Glossary
noun
Third Party Logistics, or 3PL is a business arrangement whereby logistics services, often including warehousing, are contracted to an independent business that specializes in such services and is not connected through direct ownership to the producer or factory requiring the service. See also, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Logistics and Material Handling. Note that all of referenced terms are highly interrelated and their definitions are frequently intermingled.
Agnostic – ag·nos·tic – [ag-nos-tik]
adjective
Since we are not beholden to any one source, we have the ability to choose among the “best in breed” manufacturers in our industry, review, and select the most appropriate technology to OBJECTIVELY integrate the best price for a given system.
noun
Short for Automatic Storage and Retieval System. AS/RS is becoming a generic term that today refers to a variety of means under computer control for automatically depositing and retrieving loads from defined storage locations. See also Carousels. Although both of these technologies have roots that go back some 40 to 50 years, it is only since the late 1990s that AS/RS has been used to refer to more than crane and aisle applications.
Carousel – car·ou·sel – [kar-uh-sel, kar-uh-sel]
noun
Carousels are a technology used to store items for eventual picking or retrieval. There are two primary types of carousels and one related technology, all of which operate under some form of computer control. Since the late 1990s, carousels have been placed under the more general category of AS/RS.
Design Build – de·sign build – [dih-zahyn bild]
noun
A thorough, comprehensive, step-by-step process Conveyco uses to fully complete a project. The steps include: Discovery, Analysis, Design, Implementation, and Ongoing Support
Integrator – in·te·gra·tor – [in-ti-grey-ter]
noun
Company that specializes in bringing together component subsystems into a whole and ensuring that those subsystems function.
Human-Machine Interface (HMI) – hu·man ma·chine in·ter·face – [hyoo-muh n muh-sheen in-ter-feys]
noun
A graphical interface where users can view information and control a material handling system. Users are able to see live information including: error messages, curent system status, statistics, etc. Users can also have some limited control over the system, including startup and shutdown.
Material Handling – ma·te·ri·al han·dling – [muh-teer-ee-uhl hand-ling]
noun
The movement, storage, control and protection of materials, goods and products throughout the process of manufacturing, distribution, consumption and disposal. The focus is on the methods, mechanical equipment, systems and related controls used to achieve these functions. See also, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management, Logistics and Third Party Logistics. Note that all of referenced terms are highly interrelated and their definitions are frequently intermingled.
Mini Load – min·i load – [min-ee lohd]
noun
A type of automatic storage and retrieval system that handles loads that are typically contained in small containers or totes, with load weights typically falling in the100 to 500 lb. Range, and occasionally as much as 750 to 1000 lbs. See also AS/RS.
Pick Module – pick mod·ule – [pik moj-ool]
noun
A single or multi level order selection system consisting of one or more pick media whereby, personel fullfill orders. Pick media is usually faced in a way that helps increase order selection over time.
Sortation – sor·ta·tion – [sawr-tey-shuh n]
noun
Separating items (parcels, boxes, cartons, parts, etc.) according to their intended destination within a plant or for transit.
Warehouse Control System (WCS) – ware·house con·trol sys·tem – [wair-hous kuh n-trohl sis-tuh m]
noun
A software layer that is designed to drive the automation equipment in your distribution center. Traditional WCS models have provided a multi-tiered approach with an ERP/WMS, WCS, and PLC layer of control.
Warehouse Management System (WMS) – ware·house man·age·ment sys·tem – [wair-hous man-ij-muh nt sis-tuh m]
noun
An execution system used to manage people, inventory, time, and equipment related to picking and processing customer orders. The Warehouse Management System receives orders from the Order Management System or the Transportation Management System, then relies on rules and priorities established by the user to optimize the space and work within the four walls of the warehouse.
