Terminology

General

Container - Alias:  Tote, pallet, plastic tray, steel container, carton, box, envelope, etc.  A storage or transportation device for products.

Generic Label - Bar code label with a unique serial number encoded, having no relationship to a particular item/order at the time it is printed.  Its application is “generic.”  That is, it can be applied to any case or pallet for tracking purposes.  Its relationship to a particular order or load content is established by the user who scans the bar code on the generic label when prompted to do so by the Warehouse Management System, usually at the start of loading a carton or pallet with product.  

ID - Identification: generally a fixed / permanent barcode or RF tag that has been printed on or attached to the product or container.

Label - Alias:  traveler.  A barcode with optional human readable text that is printed with Exacta software and adhered to the product or container for tracking the movement or storage within the warehouse.  These labels can help an operator identify the order, container, or product.

List - A document (generally 8.5” by 11”) printed by Exacta software, e.g. picking list, packing list.

Work Order - Work to be performed in the Exacta system (one or more lines going to a specific customer or destination), e.g. picking, putaway, etc.  Work orders include but are not limited to customer orders.

Workstation - A PC running a specific Exacta program that is accessing distributed databases on servers or web servers.  A workstation is the PC (and any required peripherals) associated with a zone.  The workstation is used to operate at a designated zone/function in Exacta, e.g. a pack workstation, a carousel workstation.

Warehousing

Cube Utilization - The ratio of occupied space to total cubic space available usually expressed as a percentage.

Distribution - The broad range of activities concerned with efficient movement of finished products form the end of the production line to the consumer; in some cases it may include the movement of raw materials from the source of supply to the beginning of the production line.  These activities include freight transportation, warehousing, material handling, protective packaging, inventory control, plant and warehouse site selection, order processing, market and sales forecasting, customer service, and attendant management information systems; in some cases it may include buying activities.

Distribution Center - Warehouse(s) where products are assembled for shipment and distribution to specific customer locations.

Dock to Stock Time - The elapsed time measured for an inbound item from trailer docking to product putaway.

FIFO - First-in, First-out.  An inventory valuation method, in which costs of material are transferred in chronological order.

LIFO - Last-in, First-out.  An inventory valuation method, in which costs are transferred in reverse chronological order.

WMS - Acronym for Warehouse Management System.

Task Interleaving - Combining in the most efficient methodology multiple types of work (picking, replenishment, and cycle counting).

Product

Conveyable Items - Containers and products with firm, smooth, rigid bottoms, and a dimension in length, width, height, and weight that will transport easily on powered and gravity conveyors.

Cube - A products size, measured by multiplying the length by width by depth.

Full Case Item - Items that can be shipped as picked; that is, they do not require packing before shipment (as opposed to a “Repack-Item”).  In most instances, the minimum order quantity for such items is equal to the content of a master carton.

Kitting - The process of grouping or packaging together different items/SKU’s to create a special, single item.  

Lot Number - Alias:  batch number.  A lot number is a manufacturing batch.  Often used for quality control.

Manufacturer’s Model Number - Alias:  UPC (Universal Product Code).  Fixed barcode with optional human readable text marked on the product by the manufacturer.  Note:  Manufacturer’s model number may be used as the product ID.

Min/Max Level - Term used to denote the minimum and maximum levels of inventory planned for a particular item at a particular pick location, usually expressed in units, cases, or cubic feet.  The minimum is the location’s content at which a request for replenishment is triggered.  The maximum is the capacity of the location for the item located there.

Non Conveyable - Materials not suitable due to size or weight constraints for placement on the conveyor system.

Product ID - Alias:  item ID, item number, part ID, part number, ID, SKU.  Fixed barcode with optional human readable text that is marked on the product by the supplier.  

Product - Alias:  item, part, SKU, etc.  One unique inventory item.  A product that is identifiably different from all others by nature of its name, package, label or material substance. What is being stored and moved within the warehouse.  

Repack Item - Any product that must be packed in another carton for shipment.

Serial Number - Fixed barcode with optional human readable text marked on the product by the supplier or manufacturer.  Typically used on products like PCs, cellular phones, TVs, etc. as a unique identifier.

Storage Location

“Forward Pick” Storage Location - Alias:  primary storage, active pick location.  Generally the storage location for frequently picked products (highest velocity SKUs).  Typically:  carton flow rack, carousels, “A”-frames, etc.

“Reserve” Storage Location - Alias:  secondary storage, tertiary storage.  Generally the storage location for large quantities of a product in pallet or bulk position.  Also used for products rarely picked (lowest velocity SKU’s).  Typically:  rack and shelving.

AS/RS - Automated Storage and Retrieval System.  A combination of equipment and controls which handles, stores, and retrieves materials with precision accuracy and speed under a defined degree of automation.  Systems vary from relatively simple, manually controlled order-picking machines operating in small storage structures to giant, computer and robotic-controlled storage and retrieval systems totally integrated into the manufacturing and distribution process.

Bay -  Alias:  bin for carousels.  The area between two uprights (vertical supports) of a rack.  A bay is comprised of one or more shelves.  A row contains one or more bays.

Bulk Storage - Storage mode where pallets of product are placed directly on the floor of the warehouse (floor stacked).  Painted lines on the floor and a fixed storage location ID hanging from the ceiling identifying the physical location.  Bulk storage is used to store large quantities (multiple pallets) of a product for replenishment or cross-docking.  Configurable picking and stocking rules are available that relate to breaking cases and partial cases.

Carousel Storage - A carousel storage zone uses one or more carousels (devices holding a number of storage baskets suspended at the top and bottom by a powered track system) to store product.  Carousels are typically used to store product that is relatively small with a high frequency of activity.  Exacta will automatically move the carousels, so the location requiring picking and/or putaway is nearest the operator.  Light towers indicate the pick/put quantity and carousel location, while a sortbar over the containers indicates the pick/put quantity and container position.

Carton Flow Storage - Storage area for cartons with forward sloping shelves.  As a quantity is picked, the remaining product at the location slides forward.  All replenishment operations take place at the rear end, and order selection operations are performed from the front end.  May be used to store large quantities or cases of product.  Configurable picking and stocking rules are available that relate to breaking cases and partial cases.

Cell -  A cell is the lowest level of the location.  A cell contains product with the same lot number for a date received.  One or more cells comprise a shelf.  Cells can be configured on a shelf from left to right, front to back, or both.

Golden Zone - An operator's golden zone is the easiest to reach shelves. Usually region between an operator's knees and his shoulders; the region in which movement (picking, putting, lifting) is easiest. This can also apply to automated picking devices, in which it describes the optimal picking region. If the location is outside the golden zone, no graphic will be displayed.

Location - The physical storage location for a product within the warehouse.  The location ID describes the location Zone, Row, Bay, Shelf and Cell using any combination of up to three alphanumeric characters.  Typical location ID format:  WWW-ZZ-RR-BB-SS-CC.  See "Location Administration" for more details.

Mirrored Zones - Zones that are configured with the exact same locations (except for the zone number itself) and have the exact same products stored at the locations.

Pallet Flow Storage - Storage area for pallets with forward sloping shelves.  As a quantity is picked, the remaining product at the location slides forward.  All replenishment operations take place at the rear end, and order selection operations are performed from the front end.  May be used to store large quantities or pallets of product.  Configurable picking and stocking rules are available that relate to breaking cases and partial cases.

Pallet Storage - A structure composed of two or more upright frames, beams, and connectors, for the purpose of supporting palletized materials in storage.  Pallet storage may be used to store whole pallets of product.  Configurable picking and stocking rules are available that relate to breaking cases and partial cases.

Position - Refers to the placement of a container in a scan sequence.  For example, if containers 111, 112 and 113 were scanned into a pick batch, respectively, container number 112 would be in position 02. May also refer to the physical position on a cart or pallet used to transport pick/put containers from one area to another.

Row - The walkway (aisle) between racks or a single carousel.  Storage locations may be on one or both sides.  A row is comprised of one or more bays.  A zone may be configured to contain one or more rows.

Shelf -  A shelf is the horizontal division(s) of a bay where products or storage containers rest.  Depending on the cell configuration of a shelf, one or more products may be stored on a shelf.  One or more shelves comprise a bay.  Shelf types are:

• Normal Location - Flexible cells: can explode into multiple cells and then implodes back to one cell when empty.
• Permanently Divided -   Permanently divided into a given (NN) number of cells.  Never explodes or implodes; cells do not change.
• Fixed Location -   Storage location for a specifically designated product.  (Defined in the Location Master Table)
• Fixed and Permanently Divided -  Storage location permanently divided into a given (NN) number of cells, which store a specifically designated product.

Shelving Storage - Static storage may be used to store large quantities or cases of product.  Configurable picking and stocking rules are available that relate to breaking cases and partial cases.

Size Code - Size code identifies the relative size of the storage location as compared to other storage locations within the Exacta system.  A shelf may be given a size code that explodes into multiple cells when stocking.  Now the shelf (with cell 01) has been exploded into multiple cells (cell 01, 02, 03, etc.)
Slotting -Slotting is determining the best storage location for products based on pick frequency, dimensions, and other parameters.

Smart Pick Here Indicator -  The Smart Pick indicator is an indicator at each location that will show the quantity to be picked at a location.  The Smart Pick device includes a light, adjustment buttons to move the quantity down and back up as well as a task complete button.  Note that when performing pick operations, the pick display cannot be increased beyond original display quantity.  The "CAN" button cancels the pick.     

Sortbar - Each pick station contains a sortbar located on the forward facing pick bay.  The sortbar contains Smart Pick Here Indicators that direct operators in putting the correct quantity of pick products into the correct  kit containers.

Staging Areas - Areas between different warehouse operations where goods are temporarily stored awaiting processing by the next operation.

Storage Location ID - Alias:  location label.  A permanent barcode with human readable text that is placed at each fixed storage location.  Contains location identifier Warehouse-Zone-Row-Bay-Shelf-Cell.  Shelves with imploding and exploding cells may be defined only to the shelf level.

Storage Location - A physical storage location is the Warehouse, Zone, Row, Bay, Shelf, and Cell where a product is stored.  A storage location stores product with the same lot number.  Product may be stored in multiple storage locations.

Warehouse- A building for the storage of merchandise or commodities.

Zone - Exacta supports storage zones as well as work zones.

• A storage zone encompasses a physical area and is normally defined by the storage device used, e.g. carousel, LDP, etc.
• A work zone is defined by the activity performed or workstation present, e.g. pack workstation, management workstation, etc.)

Order Related

Due Date - Date a work order is to be shipped.
Pick Order Assignment - When orders are imported to be picked, they are first assigned to inventory.  Depending on the business rules, an order may not be picked unless all of the line items have inventory available to be picked.  This process is either performed at a Management workstation as a batch process or it can be set to run continuously.

Work Order Detail Record - Component of a work order.  Detail record outlines the product, quantity, etc. to be processed.  Each order must have at minimum one detail record.  One detail record is provided for each product code to be processed.  
Work Order Header Record - Component of a work order.  Header records contain information that applies to the overall processing of the order, not one specific detail record.  Pick orders may have multiple header records.  One record for shipping information, one for billing information, etc.

Work Order Number - Number to identify each work order.  Must be a unique number within the Exacta database.

Bar Code Terminology

Bar Code - An automatic identification technology that encodes information into an array of adjacent varying width parallel rectangular bars and spaces.

Bar Code Label - A label having a special imprinted code, both human and machine-readable.  A laser-scanning device detects the label code.  Used for ready identification and (sometimes automatic) routing of a pallet or a carton within the distribution facility.

Exacta Operations

Receiving

ASN - Advanced Shipment Notice.  ASN is an electronically communicated detail description, of the content of a shipment that has been dispatched to the recipient of the ASN.

Cross-Docking - Where products received are routed directly to shipping.  These products bypass the put-away, storage, and picking process thus eliminating significant labor.  Typical usage is for “back orders” and “hit” items.

Putaway Label - Alias:  induction traveler, receipt traveler.  Barcode with human readable text that is printed by Exacta and is applied to a received product or group of products.  Used in lieu of putaway containers to identify the putaway product.  The putaway label is scanned to initiate putaway.

Quarantine - Exacta allows a location to be quarantined. Quarantine is used to prevent any action from occurring at a location. Quarantined locations may not be picked from or stocked to.  (An exception to this rule: Hot Pick allows picking of quarantined inventory to get the product out of the warehouse.) Quarantining locations may be used under several circumstances. Quarantine may be used to freeze product in reaction to a request by your quality control group. Or product may all be stocked as quarantined and then quarantine removed after inspection has occurred.

Receiving - (1) The function of accepting, recording, and reporting merchandise into a facility.  (2) The receipt of inbound supplies; includes planning, handling, and document processing incident thereto.

Receiving Area - Area used for checking, inspecting, and preparing incoming material (both new procurement and returns), prior to its delivery to storage areas.

Receiving Dock - An area reserved for the unloading of delivery vehicles.

Returns

Returns - Merchandise returned for credit by customer.

Returns Putaway Label - Alias:  returns receipt traveler.  Barcode with human readable text that is printed by Exacta and is applied to a returned product or group of products.  Used to identify the putaway product.  The putaway label is scanned to initiate putaway.

Returns Reject Label - Barcode with human readable text that is printed by Exacta and is applied to a returned product that is not being returned to inventory.  Used to identify the reject product and its disposition.  

RMA - Alias:  Return Merchandise Authorization.  Number associated to information for a specific return.  Information includes but is not limited to Company Code, Customer Name, Customer Account, Return Reason.

Replenishment

Replenishment - The process of moving product from reserve storage to empty or less than maximum capacity locations in forward pick.

Replenishment Label - Alias:  replenishment traveler.  Barcode with human readable text that is printed by Exacta and is applied to a product, group of products, or storage container for movement to another storage location.  It identifies product picked from backup for replenishment.  The putaway operator scans the replenishment label to initiate putaway processing.  Note: a storage container ID can be used in lieu of a replenishment label.

Top Off - Top Off describes the process used in Putaway to find partially filled locations and bring them to their Location Maximum (as set in the Product's Primary, Secondary, Tertiary or Flex storage information). Using Top Off parameters within the Exacta system really helps maximize storage space in the warehouse. Automatically consolidates product so there are less locations to visit for picking. Customers with product that is date and/or lot sensitive do not mix dates or lots within a storage location.

Transfer Pick - Work order created by Exacta Replenishment.  Used with RF to identify pick products used for replenishing primary and, if configured, secondary locations.  The replenishment operator initiates picking by either entering a Transfer Pick work order number or allowing Exacta to select a Transfer Pick work order.

Putaway

Hot Putaway - Products are putaway on demand without download of a putaway work order.  Generally used to store misplaced products.

Putaway- Placing merchandise into storage and/or picking slots.

Putaway Container - Alias: tote, pallet, cart, carton, box, etc.  A physical device that products or storage containers are placed on for transportation to their putaway location.

Putaway Container ID - A fixed barcode or RF tag on a putaway container.  This ID is used to identify or associate all products or storage containers that are placed in it.  A fixed putaway container ID may be used in lieu of a putaway label.  The putaway operator scans the receiving label to initiate a put-away.

Putaway Label - Alias:  putaway traveler.  Barcode with optional human readable text that is printed by Exacta and is applied to a received product or group of products for put-away.  

Putaway Work Order - Alias:  stocking.  Putaway work to be performed in the Exacta system.

Order Association

Order Association - The process of marrying a pick order to a specific pick container or shipping container routing label.

Picking

Allocate - Reserving a quantity of product to be picked or putaway at a later time.  Product is not assigned a specific location.  For example, when Exacta retrieves an order from the host system, it reserves the picks for that order and assigns the order to zones but does not reserve product from a specific location within the picking zone.

Batch Picking - A group of orders processed at one time.  If a product is common among the orders, the operator visits that location only once.  The total quantity needed for all orders is picked and appropriately distributed among the individual orders.

Commit - Reserving a quantity of product and assigning it to a specific area.  For example, when a kit is scanned at the Pick Order Assignment scanner, picks are committed from a specific pick station to a kit.

Hot Picking - Picking performed on demand without download of a pick order.

Mobile Picking - Exacta Mobile.  A system using a handheld device, capable of receiving radio frequency transmissions, feeds an operator step-by-step commands to accomplish each task.

Order Picking - The process of picking the exact quantity for an individual order when the picker visits an SKU.

Parallel Pick - In Parallel Pick processing, picking occurs for a single order being in multiple zones and is typically joined up later in a consolidation area

Pick & Pass - In Pick and Pass processing, the order initiates picking in a single zone and is passed from one zone to the next when complete

Pick Cart - A pick cart is usually a manually propelled order picking device designed to hold small packages and tote boxes.

Pick Container ID - Alias:  routing label, license, tote ID.  A fixed barcode on the pick container.  This ID is used to identify or associate all products that are placed in the pick container.  The pick container is tied to the “Automated Order Routing” programs and tables.

Pick Container - Alias:  tote, pick tote, carton, box, pallet, etc.  A physical device that products are placed in to for transportation through the picking process and on to downstream operations (value added services, consolidation, packing, shipping).  A pick container is associated with a customer’s order.  Multiple products are generally put into the pick container.  Often new pick containers are added in to the pick process as the current pick container becomes full.  A shipping container can be used in lieu of a pick container.

Pickfence - The maximum quantity of one product that may be picked at one time per zone or, if configured, per sub-zone.

Pick Work Order - An Exacta assigned work order to pick product.

Picking - Selection and gathering of items to fulfill a work order.

Product Label - Alias:  price tag, security tag, special marking, weight check, etc.  Printed as product is picked.  Often uses a barcode with human readable text that is printed by Exacta and is applied directly to the picked product during the picking process for the end user (customer). Alias:  pick traveler, hot pick traveler.  Two Exacta processes may generate a product label, batch pick and hot pick.  Customized for each end-user.  Some companies print multiple product labels when picking from a location.  The quantity printed is equal to the pick quantity.  Uses include a barcoded item label, a price tag on each item picked, etc.  Other companies print one product label when picking from a location.  This type of label may be used to perform packing operations on another system.

PTL – Pick To Light (PTL).  A system where a computer feeds an operator step-by-step commands to accomplish each task.  Utilizes a lighted device indicating pick locations and quantities.  Device is attached to the rack directly adjacent to the pick location where the product is stored.

PTD – Pick To Display (PTD).  A system where a computer feeds an operator step-by-step commands to accomplish each task.  Utilizes a device with a screen indicating pick locations and quantities.  Device is attached to the rack directly adjacent to the pick location where the product is stored.

PTV – Pick To Voice (PTV).  A system where a voice command unit feeds an operator step-by-step commands to accomplish each task.  Pick operator listens to picking commands via a headset.

Split Case Picking - The picking of items in less than master carton quantities from an opened (split) master carton.

Consolidation

Consolidation - The process of collecting all pick containers for an order into a common area.  Often performed prior to pack to minimize the number of shipping containers required.

Pack

Dynamic Pack Station - Pack station that assumes picked product and quantity have already been verified against the work order.  Dynamic pack operations are very streamlined, little input is required by the operator.  Verification functions are not performed, the operator inputs license plate and the picking carton is packed automatically.  

Hazardous Materials Declaration - Optionally prints as a shipping carton containing hazardous material is closed.  Contains information required by the Department of Transportation for shipping hazardous goods.  

Pack - Placing line items and dunnage into an outer case in preparation for shipping.  May also include pack list printing and application of shipping label.

Pack Workstation - Configuration dictates packing methods used:  order pack vs. carton pack.  Configuration determines pack station type:  static or dynamic pack.  Optional value added processes can be performed.  

Packing List - Optionally prints as operator closes each shipping carton or last carton for the order.  Customized for each end-user.  Usually contains order header information as well as details on each item and quantity packed into the container.  The packing list is placed inside the shipping carton; or inserted in a plastic envelope applied to the outside of the shipping carton.

Shipping Container - Alias:  carton, box, envelope, over-pack shipping container.  Generally a carton containing products packed for delivery to the customer.  A shipping container can be used in lieu of a pick container.  This can be a more efficient picking technique as products do not have to be moved from a pick container to a shipping container.

Shipping Label - Printed for the freight carrier.  Barcode with human readable text that is printed by Exacta and is applied (generally to the top) of the Shipping Container.  Contains the ship to address, freight carrier, type of freight service, carrier defined fields, and package identifier barcode (for routing).  May also contain manifest tracking number, carton identifier and return address.  The shipping label is applied to the outside of the shipping carton so the carrier can properly deliver the carton to its destination.

Static Pack Station - Pack station where the operator manually validates the picked product and it’s quantity against the work order.  Static pack stations are also used when an order requires extra handling.  Some companies will use dynamic pack for all orders except those requiring special packaging (pack in dry ice, etc.).

Quality Control

In-Motion Scale - A device weighing each passing conveyable carton.  The in-motion scales are used to determine actual shipping weight and to perform weight verification.

Weight Verification - An in-motion scale along the conveyor that captures the weight of the product and container.  The captured value is compared to the expected weight of the order.  A container will pass the weight verification if the captured weight is within an acceptable tolerance (e.g. +/- 2%) level for the order.

Quality Control - The process of comparing the expected container contents to the actual container contents.  Operator indicated whether container is correct and ready to be shipped or if it is incorrect and why.

Routing

Automated Order Routing Workstation - Alias:  AOR, Conveyor Control System.  Unattended workstation that interfaces with PLC/VLC for routing pick or putaway containers on the conveyor system.

Control System - A hardware/software system that has its primary function the collection and analysis of feedback for a given set of functions for the purpose of controlling the functions.  Control may be implemented by monitoring and/or systematically modifying parameters or policies used in those functions, or by preparing control reports that initiate useful action with respect to significant deviations and exceptions.

PLC - Programmable Logic Controller.  A solid-state device which has been designated as a direct replacement for relays and “hard wired” solid-state electronics.  The logic can be altered without wiring changes.  Its features include; operation in hostile industrial environments without fans, air conditioning, or electrical filtering; programmed with a simple ladder diagram language; easily reprogrammed with a portable panel if requirements change; controller is reusable if equipment is no longer required; indicator lights provided at major diagnostic points to simplify troubleshooting.

VLC - Visual Logic Controller.  PC based (MS Windows) control programming that uses graphical flow chart programming methodology in lieu of ladder logic utilized in PLC based systems.  The PC system provides a cost effective, user friendly programming platform that easily supports data and graphical human interfaces through standard MS packages.

Manifest

Bill of Lading - A negotiable document by which a carrier acknowledges receipt of freight and contracts for its movement.  The surrender of the original order bill of lading, properly enclosed, is required by transportation lines upon delivery of the freight, in accordance with the terms of bill of lading.

Dynamic Manifest - Unattended station with in-line scale and scanner performing automatic manifesting operations.

Static Manifest - Station where containers are manually manifested.  Typically used for exceptions and those that could not be manifested in-line.

Administration

Exacta Manager - Central tool used to access the administrative programs and configuration tools.  

Architecture

Client/Server Computing - A type of processing in which a client requests a service or information from a server that performs the service and/or returns the requested information to the client.  In networking, refers to a network in which several PC-type systems (clients) are connected to one or more powerful, central computers (servers).  The servers act as central storehouses, serving files, information, and applications as requested by clients.  The clients do most of the processing and the server is mainly responsible for storing information and passing it to the client machines when they request it.  In databases, client/server refers to a model in which a client system runs a database application (front end) that accesses information in a database management system situated on a server (back end).

ODBC - Open Database Connectivity.  A standard that allows databases created by various database management programs to be accessed using a common interface independent of the database file format.  By relying on ODBC, one can write an application that uses the same code to read records from various database types.  Internally, ODBC drivers use a form of SQL to carry out database operations.

Real Time Processing - The immediate and continuous processing of information gathered from a data collection method.

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