Operations Terms and Definitions
This is a listing of terms and definitions related to grocery and supermarket operations.
Radio-frequency identification (RFID) uses electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and track tags attached to objects. An RFID system consists of a tiny radio transponder, a radio receiver and transmitter.
2D symbology is a two-dimensional matrix that has a pattern of elements that carries information in two directions: vertically and horizontally. Matrix symbols can encode hundreds of times as much data as linear barcodes.
A warehouse management system (WMS) is a software solution that helps manage the operations of a warehouse or distribution center. They ensure that goods and materials move through warehouses in the most efficient and cost-effective way. A warehouse management system handles many functions that enable these movements, including inventory management, order picking, replenishment, packing, put-away, shipping and wave planning.
A warehouse control system (WCS) is a type of software that directs the real-time activities within warehouses and distribution centers. It integrates with the WMS (warehouse management system) in order to keep everything running smoothly and maximize the efficiency of the material handling subsystems.
A building information modeling (BIM) system is an extensive set of drawings, control systems, etc. that in total provide information about a building including the systems & equipment therein as well as mechanicals, architectural drawings, HVAC, MHE, bills of materials, control systems, dashboard status, etc
Pick by scan is order picking of items which must be weighed and affixed with a barcode before checkout, such as fresh meat and seafood.
Pick by weight is order picking of items which must be weighed, but not necessarily affixed with a bar code, usually weighed in bulk, such as bananas.
Run-In Run-Out is the process of optimizing the introduction of one product to the market in line with the corresponding exit of another product.
Product assortment refers to the variety of products that a retailer stocks and sells. This consists of product breadth, which is the variety of product lines in a store as well as product depth, which refers to the number of variations within a particular product line.
Centralized fulfillment allows a company to keep its entire inventory in one location, or it opts to utilize a few major hubs that focus on a large region.