MFC Terms and Definitions

Supply chains typically have both distribution and fulfillment centers. The distribution center (DC) is typically a transit hub for goods as they change the modality of transport. By contrast, the fulfillment center holds products before they are shipped directly to customers.

Each picking is an order picking process of picking an individual item from a master carton. It may also known as split-case picking or piece picking.

Cube automated storage and retrieval systems or hive systems are densely packed automated tote storage systems. These systems use interlocking bins stacked inside an aluminum grid or cube with no space for aisles. This robotic cube storage uses a fleet of robots to drive across tracks on top of the grid and work together to move bins out of the system and deliver to operator ports.

Case pick is the process of picking a closed case of the same items, i.e. picking a case of tomato soup vs. an individual can of soup (each pick) for the purpose of restocking inventory in the store.

Although there are many order picking methodologies, batch picking is a process whereby one (or many) operator(s) travel through a distribution center or warehouse picking SKU’s for multiple orders on a single trip.

An automated storage and retrieval system (ASRS) is a generic term for a system that automatically stores items in a repository and can also retrieve them. ASRS is a type of warehouse automation technology.

Automated storage and dispense is an automated system that typically stores completed orders and then, at the appropriate time, dispenses those orders for either customer pickup or delivery.

Automated picking storage and dispense is an automated system that contains product inventory so that customer orders can be picked into order totes. It also stores completed orders and, at the appropriate time, dispenses those orders for either customer pickup at store or delivery to home.

An A-Frame is a self-contained automated piece picking machine designed to process a high volume of items (Min, Size: 2” x .6” x .6” – Max. Product Size: 12.4” x 10.5” x 3.8”) and dispense them into totes or cartons at a low operating cost.

Automated customer order dispense is another term for a drive up window where an order is automatically presented to a customer or delivery service driver.