Fulfillment Glossary

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#A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Boxcar

An enclosed rail car, commonly measuring between 40 to 50 feet in length, is primarily utilized for the transportation of packaged freight and some bulk commodities.

Bracing

The act of ensuring the protection of a cargo load within a transportation carrier's vehicle in order to mitigate any harm or impairment.

Bracketed Recall

The retrieval of consumer feedback pertaining to lot numbers under suspicion, along with a designated quantity of lots manufactured before to and subsequent to the aforementioned suspect lots.

Branding

The utilization of a designated appellation, linguistic expression, visual representation, or a composite thereof, with the purpose of distinguishing and characterizing a specific commodity.

Breadman

One particular implementation of the Kanban methodology is observed in the coordination of vendor replenishment efforts. When engaging in the delivery of bread or other similar goods, it is customary for the delivery personnel to reach the destination specified by the customer and proceed to replenish a specifically defined receptacle or storage area with the desired commodity. The ongoing size of the order is not explicitly established, and the customer does not provide specific criteria for each individual delivery. On the contrary, the supplier undertakes the responsibility of determining the required quantity based on a predetermined set of regulations and thereafter delivers the appropriate amount.

Break-Bulk

The process of dividing a unified and consolidated large cargo into smaller individual shipments, which are then transported to the final recipients. Prior to shipment, there is a process of consolidating orders, whereby numerous individual orders intended for a particular geographic region are combined into a single shipment with the aim of minimizing expenses.

Break-Even Chart

A visual representation illustrating the relationship between the total variable cost and fixed cost curve, in conjunction with the total revenue curve. The concept of the point of intersection refers to the break-even point, which is characterized by the precise equilibrium between total revenues and total costs.

Break-Even Point

The point at which activities cease to be profitable or generate sales volume.

Bricks and Mortar

The practice of doing sales transactions in a brick-and-mortar establishment. The contrasting aspect of the clicks and mortar model, wherein sales transactions are facilitated through the utilization of the Internet. The phrase in question serves as a colloquial expression denoting the juxtaposition between the traditional or established economic system, sometimes referred to as the old economy or Industrial economy, and the contemporary or emerging economic system, often termed the new economy or information economy.

Broadband

A transmission channel characterized by both high speed and great capacity. Broadband channels are sent over radio waves, coaxial cables, or fiber-optic cables, which possess a significantly larger bandwidth compared to traditional telephone lines. This expanded bandwidth enables the simultaneous transmission of video, voice, and data.

Broken case

A case that remains unresolved or under investigation. The word is frequently employed synonymously with "repack" or "less-than-full-case" to designate the specific location where materials are selected in said format.

Broker

An middleman that facilitates the exchange of goods between the shipper and the carrier. The broker facilitates the coordination of transportation services for shippers and acts as a representative for carriers.

Brokered Systems

The computer systems in question are autonomous and are under the ownership of separate organizations or entities. These systems are interconnected in a way that facilitates the retrieval of information from one system to another. An illustration of this concept is when a customer's computer system is capable of accessing and retrieving the current status of an order from the computer system of a supplier.

Browser

A digital tool that enables an individual to browse and explore various assemblages of objects or information on the internet. Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Explorer are web browsers that facilitate the viewing of content on the World Wide Web.

Bucket-brigade Picking

One method for effectively arranging personnel on a production line to achieve self-balancing of the line. Every worker commences their task on a pick line, proceeding at a pace determined by their individual skill level and the level of difficulty associated with the subsequent selection. Once the final worker completes their task at the conclusion of the pick line, they proceed upstream to assume the responsibilities of their predecessor. In turn, the previous worker also moves upstream to take over the duties of their predecessor, and this sequence continues.

Bucketed System

A time-phased system, such as an MRP, DRP, or other similar system, that aggregates all time-phased data into discrete time periods or buckets. When the duration of accumulation spans one week, the technique is referred regarded as having weekly buckets.

Bucketless system

A time-phased system, such as an MRP or DRP, or any other system, that processes, stores, and typically presents all time-phased data using dated records instead of predefined time periods or buckets.

Buffer

1) A stockpile of materials awaiting subsequent processing. The term "it" in this context can encompass several elements such as raw materials, semifinished inventories, or work backlogs intentionally kept at a work center. In the theory of constraints, buffers play a crucial role in enhancing the performance of throughput and/or due date adherence. These buffers can be classified as either time-based or material-based. Buffers can be strategically managed at several locations within a supply chain network, including the constraint, convergent points (with a constraint component), diverging points, and shipping points.

Buffer Management

According to the idea of constraints, the expediting process within a shop is determined by the scheduled items present in the buffers, namely the constraint, shipping, and assembly buffers. By facilitating the swift transfer of this material to the buffers, the system effectively mitigates the occurrence of idle periods at the constraint and minimizes the likelihood of missing client deadlines. Furthermore, this study aims to identify the underlying causes for the absence of items in the buffer, and afterwards utilize the frequency of recurrence as a means to prioritize development initiatives.

Bulk area

A facility designed for the storage of bulky products that are most effectively managed when handled in palletized loads.

Bulk packing

The practice of consolidating multiple tiny cartons or boxes into a bigger container with the purpose of facilitating the transportation of goods and safeguarding against potential harm or theft to the smaller units.

Bulk storage

The practice of accommodating or retaining products and packages in bigger quantities, typically utilizing the original packing or shipping containers.

Bulletin Board

An online platform that facilitates the sharing and discussion of written content and articles pertaining to a shared topic or theme.

Bullwhip Effect

The phenomenon where small changes in customer demand lead to significant fluctuations in demand amplification along the supply chain, causing inventory imbalances and inefficiencies.

Burn Rate

The cash consumption rate within a business. The burn rate metric is utilized to assess the ongoing cash needs of a business. A burn rate of $50,000 signifies that the company expends $50,000 a month in excess of its incoming cash flow in order to maintain its business operations. Entrepreneurial enterprises engage in the practice of determining their burn-rate as a means to ascertain the duration until additional funding must be secured or a favorable cash flow is achieved.

Business Activity Monitoring (BAM)

Real-time or near real-time operational data capture is a word used to describe the process of acquiring and recording data in a timely manner, enabling enterprises to promptly respond to occurrences. This process is commonly executed using software applications that have functionalities to generate alerts or notifications upon the occurrence of predetermined events.

Business Application

A computer program, whether it is a single program or a collection of programs, or a software package, designed with the purpose of resolving a certain problem or task.

Business Continuity Plan (BCP)

This paper proposes the development of a contingency plan aimed at ensuring uninterrupted operations in the face of heightened risk, such as instances of labor unrest or natural disasters. The Securing the Supply Chain Research conducted by CSCMP offers recommendations aimed at assisting organizations in implementing continuity planning measures. The research document can be seen on the official website of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP).

Business Logistics

Supply chain management refers to the organized and integrated series of activities involved in the transportation and storage of goods, including raw materials, components, and finished products, from suppliers to company facilities, and ultimately to customers in the market. These activities encompass various tasks such as packaging and order processing, all of which are carried out efficiently to support the overall objectives of the organization.

Business Performance Measurement (BPM)

The utilization of a structured framework comprising of objectives and quantifiable indicators to oversee and evaluate performance. The examination of these measurements can assist firms in regularly establishing company objectives and afterwards offering feedback to management regarding the progress made towards achieving those objectives. One can assess a particular metric by comparing it to its own historical data, comparing it against a predetermined target, or evaluating it in conjunction with other measurements.

Business Plan

1) A comprehensive declaration outlining the overarching strategic direction and financial goals of an organization, typically supported by budgetary allocations, a projected balance sheet, and a statement of cash flow delineating the sources and uses of funds. Typically, a business strategy is expressed in monetary units and organized according to product categories. The business plan is subsequently transformed into coordinated tactical functional plans via the production planning process, or alternatively, the sales and operations planning process. The alignment of tactical plans, despite being expressed in various forms such as monetary values or quantities, is crucial to ensure consistency both within themselves and with the overarching business strategy. See

Business Process Outsourcing (BPO)

The phenomenon of delegating non-essential internal operations to external entities. Commonly outsourced functions in business operations including logistics, accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and human resources. Additional categories may encompass the realm of IT development or the comprehensive oversight and administration of the IT operations within the organization.

Business Process Reengineering (BPR)

Business process reengineering (BPR) refers to the essential reconsideration and, in some cases, complete overhaul of business processes with the aim of achieving significant enhancements in organizational performance.

Business Unit

A division or segment of a corporation that is typically seen as an independent unit responsible for its own financial performance.

Business-to-Business (B2B)

In contrast to the business-to-consumer (B2C) model. Numerous enterprises are presently prioritizing this particular approach, whereby their websites are specifically tailored towards catering to businesses, particularly those engaged in wholesale activities. Consequently, exclusive access and purchasing privileges on these websites are restricted solely to other organizations. According to internet researchers, it is anticipated that this particular industry would emerge as the most significant domain on the World Wide Web.

Business-to-Consumer (B2C)

The numerous e-commerce websites that engage in direct sales of products to individual consumers are commonly classified as B2C (Business-to-Consumer). The differentiation between B2B websites is significant due to the varying aspects of their business model, strategy, execution, and fulfillment.

Buyer Behavior

The manner in which individuals or organizations conduct themselves within a procurement context. The customer-oriented idea involves the identification and understanding of consumers' wants, needs, and desires, and subsequently aligning the resources of the business to provide goods and services that effectively fulfill these requirements.

Byte

The term "byte" is employed in computer science to denote a sequence of either seven or eight binary numbers, commonly referred to as bits. The magnitude of the string's length directly correlates with the quantity of data that may be effectively expressed. The 8-bit byte has the capacity to encode a wide range of special characters, including 26 capital and lowercase alphabetic characters, as well as 10 numeric digits. This results in a total of 256 potential combinations.

CAGE Code

The Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code is an alphanumeric code consisting of five characters, including both numbers and letters. Its primary purpose is to serve as an identification tool for contractors engaged in economic activities with the United States government. Government.

CAPEX

The phrase "capital expenditure" is often to denote the financial obligations associated with the initial investment in novel machinery or equipment.

The carload train service necessitates that the shipper adhere to a certain weight requirement.

CLS (Cost Plus)

Transitional support is employed during the tracking and definition of cost and resource baselines.

CLS (Fixed Price)

This approach is applicable in situations when there is comprehensive documentation of cost and resource baselines, limited risk associated with cost and pricing, and both the Department of Defense (DoD) and the contractor can establish price, incentives, and performance objectives with a high level of certainty.

Cabotage

The implementation of a federal statute mandating the transportation of coastal and inter-coastal traffic exclusively through vessels constructed and registered within the United States.

Cage

(1) A secure, enclosed space designed for the storage of extremely expensive objects. (2) A platform of the size of a pallet, equipped with sides that may be securely attached to the tines of a forklift. This platform allows an individual to ride on it while conducting inventory of items held at an elevated position above the warehouse floor.

Caged

The concept being discussed pertains to the implementation of segregating high-value or sensitive products within a designated enclosure situated within a warehouse facility. The term "calendar days" refers to the total number of days in a given month, including weekends and holidays.

Calendar Days

The process of converting working days to calendar days is determined by the quantity of regularly planned days.

Call Center

A facility that accommodates people responsible for addressing customer phone inquiries and/or doing telemarketing activities. These individuals have the capacity to offer assistance to customers or give technical support. The provision of call center services can be categorized into two main approaches: in-house and outsourced.

Can be collected economically

Processes and actions are intentionally intended to efficiently acquire pertinent information.

Can-order Point

The utilization of an ordering system is common practice in situations where several items are being procured from a single vendor. The can-order point is a point that is greater than the initial order point. When any individual item reaches the minimum order threshold, triggering the need for an order, all products below their respective order thresholds are likewise included in the order. The determination of the can-order point is based on the consideration of the incremental holding cost that would be accrued if the item were to be ordered in advance.

Cantilever Rack

The racking system is designed to provide support for columns located at the rear, with arms that are attached to these support columns. These arms are responsible for holding shelves or stock. Cantilever racks facilitate the storing of elongated goods.

Capability maturity model (CMM)

The present study proposes a conceptual framework that delineates the fundamental components of a proficient software process. The observed trajectory represents an evolutionary progression from an initial state characterized by immaturity to a subsequent state characterized by maturity and discipline. The Capability Maturity Model (CMM) encompasses methodologies pertaining to the strategic planning, technical engineering, and effective management of software development and maintenance processes. By adhering to these fundamental standards, businesses can enhance their capacity to achieve objectives related to cost, schedule, functionality, and product quality.

Capable to Promise (CTP)

One method employed to ascertain the feasibility of assembling and delivering a product within a designated timeframe. The assessment of component availability and material availability across the supply chain is conducted to ascertain the feasibility of delivering a specific product. The procedure of allocating orders based on the existing capacity and inventory. This procedure could encompass many manufacturing or distribution facilities. The capability-to-promise (CTP) methodology is employed to ascertain the feasible delivery time for a newly placed or unscheduled client order. The capable-to-promise methodology utilizes a finite scheduling model within the manufacturing system to ascertain the feasible delivery time for an item. The production process may be subject to many limitations, such as the availability of resources, lead times for raw materials or acquired parts, and needs for lower-level components or subassemblies.

Capacity

The term "service delivery system" refers to the combination of physical infrastructure, human resources, and operational procedures that are in place to fulfill the demands and requirements of customers in relation to a certain product or service. The term "capacity" typically denotes the highest level of output or production capability exhibited by a machine, an individual, a process, a facility, a product, or a service.

Capacity Management

The notion that capacity need to be comprehended, delineated, and assessed for every tier within the firm, encompassing market segments, items, processes, activities, and resources. The concept of capacity in these applications is delineated by a hierarchical structure consisting of idle, non-productive, and productive perspectives.

Capacity Planning

The process of determining the production capacity needed by an organization to meet changing demands for its products.

Capital

Financial resources refer to the capital or funds that are accessible for the purpose of investing in assets that generate output.

Carload Lot

A consignment that meets the criteria for a discounted transportation fee due to its weight exceeding a predetermined minimum threshold. Given that carload rates typically encompass minimum rates per unit of volume, it is plausible that the LCL (less than carload) rate, despite being higher, could prove to be more cost-effective for a shipment that is heavy but relatively tiny in size.

Carmack Amendment

The proposed change to the Interstate Commerce Act aims to establish clear guidelines on the liability of common carriers and the inclusion of a bill of lading requirement.

Carousel

Carousels represent a technological solution employed for the purpose of storing objects in a sequential arrangement of motorized bins, with the intention of facilitating their subsequent selection or retrieval. There exist two principal categories of carousels, namely horizontal and vertical, alongside a closely associated technology, all of which function under some variation of computerized control. Since the late 1990s, carousels have been classified within the broader category of Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS).

Carrier

A company that facilitates the transportation of products or individuals through various modes of transportation, including land, sea, or air.

Carrier Selection

The procedure of assessing and selecting transportation carriers is conducted by considering several factors, including but not limited to cost, reliability, capacity, and service level.

Cartel

forming a collaborative alliance, is known as a strategic partnership.

Case Code

The Universal merchandise Code (UPC) is a unique numerical identifier assigned to a case of merchandise. The UPC case code and the UPC item code are distinct from one another due to the inclusion of the case identifier as an additional component inside the former. This particular designation is occasionally denoted as the "Shipping Container Symbol" or ITF-14 code.

Cash Conversion Cycle

1) Within the realm of retail operations, the temporal interval encompassing the transactional exchange of goods and subsequent monetary disbursements for a firm's assets. In the field of manufacturing, lead time refers to the duration between the procurement of raw materials and the subsequent collection of accounts receivable from customers in exchange for the sale of products or services.

Cash-to-Cash Cycle Time

The time it takes for a company to convert its investments in raw materials into cash from the sales of finished products, providing insight into the efficiency of the supply chain and cash flow management.

Catalog Channel

A call center or order processing business that receives consumer orders directly.

Catalog Item (CI)

The object in question as it is archived within a catalog or database. Within the Global Data Synchronisation Network (GDSN), the catalog item is distinctly identifiable by the combination of the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN), the Global Location Number (GLN), and the Target Market.

Categorical Plan

The supplier selection and evaluation process incorporates input from several departments and functions inside the buyer's company, and systematically classifies this input. The evaluation of suppliers for essential elements within their respective areas of responsibility is conducted by several functional departments such as engineering, production, and quality assurance. As an illustration, the field of engineering may establish a classification system aimed at assessing the extent of design adaptability exhibited by suppliers. Rankings are formed based on many categories, wherein performance ratings are acquired and supplier selections are afterwards determined.

Category Management

The strategic management of product categories as distinct business units. The approach grants a category manager with comprehensive authority over assortment decisions, inventory levels, shelf-space allocation, promotions, and purchasing. With the conferred authority and corresponding responsibility, the category manager is endowed with the capability to make more precise assessments of consumer purchasing habits, product sales, and market trends within the designated category.

Causal Forecast

In the field of forecasting, there exists a specific form of forecasting methodology that employs cause-and-effect associations in order to make predictions and provide explanations regarding the correlations between independent and dependent variables. One instance of a causal model can be observed in the form of an econometric model employed to elucidate the factors influencing the demand for housing starts. This model incorporates variables such as consumer base, interest rates, personal incomes, and land availability.

Cause and Effect Diagram

In the field of quality management, a structured approach is employed to systematically arrange ideas into coherent and logical groupings. Utilized in ideation and cognitive troubleshooting activities. The diagram, commonly referred to as Ishikawa or fish bone diagram, is an alternative name for this graphical tool.

Cell

A production or service entity including multiple workstations and a system for material transportation.

Cellular manufacturing

The manufacturing methodology employed involves the strategic arrangement of equipment and workstations to optimize small-lot, continuous-flow production. In the context of manufacturing, a "cell" refers to a designated area where all the essential operations required for the production of a component or subassembly are carried out in close proximity. This spatial arrangement facilitates prompt communication and feedback among operators, particularly when addressing quality concerns and other related issues. In a manufacturing cell, it is common for workers to undergo cross-training, enabling them to proficiently execute various duties as required.

Center-of-Gravity Approach

This study proposes a supply chain planning methodology aimed at strategically determining the optimal locations for distribution centers. The methodology focuses on identifying locations that minimize transportation costs between the factories, distribution centers, and markets.

Centralized Authority

The allocation of decision-making authority within management is limited to a select group of managers.

Centralized Dispatching

The consolidation of the dispatching function into a singular centralized place. The aforementioned framework frequently entails the utilization of data gathering devices to facilitate communication between the centralized dispatching function, which typically reports to the production control department, and the shop manufacturing departments.

Centralized Inventory Control

The process of making inventory decisions for all stock keeping units (SKUs) is centralized inside a single office or department, encompassing the entire organization.

Certificate of Analysis (COA)

A certification that attests to the adherence of items or materials to established quality standards or specifications. The academic document may be a compilation or citation of analytical findings and procedural details. The transfer of custody, ownership, or title of materials is frequently mandated.

Certificate of Compliance

The certification provided by a supplier indicating that the items or services under consideration have been verified to fulfill predetermined specifications.

Certificate of Origin

A globally recognized commercial document that verifies the nation from where a shipment originates.

Certificate of public convenience and necessity

The bestowal of operational authorization granted to common carriers. In order to obtain authorization, a carrier is required to demonstrate the existence of a public need and establish their competence, willingness, and capacity to fulfill the required service. The certificate has the potential to delineate the specific commodities that will be transported, the geographical region that will be covered, and the specific routes that will be utilized.

Certificated carrier

A commercial air carrier that is subject to economic regulation and necessitates an operational certification in order to offer its services.

Certified Supplier

The status of being awarded to a supplier who continuously achieves predetermined criteria in terms of quality, cost, delivery, financial performance, and count. The necessity of conducting incoming inspection may be deemed unnecessary.

Chain of Customers

The phenomenon in which customers sequentially consume the output of one another, resulting in a chain-like sequence. As an illustration, individuals can be regarded as customers of a department store, which in turn can be considered as the customer of a producer, who in this context acts as the customer of a material supplier.

Champion

A business leader or senior management assumes the responsibility of ensuring the availability of resources for training and projects, as well as actively participating in project tollgate reviews. Additionally, this executive plays a supportive role in addressing organizational difficulties related to Six Sigma.

Change Agent

A person, whether within or external to an organization, who plays a role in enabling and driving organizational transformation. The individual in question may or may not serve as the instigator of the transformation endeavor.

Change Management

The business process that effectively manages and oversees any modifications made to the business processes and applications utilized by the organization, in addition to its internal infrastructure, resources, operating systems, and protocols. The discipline of change management is implemented in a manner that effectively mitigates the potential risks that may impact the operational environment and the provision of services to users.

Change Order

This communication serves as an official notification requesting a modification to a purchase order or shop order. This alteration may arise due to a modified quantity, date, or specification requested by the client, an engineering modification, a change in the required inventory date, and other similar factors.

Changeover

The process of implementing essential modifications to alter or transition the range of items manufactured on a production line. Changeovers typically result in periods of inactivity, prompting firms to actively seek ways to decrease changeover duration in order to mitigate expenses.

Channel

1) This refers to a business's approach to distributing its products, which may involve several channels such as retail outlets, distribution centers, call centers, or online platforms. 2) The aforementioned technology is a push mechanism that enables users to subscribe to a website, facilitating offline browsing capabilities. It further provides the automatic display of website pages on users' screen savers, as well as the ability to download or get notifications when modifications are made to the website's pages. Channels are exclusively accessible in web browsers that possess the capability to interpret channel definitions, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer version 4.0 and subsequent versions.

Channel Conflict

This phenomenon arises when different sales channels within an organization's supply chain engage in competition with one another for the acquisition of identical business opportunities. One instance involves a retail channel that is engaged in competition with a company-established web-based channel.

Channel Obsolescence

The disbursements made to channel partners as a result of aging allowances, as well as the inclusion of provisions for buy-back agreements, among other factors, are considered in this context. This encompasses any items that become outdated or no longer relevant during the process of being distributed. Typically, a distributor may request a reimbursement for perishable goods that have exceeded their shelf life or for items that are rendered unnecessary due to evolving requirements.

Channel Partners

The supply chain encompasses various stakeholders, including suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, who collaborate to produce, distribute, and market a particular product.

Channels of Distribution

A network of firms or individuals engaged in the process of facilitating the movement of goods and services from the source of raw materials and manufacturer to the ultimate user or consumer.

Charging area

The organization possesses a warehouse space dedicated to housing battery chargers and additional batteries, which are utilized to sustain a fleet of electrically driven materials handling equipment. The organization is obligated to ensure the maintenance of this area in compliance with safety rules mandated by the government.

Chock

An object, typically composed of durable rubber or steel, which is securely positioned beneath the wheel of a trailer, truck, or boxcar in order to prevent its unintended movement.

Churning

The phenomenon of customers transitioning to an alternative provider as a result of exclusive discount incentives. Primarily employed within the domains of cellular telecommunications and credit card services. In certain instances, this terminology is employed in the context of supplier management, wherein the emphasis is placed on the selection of vendors offering the lowest prices, rather than prioritizing the maintenance of strategic partnerships.

City driver

A motor carrier driver who operates on a regional or intracity route rather than a long-haul, intercity route.

Civil Aeronautics Board

The aforementioned entity is a federal regulatory agency responsible for the implementation of economic regulatory rules pertaining to air carriers.