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- ABC AnalysisA method for classifying SKUs, or stock keeping units, into A, B, and C groups based on contribution to a chosen metric such as sales value, order lines, margin, or pick frequency. Items are ranked and grouped by cumulative share, for example A items may account for most of the measured result, B items the next segment, and C items the long tail, with thresholds set by policy. The classes guide cycle counting cadence, storage placement, and stocking targets, and are recalculated on a defined schedule using recent data. Teams document the metric used, the lookback period, and the cutoffs so results can be reproduced and audited.
- Access PointA staffed or automated pickup location (rather than a home address) used by parcel carriers and retail partners where shipments can be dropped off or collected. Parcels may be addressed to the site for hold for pickup, or returned there using a carrier label or QR code. The location scans each package at receipt and handoff, may verify identification, and captures a signature when required. Carriers set limits on parcel size, weight, services offered, and the number of days a package is held before it is returned to the network.
- Accessorial ChargesFees assessed by a carrier for services or conditions not included in the base transportation rate. Examples include liftgate service, inside delivery, residential or limited access pickup or delivery, appointment scheduling, detention, redelivery, and sort and segregate. The amounts and rules are published in the carrier tariff or contract and are billed as separate line items tied to the shipment reference. Required services are noted on the bill of lading or tender, and invoices may be audited to verify that the charge matches the stated rules.
- Advanced Shipping Notice (ASN)An electronic pre alert sent by a shipper that communicates shipment details to the receiver before the goods arrive. It lists order or shipment references, ship from and ship to, expected arrival date, and a breakdown of handling units such as cartons and pallets with item codes and quantities. Each handling unit may be tied to a unique Serial Shipping Container Code that is printed on a GS1 128 or UCC 128 label for scanning at receipt. ASNs are transmitted through EDI such as the 856 transaction set or by API, and receiving uses them to plan dock time, stage resources, and match physical scans to records.
- Air CargoGoods transported by aircraft on scheduled or charter services. Shipments move under an air waybill and are built into unit load devices or handled as loose pieces according to carrier rules. Rating uses chargeable weight, which is the higher of actual scale weight or dimensional weight, along with any published surcharges and the selected service level. Movements must meet aviation security screening, packaging strength limits, and dangerous goods regulations set by the origin, destination, and carriers involved.
- Air FreightThe transport of commercial cargo by aircraft offered by airline carriers and freight forwarders on scheduled or charter services. Shipments move under an air waybill and are tendered as loose pieces or built into unit load devices according to carrier and airport rules. Charges are based on chargeable weight, which compares actual scale weight to dimensional weight, plus any published surcharges and the selected service level. Handling follows aviation security screening, packaging strength limits, and dangerous goods rules for the origin and destination, with events recorded at acceptance, buildup, departure, arrival, breakdown, and delivery.
- Amazon Seller Fulfilled PrimeAn Amazon program that allows eligible sellers to list the Prime badge and ship orders from their own facilities. Orders follow program rules that include same day or one to two day delivery options where offered, purchase of labels through Amazon shipping services, and transmission of tracking scans. Sellers must meet thresholds for on time shipment, valid tracking rate, and order cancellation rate, and use approved carriers and service levels. Amazon monitors performance and can remove the Prime badge or program access when results fall below stated standards.
- Ambient StorageStorage of goods at room temperature without active refrigeration or freezing. It is used for items that are stable within standard warehouse conditions and do not require special temperature control. Facilities document basic environmental conditions and follow labeled handling instructions for stacking, segregation, and shelf life. Inventory is placed in standard locations such as pallets, racks, or bins and follows defined rotation rules when applicable.
- Anniversary BillingA storage charging method in which fees are assessed on a recurring cycle that starts on the date an item or storage unit is first placed into billable storage. Each pallet, bin, or slot begins its own cycle, and charges recur on the same calendar day for each subsequent cycle such as every 30 days. Contracts state the billable unit, cycle length, any proration or grace rules, and the events that start or stop the clock such as receipt, putaway, transfer, or shipment. Warehouse systems record the start date at the unit level so invoices can reference the applicable cycle and activity.
- Apparel FulfillmentWarehouse and shipping operations for clothing and accessories covering receipt, storage, order processing, and returns. Inventory is tracked at the variant level such as style, color, and size, with both folded handling and garment on hanger handling when specified. Tasks may include ticketing, relabeling, prepack creation, quality checks for stains or damage, and repackaging in polybags with required size or warning labels. Orders are picked as each units for direct to consumer or by case and carton for wholesale, with packing steps that protect fabric and keep barcodes readable.
- Automated DimensioningThe use of fixed or conveyor based devices to capture length, width, height, and sometimes weight of cartons, pallets, and irregular items without manual measurement. Sensors such as lasers or cameras record exterior measurements, link them to a scan or identifier, and store a dimensional profile with a timestamp. The results feed parcel rating and dimensional weight calculations, space planning and slotting in the warehouse, and load building in transportation systems. Specifications define accuracy, tolerances, minimum readable surfaces, and whether the device is certified for legal for trade use when measurements support billing.
- Automated Guided Vehicles AgvsDriverless material handling vehicles that follow defined paths inside a facility using guidance methods such as magnetic tape, embedded wire, or reflectors. They move pallets, carts, or unit loads between pickup and drop locations under a central controller that assigns tasks and manages traffic rules. Safety systems use scanners, bumpers, and emergency stops to detect obstacles and stop motion, and interfaces connect to warehouse systems and conveyors for handoff signals. Common designs include tugger units, unit load platforms, and fork AGVs, with battery charging scheduled during idle windows.
- Automated Order RoutingSoftware based assignment of customer orders to a fulfillment center using predefined rules. Inputs include inventory by location, item attributes such as hazardous materials or temperature requirements, service level and cutoff, proximity to the ship to address, and transportation cost. The system may split an order across locations when one site cannot fill all lines and records the sourcing decision for audit and status updates. Outputs include the fulfill from location, promised ship date, and carrier service, which are sent to warehouse and transportation systems for execution.
- Automated PalletizersMachines that build unit loads by arranging cases, totes, or bags on pallets without manual lifting. Systems include robotic arm units and conventional layer forming machines that use conveyors, turners, and row pushers to create programmed patterns. Inputs include case dimensions, weight, orientation marks, target pallet size, stack height limits, and stability rules such as interlock or column stack. The palletizer can place slip sheets or tier sheets when specified, square layers before release, and signal a wrapper or bander for load securing. Controls record pattern recipes, changeovers, and production counts and interface with upstream and downstream equipment.
- Automated Picking SolutionsSystems that retrieve and present items or direct workers to select items using automation and software. Technologies include goods to person equipment such as shuttles, vertical lift modules, carousels, and autonomous mobile robots that deliver totes to workstations, as well as pick to light, pick to voice, and robotic piece picking cells. The warehouse management or control system sends order lines, slot data, and priorities, then collects confirmations by scan, light module, or vision sensor and records lot or serial when required. Designs specify throughput targets, station count, order consolidation method, and exception handling for short picks, damages, or replenishment triggers.
- Automated Storage and Retrieval System (ASRS)A mechanized storage system that uses computer controlled equipment to place and retrieve loads within a high density rack. Common configurations include unit load cranes for pallets, miniload cranes for totes or trays, and shuttle and lift based modules that move carriers along aisles and levels. The system receives putaway and retrieval commands from a warehouse management or control system, tracks locations and quantities, and confirms moves by scan or sensor. Interfaces transfer loads to conveyors or workstations and record cycle counts, dwell time, and equipment status for monitoring and maintenance.
- AutomationThe use of equipment, control systems, and software to perform warehouse or transport tasks with limited manual handling. It covers conveyance, sortation, storage and retrieval, picking, packing, labeling, dimensioning, and palletizing using devices such as conveyors, sorters, shuttles, autonomous mobile robots, robotic arms, and print and apply machines. Controllers and execution software interface with warehouse and transportation management systems to receive work, issue commands, and capture confirmations with timestamps and sensor checks. Designs specify safety functions, maintenance access, throughput targets, and exception handling so work can continue when inputs or equipment vary.
- Awaiting From SenderA carrier tracking message that indicates shipment information exists, but the physical parcel has not yet been handed to or scanned by the carrier. The record is created when a label is purchased or shipment details are transmitted, and it remains until the first acceptance scan at pickup, drop off, or an origin facility. Once the carrier takes possession, the status changes to an event such as acceptance, origin received, or in transit.