant construction, protection ratings, and industrial-grade interfaces.

Industrial automation refers to the technical automation of industrial machines and systems using control systems, sensor technology, and software. In intralogistics, it encompasses conveyor technology, sorters, automated small-parts warehouses, and automated guided vehicle systems.

An industrial computer in continuous operation is a machine specifically designed for uninterrupted 24/7 use under adverse conditions such as dust, vibration, or temperature fluctuations.

An industrial PC is a computer specifically designed for industrial environments, meeting elevated requirements for robustness, long-term availability, and interface stability compared to standard hardware.

An industrial PC for mobile data collection is a rugged, portable device that captures barcodes, quantities and status data in warehouses and logistics operations, transmitting this information in real time to a WMS or ERP.

Industrial workstations are standardized work stations used in warehousing, production, and logistics – such as packing, inspection, or assembly stations – that combine furniture, ergonomics, IT peripherals, and safety equipment into a reproducible unit.

Industrial computers are computing devices specifically designed for use in demanding environmental conditions, operating reliably on a permanent basis in warehousing, manufacturing, and automation.

An industrial pallet is a standardized load carrier platform for the industrial transport and storage of goods. Depending on the context, the term refers either to a specific pallet type or serves as a general term for pallets used outside the Euro pallet standard…

An industrial computer is a computer specifically designed for continuous use under industrial conditions such as dust, vibration, temperature fluctuations, or elevated humidity.

Information flow in logistics refers to the targeted exchange of data, statuses and documents along all logistics processes – from order placement to delivery. It forms the foundation for the control, transparency and coordination of all parties involved in the supply chain.

Information logistics refers to the systematic planning, control, and optimization of all information flows required to execute and monitor logistics processes.

Intralogistics systems encompass all technical and software-based solutions that control, transport and store the flow of materials and goods within an operational site.

Inventory refers to the totality of all assets of a company at a specific point in time. In logistics, the term specifically means the physically present stock of goods – including blocked, reserved, or in-transit inventory, depending on internal…

Stocktaking is the systematic, physical recording of all inventory levels at a specific point in time or at regular intervals. The goal is to reconcile the physically available stock with the book inventory recorded in the system, in order to identify and resolve discrepancies.

Capital investment appraisal in logistics evaluates planned expenditures for equipment, IT systems and automation using financial methods. It makes alternative courses of action comparable across their entire useful life and provides the basis for budget decisions.

IoT (Internet of Things) bezeichnet die Vernetzung physischer Objekte, etwa Sensoren, Maschinen oder Ladungsträger, mit digitalen IT-Systemen, um Zustands- und Bewegungsdaten in Echtzeit zu erfassen und auszuwerten.

IoT (Internet of Things) refers to the networking of physical objects – sensors, machines, and vehicles – with IT systems, enabling these devices to independently collect, transmit, and receive data.

Jidoka is a principle from the Toyota Production System that enables machines and processes to independently detect errors and immediately stop operations before defective units are passed on. It combines technical automation with human quality judgment.

Just-in-Sequence delivery (JIS) is a supply strategy in which components are not only delivered at the right time, but in exactly the sequence of the production line. A sequence error leads directly to a standstill on the assembly line.

Just-in-Time (JIT) is a delivery and production principle in which materials or goods are made available exactly when they are needed. The goal is to minimize inventory levels and reduce capital tie-up.

Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to systems that use data and algorithms to recognize patterns, generate forecasts, and support or automate decisions.

KLT (Kleinladungsträger) is a stackable plastic container conforming to VDA standards, designed for automated material flow and closed container cycles in industrial and automotive supply.

SME (small and medium-sized enterprises) is a classification used across the EU for companies that do not exceed certain thresholds in terms of headcount, annual turnover, or balance sheet total.

A KPI Framework for logistics is a structured system that organizes metrics by areas such as service, cost, quality, and productivity, linking them with definitions, data sources, and responsibilities.

A channel storage system is a racking system in which pallets are stored one behind the other in deep channels to achieve high space utilization with a narrow product range. Depending on the design, it enables LIFO or FIFO access.

A channel rack is a racking system with deep, sequentially arranged storage lanes (channels) in which pallets are stored and retrieved on rails. It forms the structural foundation for channel-based warehousing and enables very high space utilization with a limited product variety.

Kanban is a consumption-driven pull method in which replenishment is only triggered when actual consumption signals the need. The goal is a continuous supply of materials while simultaneously minimizing inventory levels.

Capital turnover is a business metric that indicates how many times the capital employed is 'turned over' by revenue within a given period.

A carousel storage system is an automated goods-to-person system that cyclically moves storage locations on a revolving carrier to the retrieval point. There are horizontal and vertical designs, which differ in terms of space requirements, item structure, and throughput demands.

Identification numbering refers to the systematic assignment of unique numbers or codes to objects in logistics processes – such as articles, storage locations, containers, or loading units.

Labeling requirement refers to the legal or contractual obligation to clearly label goods, load units, or packaging with prescribed information.

A small parts warehouse is a storage area or system specifically designed to accommodate small articles, parts, or components, often with a high variety of SKUs.

Combined transport refers to a transport chain in which the main haul is carried out by rail or waterway, while the pre- and end-carriage is handled by truck. The same loading unit – such as a container, swap body or semi-trailer – is retained throughout the entire journey as far as possible.

A picking computer is a mobile device that guides warehouse staff step by step through picking processes, displays tasks, and captures confirmations via scan, key input, or touch.

A picking panel is a stationary mounted panel PC or touchscreen terminal at a picking or packing workstation that displays order data and captures user input. It forms the central human-machine interface in the paperless picking process.

Picking refers to the order-based assembly of items from warehouse stock – for example, for customer, production, or store orders. The process includes retrieval, confirmation, consolidation, and provision of goods.

A picker is an operational warehouse role responsible for selectively retrieving items from the warehouse and consolidating them into orders. The work includes picking, scanning and confirming line items as well as basic quality checks.

A picking warehouse is a storage area specifically designed for efficient picking processes – with short travel distances, high access frequency, and targeted replenishment concepts. It differs from inventory-oriented bulk storage by its process-driven structure.

Picking methods refer to the various procedures used to retrieve items from a warehouse and consolidate them into orders. The choice of method directly affects a warehouse's throughput, error rate, and operating costs.

A picking system is the coordinated interplay of warehouse technology, IT, conveyor technology, equipment, and processes that organizes and controls the retrieval of goods from a warehouse for order fulfillment. It forms the operational core of every order execution within the warehouse.

Order picking is the process of assembling individual items from warehouse stock to fulfill a specific customer order — the most labor-intensive step in the warehouse.

The picking process describes the structured sequence of all process steps from order release to the provision of picked goods. It forms the backbone of day-to-day warehouse operations and defines where picking, verification, consolidation, and handover take place.

Order picking methods refer to the organizational strategies used to assemble orders in a warehouse. These include methods such as single-order picking, batch picking, zone picking, and wave picking.

Picking times refer to the total time required to assemble an order or order line. They consist of sub-times such as travel, search, grip, and confirmation, and are a key metric for productivity and capacity planning in the warehouse.

Full truck load refers to a transport order in which a vehicle is loaded exclusively for a single shipment or a single client. In the international context, the term Full Truck Load (FTL) is commonly used.

A consignment warehouse is a stock held at the customer's site where goods are physically stored at the buyer's premises but remain the legal property of the supplier until they are withdrawn or consumed. Invoicing only takes place at the time of actual withdrawal.

Consolidation refers to the merging of multiple shipments, orders, or goods flows into a single transport or processing unit. The goal is to reduce transportation costs, avoid empty runs, and improve the utilization of vehicles or warehouse resources.

Contract logistics refers to a long-term, contractually governed logistics service in which an external vendor takes over defined processes such as warehousing, order picking and shipping on behalf of a company.

A cantilever rack storage system is a storage area specifically designed to accommodate long goods such as pipes, profiles, panels, or timber, based on racks with cantilevered arms.

A cantilever rack is a racking system with horizontally projecting arms, specifically designed for storing long goods, pipes, profiles, and bulky items. It is ideal wherever standard pallet racks are not suitable due to unwieldy formats or variable lengths.

Cantilever racks are shelving systems without front uprights, in which horizontal arms are attached to a column on one or both sides, allowing long goods and bulky items to be stored openly and accessibly.

A customer consignment warehouse is a storage facility at the customer's site where the vendor holds goods that remain the vendor's property until they are actually withdrawn. Invoicing is only triggered when the goods are consumed or withdrawn.

A refrigerated truck is a road vehicle with an insulated body and refrigeration unit that transports temperature-sensitive goods such as food, pharmaceuticals, or chemicals within defined temperature ranges. It is the central instrument for maintaining the cold chain on the road.

LE-TRA (Logistics Execution – Transportation) is a SAP component within the SAP ERP system that maps transportation planning, shipment processing, and freight settlement in an integrated process.

LFS ISS is a warehouse management software by the vendor Ehrhardt Partner Group (EPG), deployed either as a standalone solution or in a SAP-adjacent environment to control warehouse processes such as putaway, picking, and inventory management.

LFS MFC (Material Flow Control) is the material flow control module of the LFS warehouse management system. It coordinates transport orders, routing and priorities in automated warehouse systems and acts as the interface between WMS logic and machine control (PLC).

LFS Software (warehouse management software) is an umbrella term for software solutions that control, monitor, and optimize warehouse processes. Typical modules include goods movement, picking, control center functionality, and interfaces to ERP and automation systems.

LIFO (Last In – First Out) describes a warehouse retrieval principle in which the most recently stored goods are the first to be retrieved. It frequently arises by design from certain storage technologies and can lead to significant issues with perishable goods or batch-tracked products…

LOFO (Lowest In – First Out) is a storage principle in which the inventory with the lowest defined criterion – for example, the lowest purchase price or the lowest quality status – is picked first.

A warehouse management system (WMS) is software that controls and monitors all processes within a warehouse – from goods receipt and putaway through picking to dispatch. In German-speaking countries, the term LVS (Lagerverwaltungssystem) is used synonymously with WMS (Warehouse Management System).

A load unit is the combination of a load carrier and the goods secured on or within it, handled, transported, and stored as a single closed unit.

Load unit securing refers to all measures that ensure a load unit – such as a loaded pallet – remains stable during transport and handling, and neither tips over, shifts, nor gets damaged. Typical means include stretch film, strapping, edge protection, and anti-slip mats.

Load carriers (LHM) are reusable carriers such as pallets, mesh boxes, or small load carriers used for the transport and storage of goods.

Slow-mover analysis identifies items with low turnover frequency or long dwell times in the warehouse. The goal is to reduce tied-up capital, free up storage space, and permanently improve inventory planning.

Cargo securing refers to all measures that prevent goods from shifting, tipping, or coming loose during transport. It is a legal obligation and protects people, vehicles, and the transported goods from damage.

A warehouse is a physical or systemic unit for the organized storage of goods, raw materials, or semi-finished products. It decouples the processes of procurement, production, and distribution to balance supply and demand fluctuations.

Warehouse modernization refers to the targeted improvement of existing warehouse structures, processes, and technology during ongoing operations – without necessarily constructing a new facility.

A warehouse worker carries out operational tasks in warehouse operations, including goods receipt, putaway, picking, packing, and loading. The role forms the staffing backbone of every physical warehouse operation and is closely linked to process quality, ergonomics, and workplace safety.

Warehouse labeling refers to the systematic identification of all relevant areas within a warehouse – from individual storage locations and shelving units to zones and traffic routes.

Inventory refers to the quantity of goods physically present in a warehouse or managed in a system at a given point in time. It forms the basis for delivery capability, materials planning, and inventory management.

Warehouse labels are labels used to identify storage locations, load units, containers and items in the warehouse. They enable unambiguous identification and machine-based capture via barcode or camera-based scanning.

A warehouse management system (WMS) is software that controls and coordinates all warehouse processes – from goods receipt and picking to inventory management.

Inventory holding costs are all costs incurred by maintaining stock levels and operating a warehouse. They include capital, space, personnel and risk costs, and are a key control variable for inventory decisions.

Warehouse management software refers to digital solutions for managing inventory and warehouse processes – from simple stock lists to fully-featured warehouse management systems.

Inventory management systems refer to the entirety of all technical, organizational, and information technology components used for the storage, management, and provision of goods in a warehouse.

Warehouse labeling refers to the systematic assignment of identifiers to storage locations, zones, items, and storage units using signs, labels, barcodes, or RFID. It forms the foundation for error-free warehouse processes such as picking, inventory counting, and goods receipt.

Warehouse metrics are key figures that allow you to measure and manage the performance, inventory levels, and cost-effectiveness of a warehouse. Typical examples include inventory turnover, picking performance, inventory accuracy, and error rate.

The inventory carrying rate is a key performance indicator that relates all inventory holding costs to the average stock value and is typically expressed as a percentage.

The warehouse control center is the central control authority in warehouse operations, monitoring and coordinating operational processes in real time and intervening in the event of disruptions. It combines data visibility, process logic, and decision support in a single interface.

A vertical lift module (VLM) is a vertical, automated storage system that stores goods on trays or in drawers stacked within an enclosed shaft, delivering them to a retrieval window at the touch of a button or via a software command.

Warehouse logistics refers to the entirety of all processes, resources, and IT systems that manage the operation of a warehouse – from goods receipt through put-away, order picking, and packaging to shipping.

Warehouse logistics software refers to software solutions that control, monitor, and optimize warehouse processes. The term encompasses warehouse management systems (WMS) as well as complementary tools for slotting, labor management, control center operations, and reporting.

Warehouse optimization refers to the systematic improvement of processes, space, technology, and organization within a warehouse to enhance performance, quality, and costs — without necessarily constructing new buildings or infrastructure.

Warehouse order refers to the set of rules that governs how goods are placed, labeled, handled, and controlled within a warehouse. It encompasses specifications for slot assignment, routing, cleanliness, safety, and rotation principles such as FIFO or best-before date management.

Warehouse organization refers to the totality of all structural and process-related rules that govern the operation of a warehouse. It encompasses zone layout, role definitions, shift models, responsibilities, and processes for goods receipt, picking, packing, and shipping.

Storage locations are defined physical places or areas in a warehouse where goods are deliberately placed and retrieved. In the warehouse management system, they form the spatial foundation for putaway, picking, and inventory management.

Warehouse planning refers to the systematic design of a warehouse with regard to layout, capacity, technology, processes, and IT, in order to sustainably meet defined volume frameworks and service levels.

A storage location is the smallest uniquely addressable unit in a warehouse where goods are physically placed – for example, a shelf compartment, a pallet space, or a floor position. It forms the basis for all postings in the warehouse management system.

Storage location labels uniquely identify individual positions in a warehouse and contain barcodes, Data Matrix codes, or RFID transponders for machine-based capture. They are the physical foundation for error-free putaway, picking, and inventory counting within the warehouse management system.

Warehouse software is an umbrella term for IT systems that digitally support warehouse processes such as inventory management, putaway, picking, and goods issue. Depending on the context, the term covers a Warehouse Management System (WMS), a warehouse control system (LVS), or a corresponding ERP module.

The warehouse inventory mirror is a structured overview of all storage locations, their capacities, and current utilization. It shows at a glance which warehouse areas are at capacity, underutilized, or reserved for specific product groups.

Warehouse systems refer to the entirety of racking technology, conveyor technology, processes, and IT systems that together enable the storage, management, and movement of goods. They range from manual shelving systems to fully automated high-bay warehouses with higher-level control software.

Warehouse technology refers to the totality of physical facilities and systems used for the storage, handling, and movement of goods in a warehouse. This includes both manual aids and fully automated systems.

Increasing inventory turnover refers to all measures by which you ensure that the average inventory is consumed and replenished more frequently per period. A higher turnover reduces capital tied up in stock and improves space efficiency in the warehouse.

Warehouse management refers to the entirety of all organizational and systemic activities for controlling inventory and warehouse processes. It includes, among other things, inventory management, goods receipts and issues, location management, replenishment, stocktaking, and process documentation.

A warehouse management system (WMS) is software that controls and maps all processes in a warehouse in real time – from goods receipt posting and storage location management to picking and goods issue.

The inventory carrying rate specifies the interest rate at which capital tied up in inventory is valued. It is a central component of inventory holding costs and influences decisions on order quantities, inventory coverage, and service levels.

A requirements specification (Lastenheft) describes all of a client's requirements for a planned system or project from their perspective. It forms the binding basis for tendering, comparison of bids, and subsequent contract negotiations.

Layout planning refers to the systematic design of floor space, material flows, and work areas in a warehouse or production facility. It determines where storage zones, conveyor technology, workstations, and traffic routes are positioned in order to enable efficient and scalable processes.

Food logistics encompasses all logistical processes along the food supply chain – from procurement through storage and transportation to delivery. It places particular demands on temperature management, hygiene, traceability, and compliance.

A control center is an operational command hub that monitors ongoing logistics processes in real time and intervenes in a coordinated manner when deviations occur. It consolidates data from various systems, evaluates key performance indicators, and manages prioritization, escalations, and resource deployment.

LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is an active sensor technology that emits laser pulses and evaluates their reflections to create precise 2D or 3D maps of the surrounding environment.

Supplier evaluation systematically measures and assesses supplier performance based on defined criteria such as delivery reliability, quality, and response time.

Supplier management refers to the systematic control of all relationships with suppliers across their entire lifecycle – from selection and qualification through to ongoing evaluation and continuous joint development.

Delivery readiness refers to a company's ability to fulfill incoming orders immediately or within a defined time frame from existing stock or available capacity.

Delivery capability refers to a company's ability to fulfill customer orders in the agreed quantity and by the agreed date. It depends on the interplay of inventory levels, production capacities, procurement, and transportation processes.

The supply chain describes the complete sequence of all stages, actors, and processes through which a product moves from the raw material supplier to the end customer. It encompasses both the physical flow of materials and the accompanying flow of information and documentation.

The Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG) requires companies above a certain size to systematically identify and address human rights and environmental risks across their entire supply chain.

The delivery date is the agreed date or time window by which a shipment is to arrive at the recipient. It differs from the lead time, which merely describes the duration of the transport.

Lifecycle Management refers to the systematic control of all phases in the lifecycle of products, systems, or IT infrastructure – from implementation through operation to decommissioning.

The line-back principle describes a material supply logic in which replenishment is provided along a production line on a takt-controlled basis and empty load carriers are returned via the same or a parallel route.

Logistics 4.0 refers to the comprehensive digitalization and networking of logistics processes based on technologies such as IoT, real-time data analysis, and seamless IT-OT integration. The goal is a more transparent, responsive, and largely automated supply chain.

Logistics route optimization refers to the algorithmic calculation of routes and stop sequences to minimize costs, travel time, and emissions. It takes into account constraints such as time windows, vehicle capacities, driving restrictions, and service levels.

Logistics Solutions is a vague umbrella term for logistics solutions that can refer to IT systems, automation equipment, consulting services, or outsourced operating models depending on the context.

Logistics route planning refers to the systematic planning of delivery runs, including stop sequences, vehicle deployment and time windows, with the goal of reducing costs and maintaining service levels. It forms the operational foundation for daily deliveries in local and long-distance transport.

Logistics simulation models the material flows, processes and resources of a warehouse or transport system computationally, before real investments or modifications take place. It makes throughput, bottlenecks and utilization visible without affecting ongoing operations.

Logistics consulting supports companies in analyzing, designing and implementing improvements across the entire logistics chain. The range of services spans network design and warehouse planning, process optimization, IT selection and automation projects.

Logistics controlling refers to the systematic measurement, analysis, and management of logistics performance using KPIs, cost data, and service levels. It connects operational data from WMS, TMS, and ERP systems with strategic control inputs for warehouse planning, procurement, and logistics management.

A logistics service provider is an external vendor that performs logistics services such as transportation, warehousing, or fulfillment for other companies. It takes on either individual sub-functions or complete process chains along the supply chain.

A logistics service is a clearly defined service component delivered by an external vendor or an internal unit in the areas of transportation, warehousing, or order fulfillment.

Logistics KPIs are measurable indicators that allow you to systematically manage and evaluate performance, costs, and quality across warehousing, transportation, and procurement. They form the basis for process improvements, vendor evaluations, and operational decisions.

Logistics management refers to the planning, control, and continuous improvement of all logistics processes, resources, and service providers within a company.

Logistics optimization refers to the systematic improvement of logistics processes, structures, and systems with the goal of reducing costs, increasing service quality, and enhancing supply chain stability.

Logistics planning refers to the systematic design of processes, capacities, and structures in logistics to reliably and cost-effectively meet future requirements. It forms the foundation for investment decisions, tenders, and the selection of appropriate technologies.

Logistics seminars are structured professional development formats that qualify specialists and managers in logistics on topics such as warehouse management, automation, KPIs, and transport law.

Logistics site planning refers to the systematic process of determining optimal geographic locations for warehouses, transshipment points, or production supply sites.

A logistics strategy defines the long-term direction of all logistics activities – from warehousing and transport to IT architecture – and aligns them with overarching corporate objectives such as service, cost, growth, and resilience.

Logistics services are individual, measurable service components along the supply chain – from warehousing and order picking through transport and packaging to returns processing and customs clearance.

A logistical unit is a physically manageable unit – such as a carton, a pallet, or a container – that is uniquely identified in warehousing and transport and moved, tracked, and accounted for as a whole.

The lot size refers to the quantity of units planned and executed as a coherent unit within a single production or procurement process. It significantly influences setup times, inventory levels, lead times, and costs across the entire supply chain.

M&A (Mergers & Acquisitions) refers to company mergers and acquisitions, in which two or more companies are combined or one is acquired by another.

MDE devices (mobile data entry devices) are rugged, portable terminals used in warehousing and logistics to capture barcodes or RFID codes and transmit process data in real time to a WMS or ERP system.

An MDE terminal (Mobile Data Entry device) is a portable handheld device for real-time capture and processing of warehouse data directly at the point of action.

An MES terminal is an industrial-grade device that connects shopfloor employees with a Manufacturing Execution System. It is used to capture order confirmations, quality data, and material movements in real time and transmit them to the MES software.

MFS (Material Flow Control) is a software layer that controls and monitors the physical transport of goods within an automated warehouse in real time. It connects higher-level warehouse management systems with the programmable logic controllers of conveyor technology and warehouse machinery.

Machine Learning (ML) is a subfield of Artificial Intelligence in which algorithms learn from data without being explicitly programmed. In intralogistics, ML is used primarily for demand forecasting, anomaly detection, and the optimization of warehousing and transport processes.

Make or buy refers to the strategic decision of whether a service – such as warehouse operations, transport, or IT – should be provided internally or sourced externally. The choice has a lasting impact on costs, dependencies, and control over core processes.

The make-or-buy decision determines whether a logistics service – such as warehouse operations, transportation, or IT operations – is performed in-house or outsourced to external service providers.

A management system is an organizational framework of processes, responsibilities, and rules that enables a company to systematically pursue defined objectives and demonstrate measurable control over them.

Multi-tenancy refers to the ability of a software system to operate multiple organizationally separate units – known as tenants – simultaneously within a single system instance.

Person-to-goods is an order picking principle in which the picker actively travels to the storage locations and manually retrieves items there. The goods remain stationary in the rack or bin.

The Master SSCC is a higher-level shipping unit number (NVE/SSCC) that groups multiple subordinate shipping units into a logistical hierarchy. It enables packaging structures such as pallets with contained cartons to be represented as a parent-child structure in WMS, ERP, and EDI systems.

A matchcode is a freely definable search key in ERP, WMS, or TMS systems that facilitates the quick retrieval of master data records such as items, vendors, or storage locations.

Material Requirements Planning (MRP) is a planning method that derives precise material requirements from primary demand and bills of materials, generating purchase proposals and production orders. It forms the core logic of material planning in ERP systems.

Material flow refers to the totality of all physical movements of goods and materials within a facility or between locations. It encompasses every transport step from goods receipt to dispatch and forms the operational foundation for warehouse, production, and distribution logistics.

The Material Flow Controller (MFC) is a software component that controls and coordinates the physical flow of goods in automated warehouse and distribution systems. It forms the layer between the machine control system (PLC) and higher-level systems such as the Warehouse Management System.

Material flow planning refers to the systematic design and dimensioning of all internal goods and material movements – from goods receipt through storage and production to goods dispatch.

A material flow computer (MFC) is an IT system that controls conveyor and warehouse technology in real time by processing transport orders, calculating routes, and managing status messages.

Material flow control refers to the software-supported coordination of all transport movements within an automated or semi-automated warehouse and conveyor system.

Materials management refers to the overarching area of planning, procurement, storage and provision of materials within a company. It connects purchasing, demand planning, inventory management and logistics into a seamless supply process.

Multi-deep storage refers to a storage strategy in which load units such as pallets are placed two or more rows deep within a rack bay or storage block. This increases space utilization while reducing the number of aisles required.

Multi-warehouse capability refers to the ability of an IT system to simultaneously manage multiple physically or organizationally separate warehouse locations, each with their own inventory, processes, and rule sets.

The reorder point is the inventory level below which a replenishment order is triggered. It is calculated from the expected consumption during the replenishment lead time plus a safety stock.

A unit of measure defines the unit in which item quantities are recorded, posted, and invoiced in the system – for example piece, kilogram, carton, or pallet. It is part of the item master and forms the basis for correct conversions between purchasing, warehousing, and shipping.

Quantity planning refers to the systematic determination of how much material, components, or products need to be required, procured, produced, or made available within a defined time period. It forms the basis for demand management, purchasing, and warehouse capacity planning.

Merchant's Haulage refers to the practice whereby the shipper or consignee (the so-called merchant) independently organizes and assumes responsibility for the pre- and on-carriage in ocean freight business.

The minimum stock level is a defined lower limit for inventory, below which supply security is at risk. It signals that immediate action is required and is used in replenishment logic as a control or blocking parameter.

The best-before date (BBD) indicates the date until which a food item or product, when stored properly, retains at least its specific characteristics such as taste, smell, or efficacy.

A mixed pallet is a loading unit on which several different articles or SKUs are consolidated together. It is used primarily in store replenishment and B2B e-commerce, where recipients require assortment-accurate deliveries.

Mobile computers are portable devices used in intralogistics for operational processes such as picking, goods receipt, and inventory management. They combine scanner, radio, and WMS client in a rugged housing designed for demanding warehouse environments.

Mobile data terminals (MDTs) are portable devices for capturing and processing logistics data directly at the point of origin – such as during goods receipt, order picking, or stocktaking. They combine barcode or RFID scanning with real-time communication to the warehouse management system.

Mobile data collection (MDC) refers to the capture of process data directly at the point of origin – for example via barcode scan or manual entry on a mobile device. Postings to the WMS or ERP are made in real time and without any media disruption.

A mobile printer is a battery-powered, portable printing device that produces labels, receipts, or tags directly at the point of process – such as in goods receipt, during picking, or on the floor.

A mobile label printer is a portable, battery-powered printer that produces barcode, RFID, and identification labels directly at the point of use in the warehouse or on the floor. It enables flexible reprinting and labeling without a fixed print station.

Multi-order picking is a picking strategy in which a warehouse associate collects items for multiple customer orders simultaneously in a single pass through the warehouse.

Multichannel refers to a company's parallel use of multiple sales channels – such as brick-and-mortar retail, an online shop, marketplaces, and B2B – where each channel is operated independently, without necessarily requiring full cross-channel integration.

Multitouch refers to the ability of a touchscreen to detect multiple simultaneous touch points and derive gestures such as zooming, scrolling, or rotating from them. In intralogistics, the technology is used primarily on industrial terminals, panel PCs, and control room displays.

Sustainable logistics refers to the design of logistical processes and networks in a way that systematically incorporates environmental, social, and governance aspects without compromising supply security.

Negative picking refers to a warehouse process in which the system assumes a defined full stock level and records withdrawals as quantity deductions. In contrast to classic real-time posting per withdrawal, inventory reductions are captured with a delay or in an aggregated manner.

The net requirement indicates the quantity of an item that actually needs to be procured or produced after available stock and already initiated receipts have been deducted from the total requirement.

Network design in logistics refers to the strategic planning and optimization of the overall structure of a supply network – including the number, location, and function of warehouse sites, distribution centers, and transport links.

Zero-error picking describes the goal of reducing picking errors to a practically negligible level through targeted process and system measures.

The Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC), known in German as NVE (Nummer der Versandeinheit), is a globally unique identification number for a physical transport unit such as a pallet or package.

OPC Unified Architecture (OPC-UA) is a platform-independent communication standard for cross-manufacturer data exchange in industrial automation. It enables machines, controllers, and higher-level IT systems to be connected securely and with a unified semantic framework.

OT (Operational Technology) refers to hardware and software that directly controls and monitors physical processes in facilities, machinery, and conveyor systems. In warehouse environments, this includes controls for conveyor belts, sorters, storage and retrieval machines, and automated storage systems.

OTIF (On Time In Full) is a logistics KPI that measures whether a delivery arrives at the recipient's location both on time and in full quantity. Only when both conditions are met is the delivery considered OTIF-compliant.

Open stock refers to quantities recorded in the system but not yet fully completed – for example, because an order, a purchase order, or a production process is still in progress. It differs from available stock, which can be immediately used for withdrawals or deliveries.

OpEx (Operating Expenditures) refers to a company's ongoing operational costs that are incurred on a regular and recurring basis. In intralogistics, these include personnel, energy, maintenance, and rental costs for day-to-day warehouse operations.

Opportunity costs refer to the foregone benefit of an unchosen alternative when a resource is committed to a specific use. In logistics, they arise, for example, from capital tied up in inventory or from unused warehousing and transport capacity.

The optimal order quantity is the order size at which the sum of ordering costs and inventory holding costs is minimized. It serves as a calculated reference value in planning and procurement to manage stock levels cost-efficiently.

The optimal reorder point refers to the moment at which a replenishment order must be triggered so that neither stock shortages occur nor unnecessarily high inventory levels are built up. It takes into account replenishment lead time, current stock, and safety stock.

Orderlines are the individual lines of a customer order, each describing one item with quantity and unit of measure. They form the operational basis for picking, packing, and shipping in the warehouse.

Economical warehousing refers to the principle of designing storage operations so that service level and total costs are in an economically sound balance. Inventory strategy, warehouse layout, picking methods and degree of automation are evaluated together.

A PC panel with touch display is an industrial-grade all-in-one computer that combines the computing unit and touchscreen in a single housing, used at logistics workstations for operation and data capture.

A PPS system (production planning and control system) plans and controls the entire manufacturing process – from requirements determination through scheduling and capacity planning to order control.

A package is a single, self-contained shipping or transport unit – such as a carton, a crate, a sack, or a pallet – that is identified, labeled, and handed over as an independent unit in the shipping process.

A pallet is a standardized load carrier made of wood, plastic, or metal that consolidates goods so that forklifts and conveyor systems can move them as a single unit.

Pallets are standardized load carriers made of wood, plastic, or metal on which goods are stacked, transported, and stored. They form the foundation of efficient intralogistics and are indispensable in virtually every supply chain.

A pallet rack is a racking system for storing pallets, consisting of frames and beams, and operated using industrial trucks or storage and retrieval machines. It is the most widely used storage system for pallet-bound goods in industry and commerce.

A palletizing robot is an industrial robot or cobot system that automatically stacks packages such as cartons, sacks, or bundles onto pallets according to predefined patterns. It is typically deployed at the end of line, in the goods outbound area, or in production.

A paternoster is a vertical carousel system that transports trays or bins in a closed loop to the retrieval opening. The principle of "goods-to-person"

A paternoster rack is an automatic carousel storage system that moves trays or bins cyclically and presents them at a fixed access point. It combines space-saving storage with ergonomic, fast access to stored items.

The Perfect Order Rate indicates what proportion of all orders arrives at the recipient complete, on time, correctly picked, undamaged, and with error-free documentation.

Perpetual inventory is a method of ongoing stock verification in which warehouse inventory levels are counted continuously throughout the entire year and reconciled against system stock, rather than concentrating all counts on a single cut-off date.

A functional specification describes how a vendor intends to concretely implement the requirements defined by the client in the requirements specification. It is the vendor's binding solution concept and forms the technical and organizational basis for the contract, acceptance, and project management.

Pick-by-Light is an order picking method in which light modules mounted at storage locations indicate the pick position and quantity, with each pick confirmed by pressing a button or triggering a sensor. The method replaces paper- and scanner-based guidance with visual signals directly at the storage location.

Pick-by-Paper refers to paper-based order picking, in which employees receive printed pick lists and manually check off each item retrieved. It is the simplest and most IT-independent form of order processing in the warehouse.

Pick-by-Scan is a scanner-assisted picking method in which employees capture storage locations and items using a mobile scanner, confirming each picking step within the system. The method significantly improves data quality and traceability in the warehouse.

Pick-by-Vision is an order picking method in which smart glasses project the storage location, item, and quantity directly into the worker's field of view. The hands remain free, and confirmations are made via scan, camera, or gesture.

Pick-by-Voice is a voice-directed order picking method in which warehouse staff receive picking instructions via a headset and confirm picks using voice commands. Both hands remain free, improving ergonomics and picking quality.

Pick-to-Belt is an order picking concept in which you place picked items directly onto a moving conveyor belt, which automatically transports them to packing stations or sorting areas. This eliminates the need for manual transport between the picking zone and consolidation.

Pick-to-Box refers to an order picking method in which items are placed directly into the final shipping container – without an intermediate consolidation step. The result is a immediately shipping-ready unit at the end of the picking process.

A pick list is the working basis for order picking and tells warehouse staff which items to retrieve, in what quantity, and from which storage location. It can be provided on paper, as an MDE dialog, or fully digitally within a WMS.

Location inventory is a storage-location-based counting method in which defined storage locations are recorded individually and stock discrepancies are corrected in the warehouse management system.

Predictive Analytics refers to forward-looking data analysis that combines historical, current, and external data with statistical models or machine learning methods to forecast future events such as demand fluctuations, equipment failures, or delivery delays…

Primary demand refers to the demand for finished products or saleable items that arises directly from sales planning, customer orders, or the production program. It forms the starting point for all material requirements planning within a company.

Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) refers to the system-supported management of all product data and change processes across the entire lifecycle of a product – from development through to discontinuation.

A production warehouse is a storage area in immediate proximity to manufacturing that ensures the continuous supply of production processes with raw materials, semi-finished goods, and packaging materials. The goal is stable material availability with the lowest possible stock levels.

Production logistics refers to the planning, control, and execution of all material flows that supply manufacturing with raw materials, semi-finished goods, and operating supplies. It connects the warehouse and production, thereby ensuring a smooth manufacturing process.

Production planning determines what is manufactured, in what quantity, and at what time. It forms the basis for material provision, capacity utilization, and on-time delivery.

Production control refers to the operational management of active manufacturing orders, ensuring that planning and actual production processes remain aligned despite disruptions, bottlenecks, and material variances.

Proprietary architecture refers to a vendor-specific, closed system architecture in which interfaces, protocols, and extension options are controlled by the vendor.

A quality standard defines standardized requirements for products, processes, or management systems. In intralogistics, it translates binding specifications for safety, traceability, and process stability into concrete inspection and documentation obligations.

Quality assurance (QA) encompasses all operational measures by which you consistently meet defined quality requirements for goods, processes, and data. It forms the executing core of an overarching quality management system.

RAG (Retrieval Augmented Generation) is an AI approach that combines a language model with targeted searches in external knowledge sources. Rather than relying exclusively on trained parameters, the system retrieves relevant documents at runtime and uses them as context for the…

A storage and retrieval machine (SRM) is a rail-guided industrial truck that autonomously stores and retrieves load carriers in automated high-bay or small-parts warehouses.

REST (Representational State Transfer) is a widely used architectural style for web APIs, based on standard HTTP methods, that defines stateless data exchange between systems.

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) is a technology for contactless, automatic identification of objects using radio waves. A reader retrieves data from a transponder attached to the object — without line of sight and, in many cases, simultaneously from multiple tags.

RFID solutions enable contactless, radio-based identification and capture of objects without line of sight. In intralogistics, they are used to track inventories, load carriers, and goods movements automatically and in real time.

An RFP (Request for Proposal) is, in logistics, a structured tender document used by a company to invite qualified vendors to submit technical and functional solution concepts.

RFQ (Request for Quotation) refers in logistics to the structured solicitation of binding price quotations from potential service providers or suppliers. It requires that the scope of services, volume structures, and requirements are already clearly defined.

An RMA number (Return Merchandise Authorization) is a unique authorization identifier that links a return to the associated order, item, and process route.

Return on Investment (ROI) is a business metric that relates the benefit achieved from an investment to the costs incurred.

A grid system is a standardized structure of defined dimensions and spacings that serves as a modular foundation for warehouse equipment, shelving, and container systems. It enables flexible adjustments when assortments or processes change, without requiring a complete redesign.

Rationalization potential refers to the untapped opportunities within a process or system to increase performance with the same or fewer resources. In intralogistics, it forms the basis for investment decisions and optimization projects.

A data center is a secured physical or virtual infrastructure that provides servers, network components, and storage systems for operating IT applications such as WMS, ERP, or TMS. For intralogistics, the availability of this infrastructure is directly business-critical.

An automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) is an automated machine that transports loads horizontally and vertically within an aisle of a high-bay warehouse to perform storage and retrieval operations.

Racking technology refers to the totality of all racking systems and their technical design in the warehouse – from pallet racks and cantilever racks to automated high-bay warehouses. It plays a decisive role in determining storage density, access speed, and operational safety within a warehouse.

In logistics, a relation describes the defined connection between a point of origin and a destination, serving as a planning and control unit in transport and network management. It forms the basis for transit time commitments, freight negotiations, and carrier selection.

Reservation refers to the system-side blocking of inventory for a defined purpose, such as a customer order or production order. Reserved stock is considered unavailable and is not counted as open stock in materials planning.

Resource management refers to the systematic planning, allocation, and control of all available resources – personnel, technology, and capacities – to ensure stable and efficient logistics processes.

Retail refers to trade with end customers and encompasses in logistics all processes from store replenishment and e-commerce fulfillment to returns management.

Returns are shipments sent back to the warehouse or supplier by customers, from retail branches, or from trading partners. The term covers the entire reverse flow of goods against the original direction of delivery.

Returns processing refers to the operational process by which returns from customers or trading partners are recorded, inspected, and directed toward further use.

A returns slip is a document or label that uniquely identifies a return shipment and coordinates its processing in the warehouse, with the carrier, and in the ERP system. It contains all necessary references to ensure that goods receipt, credit note issuance, and root cause analysis run smoothly.

Return on Investment (ROI) is a business metric that measures the benefit of an investment relative to the costs incurred. In intralogistics and warehouse IT, it serves as a central decision-making criterion for automation and digitalization projects.

Rolling planning is a planning approach in which the planning horizon is extended by one additional period and simultaneously updated at regular intervals — such as weekly or monthly.

A rugged computer is an IT device specifically designed for use under harsh conditions such as shocks, dust, moisture, or extreme temperatures. Typical form factors include rugged tablets, mobile handhelds, and vehicle-mounted terminals.

Setup time refers to the period required to switch a machine, system, or workstation from a running order to a new order. It is non-productive time and directly affects capacity, batch size, and lead time.

SAP is an ERP software vendor whose platform integrates business processes in areas such as warehousing, procurement, production, and finance.

The Site Acceptance Test (SAT) is an acceptance test carried out at the actual installation site of a system to ensure that it functions correctly under real operating conditions.

Supply Chain Management (SCM) refers to the cross-company management of all material, information, and financial flows along the supply chain – from raw material procurement to delivery to the end customer.

A SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) is a unique alphanumeric identifier that unambiguously identifies an item in a specific variant — such as color, size, or packaging unit.

A Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) is an industrial computer that controls and monitors machines and systems in intralogistics through freely programmable logic. It forms the lowest automation level and communicates with sensors, actuators, and higher-level control systems.

The SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code) is an internationally standardized 18-digit number that uniquely identifies a logistic unit – such as a pallet or shipping container – worldwide.

SaaS (Software as a Service) refers to a cloud operating model in which software is not installed locally but is instead delivered over the internet as a subscribed service.

Groupage refers to a transport concept in which shipments from multiple senders are consolidated into a single shared load and transported together. It enables the cost-effective transport of part loads that individually would not fill an entire vehicle.

A semi-trailer is a trailer without its own front axle that is connected to a tractor unit via a fifth-wheel coupling mechanism, with part of its weight resting on the tractor unit.

A semi-trailer truck is a vehicle combination consisting of a tractor unit and a semi-trailer connected via a fifth-wheel coupling. It is considered the standard vehicle in European road freight transport and enables high payloads with flexible trailer interchange.

The semi-truck tractor is the motorized towing vehicle of an articulated truck, responsible for propulsion and steering, and connected to the trailer via a fifth wheel coupling. It bears a portion of the trailer load and significantly determines the range, payload and operating costs of the overall combination.

A narrow-aisle warehouse is a rack-based storage facility whose aisles are dimensioned so narrowly that only specially guided industrial trucks or stacker cranes can be used. It enables significantly higher space utilization than conventional wide-aisle warehouses.

A reach truck is an electrically powered industrial truck in which the load mast extends telescopically forward to pick up and deposit pallets in high-bay racking systems.

Bulk material refers to loose, unpackaged materials such as granulates, powders, grain, or sand that are transported and stored without individual packaging. Specialized conveying technology, silos, or container systems are required for handling and storage.

Scope 1, 2 and 3 are the three categories of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, which companies use to structure their greenhouse gas emissions according to the causation principle and area of responsibility.

A Sea Waybill is a non-negotiable sea freight document that confirms the contract of carriage and receipt of goods. Unlike a Bill of Lading, it does not confer title to the goods and does not need to be presented in original form for delivery.

Segmentation refers to the systematic classification of items, customers, or shipments into groups with similar characteristics or requirements. It forms the basis for differentiated processes, service levels, and transparent cost management in intralogistics.

Secondary demand refers to the demand for assemblies, individual parts, and semi-finished goods that is mathematically derived from primary demand. The basis for its determination are bills of materials, which specify which components are required to manufacture a finished product.

In material flow planning, a sink is the destination point at which material arrives and exits the flow. It is the counterpart to the source and is a fundamental modeling element in warehouse planning, simulation, and control logic.

A serial number is a unique identifier assigned to an individual unit of a product, distinguishing it from all other units of the same item. It forms the basis for unit-level traceability across production, warehousing, and after-sales.

A Service Level Agreement (SLA) is a contract or contractual component that sets binding, measurable performance targets between a client and a service provider. It governs metrics such as on-time delivery, availability, and response times, as well as the consequences of deviations.

Safety stock is a calculated buffer inventory held in excess of the statistically determined demand in order to prevent shortages in the event of unforeseen demand fluctuations or delivery delays.

Scalability describes the ability of a logistics system to remain performant as order volumes increase, the number of locations grows, or more users are added — without costs and complexity rising disproportionately. It encompasses both technical and operational dimensions.

Slotting refers to the systematic assignment of storage locations to items with the goal of minimizing travel distances, time, and resources in the warehouse. Placement is determined by criteria such as access frequency, weight, volume, or order relationships.

A Smart Control IPC is an industrial-grade PC used in logistics and production environments for control, monitoring, and operator interface tasks. It combines the computing power of modern IT hardware with the robustness requirements of industrial continuous-operation scenarios.

Warehouse planning software helps logistics managers digitally plan the layout, capacity, and material flow of a warehouse — before the first bolt is tightened. It enables scenario comparisons and provides a solid foundation for investment decisions.

A freight forwarder organizes transport and logistics services on behalf of shippers or consignees. It acts as an intermediary between the client and the executing carrier, and assumes operational control of shipment processing.

A freight forwarding order is the formal instruction to a freight forwarder to organize a shipment or provide logistics services. It bindingly defines all relevant shipment, scheduling, and service data, and forms the contractual basis for processing.

Voice-assisted picking is a method in which warehouse staff receive picking instructions via a headset and confirm picks using voice commands or check digits.

Master data describes permanently valid reference information such as items, storage locations, or business partners, while transactional data records transaction processes such as goods receipts, picks, or transfers.

Master data logistics refers to the totality of stable core data that uniquely describes logistical objects such as items, storage locations, customers and suppliers, thereby forming the foundation for all processes in warehousing, transportation and procurement.

A forklift terminal is a vehicle-mounted operating device with a display, keyboard, or touchscreen that connects forklifts and other industrial trucks to warehouse management systems. It provides forklift operators with real-time orders and warehouse information directly at the vehicle.

A dustproof panel PC is an industrial-grade flat-panel computer with a fully sealed enclosure that reliably keeps dust away from its internal components. It is suitable for workstations in warehouses, manufacturing, or bulk material environments where standard commercial hardware fails quickly.

Controllers and dispatchers are operational roles in intralogistics and transport: dispatchers plan resources such as vehicles, routes, and personnel in advance, while controllers monitor ongoing operations and actively intervene when deviations occur.

The key-date inventory is a form of stocktaking in which all inventory levels are fully recorded and valued at a single, predetermined date. It is regarded as the classic stocktaking method and is recognized under both commercial and tax law.

Route optimization refers to the systematic improvement of transport routes, sequences, and time windows to reduce costs, mileage, and emissions. It forms the computational foundation for tour planning, line-haul services, and the evaluation of distribution networks.

General cargo refers to individually handleable shipment units – such as cartons, crates or pallets – that are transported neither as bulk goods nor as liquids. The term is fundamental in intralogistics and freight transport for planning packaging, handling and storage.

A bill of materials is a structured list of all assemblies, individual parts and materials required to manufacture a product. It forms the basis for material planning, procurement and production supply in ERP and MRP systems.

Supply Chain Management (SCM) refers to the holistic planning, control, and monitoring of all material, information, and financial flows along the entire value chain – from raw material procurement to delivery to the end customer.

Supply Chain Execution (SCE) refers to the operational execution of all physical and information-based processes along the supply chain – from putaway through picking and transportation to final delivery.

The logistics system landscape refers to the totality of all IT systems, applications and integrations deployed within a company for warehousing, transportation and supply chain operations. It encompasses both the individual solutions and their data flows and mutual dependencies.

A system vendor is a vendor that delivers a complete, integrated solution comprising technology, software, interfaces, and services from a single source. They assume overall responsibility for the interoperability of all components.

TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) refers to all costs incurred over the entire lifecycle of a system, facility, or service contract. The concept therefore provides a more comprehensive basis for decision-making than the purchase price alone.

Transportation Management (TM) refers to the software-supported planning, control, and monitoring of transports along the supply chain. TM systems coordinate freight orders, carrier selection, route planning, and transportation costs within a central system.

A Transport Management System (TMS) is a software solution for planning, controlling, and monitoring all transport processes along the supply chain. It supports carrier selection, route planning, freight cost billing, and shipment monitoring.

TMS software (Transport Management System) is a software solution for planning, controlling, and billing transports. It covers the entire lifecycle of a shipment – from capture through carrier selection to freight cost verification.

A tray storage system is a storage type that stores and retrieves items on standardized flat carriers – known as trays – and is suitable for small parts with a high variety of variants. It can be operated both manually and fully automatically.

A tablet computer is a portable, flat device with touchscreen operation, used in intralogistics for mobile tasks such as goods receipt, quality inspection, and control center functions.

Telematics refers to the collection, transmission and analysis of vehicle and transport data in real time. It connects on-board electronics, GPS tracking and IT systems to provide transparency on vehicle status, position and driver events.

A terminal computer is a stationary or vehicle-mounted industrial end device used as an operator and display unit for warehouse management systems, control centers, or machine controls. It is designed for continuous operation under demanding environmental conditions.

Throughput refers to the throughput rate of a warehouse or conveyor system and indicates how many units – such as picks, packages, or pallets – can be processed per unit of time. It is the key performance indicator for evaluating the efficiency of intralogistics systems and processes.

Freezer labels are labels specifically designed for use at extremely low temperatures, remaining reliably adhesive and readable even under moisture, condensation, and freezing conditions.

Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) refers to the sum of all costs incurred over the entire lifecycle of an investment – from acquisition to disposal. The method helps align purchasing decisions not solely with the purchase price, but with the actual total costs.

Total Landed Cost refers to the total costs incurred for a product up to its defined destination. In addition to the purchase price, it includes all transportation, customs, insurance, and handling costs.

Dead time refers to the time span between a triggering event and the first measurable response of a system. In intralogistics, it affects control accuracy, buffer planning, and the reliability of SLA measurements.

A touch computer is a touch-enabled industrial PC or rugged terminal operated via a touch-sensitive screen. It is used in warehouses, production environments, and control rooms wherever fast, seamless data entry without a keyboard or mouse is required.

Tour management refers to the operational organization, control, and monitoring of delivery tours in distribution or plant traffic. It encompasses all steps from tour release through driver communication to the analysis of completed runs.

Track-and-Trace refers to the seamless tracking of shipments throughout the entire transport and handling process. Status events such as pickup, handling, and delivery are recorded in real time and made visible to all parties involved.

Transaction costs are all costs arising from the coordination, management, and execution of business processes – not for the actual service itself, but for its organization.

A transport order is the formal instruction to move a shipment from a pickup location to a delivery destination. It forms the operational basis for executing, managing, and billing the transport.

A van is a light commercial vehicle below the conventional truck categories, used primarily for courier, express, and short-haul transport as well as last-mile delivery.

Transport capacity refers to the available capability to move goods, expressed in vehicles, loading units, weight, or volume per unit of time. It determines how much freight a network or service provider can move within a defined period.

A transport control system (TCS) manages and coordinates internal transport orders between warehouse zones, production, and goods dispatch. It administers resources such as industrial trucks, AGVs, or conveyor systems and ensures prioritized, efficient order processing in real time.

Transport logistics encompasses the planning, control, and monitoring of all goods movements between and within locations. It connects operational execution with strategic tasks such as mode of transport selection, carrier management, and freight cost control.

Transportation management refers to the systematic planning, control, and monitoring of all transport processes – both internal and with external service providers. It encompasses processes, roles, and often digital systems to handle shipments efficiently, with cost transparency and reliability.

A transport system refers to the totality of all technical facilities, processes and organizational structures that enable the physical transport of goods, products or materials.

A transport company physically moves goods from a point of origin to a destination using its own fleet and personnel. It typically acts as the executing carrier and is directly responsible for carrying out the transport.

UI (User Interface) refers to the interface of a software system – meaning all the elements through which you as a user interact with the system. These include input fields, buttons, menus, display areas, and the overall visual structure of an application.

UWB (Ultra-Wideband) is a radio technology that uses extremely short high-frequency pulses to locate objects and people in real time with centimeter-level accuracy. Unlike Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, UWB achieves significantly higher localization precision with low susceptibility to interference.

UX (User Experience) refers to the totality of all experiences a person has when using a system – from initial orientation to routine operation.

A stock transfer is an inventory movement between two storage locations or sites, recorded as a posting in the WMS or ERP. It serves to optimize inventory levels, ensure picking efficiency, and balance capacity.

A carousel storage system is an automated carousel system in which storage locations rotate continuously and the required goods are automatically transported to the retrieval point. It follows the goods-to-person principle and is used primarily for the storage and picking of small parts.

In intralogistics and freight transport, transshipment refers to the moving, loading, unloading, and transfer of goods at nodes such as hubs, terminals, or depots. Shipments frequently change mode of transport or are re-consolidated for onward distribution.

The inventory turnover rate indicates how often a stock level is completely replenished within a defined period. It is a key metric for evaluating capital commitment and warehouse efficiency.

Repackaging refers to the subsequent re- or repackaging of goods to meet requirements from shipping, retail, or production. It is a standalone service performed downstream of the standard packaging process and is frequently counted among the value-added services in warehouse logistics.

Corporate logistics refers to all logistical functions that take place within a company – from procurement through production and warehousing to distribution and returns.

Obsolete stock takeover refers to the assumption of inventory that has exceeded its planned storage age or can no longer be sold through regular channels.

VDA 5050 is an open communication standard that enables cross-manufacturer control of automated guided vehicles (AGV) and autonomous mobile robots (AMR) through a unified interface.

Value Added Services (VAS) are additional services in warehousing or fulfillment that go beyond standard put-away, picking, and shipping. Typical examples include labeling, kitting, repackaging, quality inspection, and returns processing.

Variant management refers to the systematic control of product and process variants through rules, data models and processes to keep complexity manageable.

Vendor lock-in refers to the dependency on a single vendor that makes switching technically, contractually, or economically significantly more difficult or costly. It frequently arises from proprietary interfaces, lack of data portability, or high switching costs.

Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) is a cooperative model in which the supplier takes over inventory management at the customer's site and is independently responsible for replenishment. The customer provides consumption and stock data and defines binding framework values such as minimum and maximum stock levels.

In transport law, the carrier is the contracting party that undertakes to transport goods on behalf of the shipper. The term is used particularly in sea freight and must be clearly distinguished from freight forwarder and haulier under the law.

A mode of transport is the physical infrastructure or medium through which goods are moved – such as road, rail, waterway, or airspace. The choice of transport mode significantly determines the costs, transit times, and CO₂ emissions of a supply chain.

Shipping encompasses all process steps from the completed picked order to the handover of goods to the carrier and the final documentation in the system. This includes packing, labeling, loading, and the status feedback to the ERP or WMS.

Shipping processing refers to the operational process in which shipments are packed, labeled, documented, and handed over to carriers. It encompasses all steps from the packing station to the status update fed back to the WMS or ERP.

Shipping methods are defined categories used in logistics to classify and manage shipments — for example, by service level, carrier, transit time, or billing rule. They form the basis for process control in warehousing, transportation, and order fulfillment.

Shipping services are services related to transport and delivery that go beyond the mere act of carriage. Typical examples include pre-delivery notification, time-window delivery, identity verification, cash on delivery, oversized goods handling, and temperature-controlled transport.

Shipping costs encompass all costs incurred when dispatching a shipment – from carrier freight and packaging materials and packing time through to surcharges, labels and insurance. They are therefore broader in scope than pure freight costs, which reflect only the carrier portion.

A non-viable customer is a customer that a company consciously chooses to forgo because the business relationship is not economically or operationally sustainable. Typical causes include high cost-to-serve, low margins, or recurring process disruptions.

A virtual warehouse is a purely logical storage structure within the warehouse management system that separates inventory on an organizational level without corresponding to a dedicated physical location. It maps process and ownership boundaries within the system — for example, for quality holds, transit stock, or consignment goods.

A Warehouse Control System (WCS) is control software used in intralogistics that acts as an intermediary between the Warehouse Management System (WMS) and the programmable logic controllers (PLCs) of individual systems. It coordinates material flow across conveyor and automation technology in real time.

A Warehouse Execution System (WES) coordinates warehouse processes and resources in real time – bridging the strategic level of the WMS with the operational control of conveyor technology and subsystems.

Warehouse WLAN refers to the wireless network infrastructure that connects mobile devices such as scanners, mobile data entry (MDE) devices, and forklift terminals in the warehouse environment to the corporate network.

WM (Warehouse Management) refers to the warehouse management functions integrated within an ERP context, mapping inventory levels, warehouse movements, and warehouse structures.

A Warehouse Management System (WMS) is a software solution for the operational control and management of all warehouse processes – from putaway and picking to goods issue. It coordinates storage locations, inventory, resources, and staff deployment in real time.

Goods-to-person is an order picking principle in which storage bins, trays, or containers are automatically transported to a workstation, rather than employees walking to storage locations. It reduces travel distances, increases throughput, and improves workplace ergonomics.

Warehouse Management Software (WMS) is a software solution for the operational control and optimization of all warehouse processes – from goods receipt and putaway through picking to goods issue.

Goods issue refers to the process area in the warehouse where goods are prepared for shipment, inspected, and physically handed over to the transport service provider after picking has been completed.

Goods receipt is the first process step in the warehouse, in which incoming deliveries are unloaded, identified, inspected, posted, and made available for putaway or further processing.

Goods receipt inspection is the systematic examination of delivered goods before they are transferred to available stock. It encompasses quantity, quality, and document checks, as well as the decision to approve, block, or raise a complaint.

Goods placement refers to the systematic assignment of items to storage locations with the goal of reducing travel distances, utilizing space efficiently, and improving picking performance and inventory accuracy.

A goods distribution center is a central or regional logistics location that consolidates, stores, picks, and distributes goods to stores, customers, or production facilities. It can be operated as a central warehouse, regional warehouse, or cross-dock facility.

A merchandise management system (MMS) is software for the integrated management of goods flows, inventories, and commercial processes in retail and industry. It typically maps purchasing, sales, inventory planning, article master data, and document management in a single system.

A waterproof panel PC is an industrial-grade flat-panel computer with an integrated display, protected against the ingress of water or moisture through a specialized enclosure design and sealing systems.

A swap body is a standardized, removable truck body that stands on its own support legs and can be detached from a vehicle without a crane. It enables decoupled cargo handling in road freight transport and is widely used in groupage and scheduled services.

Own-account transport refers to the movement of goods using company-owned vehicles exclusively for internal business purposes. It is not a commercial transport service and is subject to its own legal framework.

The value chain encompasses all successive stages that contribute to the creation and delivery of a product or service – from raw material extraction to customer service.

A value-adding process is a defined workflow that directly contributes to service or product delivery – such as picking, packing or shipping. It encompasses inputs, outputs, resources and metrics, and forms the operational foundation for control, automation and continuous…

WxS is an umbrella term for the three core warehouse IT system classes WMS, WCS, and WES. It helps logistics and IT teams structure architecture decisions and clearly define responsibilities between systems.

XML (Extensible Markup Language) is a text-based, hierarchical data format that enables the structured exchange of information between different IT systems.

Yield management refers to the dynamic control of prices and capacities based on demand forecasts in order to maximize revenue. In logistics, it primarily affects transport prices, cargo space availability, and seasonal cost fluctuations.

A payment advice is a notification by which a payer informs the payee of a completed or upcoming payment. It contains reference data such as invoice numbers and amounts, enabling the recipient to match incoming payments without ambiguity.

A row warehouse is a storage structure in which storage locations are organized in parallel rows. The rows can consist of shelving, floor positions, or other storage media and form the basis for route planning, zoning, and picking strategies.

A central warehouse is a single storage location that supplies multiple regions, sales channels, or company sites from a consolidated inventory pool.

The target architecture for logistics IT describes the desired future state of the IT landscape within a logistics organization. It defines which systems take on which roles, how data flows, and the principles governing interface design.

Customs refers to the state-regulated duties, procedures and regulations that apply to the cross-border movement of goods. It encompasses import and export processes, customs tariffs, documentation requirements as well as prohibitions and restrictions.

A customs warehouse is an officially authorized storage procedure in which non-Community goods are stored under customs supervision without import duties becoming immediately payable.

The customs tariff number is an internationally standardized commodity code that classifies goods for customs purposes, thereby determining duty rates, import restrictions, and compliance requirements.

Access frequency indicates how often an item or storage location is accessed within a defined period. It is a key metric for storage location optimization and the planning of picking zones.

A supplier is a company that delivers raw materials, components, semi-finished products, or assemblies to a processing operation. The term emphasizes integration into a production or assembly chain, in which the supplier's delivery performance directly affects the buyer's own delivery and…

An intermediate warehouse is a temporary storage stage that decouples two consecutive process steps or locations and acts as a buffer for capacity or cycle-time variations. It can be represented as a physical area or as a virtual storage location in the system.