Acronyms
Acronym | Term | Definition |
PO | Document sent to the supplier to authorize a purchase. | |
BOL | Signed contract used in freight shipping. | |
ASN | Document providing detailed shipping information prior to delivery. | |
SKU | Unique identifier for each product. | |
POD | Documentation issued upon product delivery. | |
OTIF | On-Time, In-Full | Compliance metric for suppliers. |
KPI | Key Performance Indicator | Metric for supplier compliance. |
EDI | Automated, electric exchange of supply chain documentation. | |
FOB | Free on Board | Shipping term to define ownership/liability of transported goods. |
UPC | Universal Product Code | 12-digit barcode number that identifies a product. |
MOQ | Minimum Order Quantity | Minimum amount of product a supplier will sell. |
3PL | Third-Party Logistics Provider | A carrier contracted by either supplier or distributor to handle transportation and logistics. |
LTL | The freight method of shipping multiple shipments in one truck. | |
FTL | The freight method of utilizing one truck for one shipment. | |
GTIN | Global Trade Item Number | Unique identifier for a product. |
GS1 | General Specifications | Organization that standardized the UPC barcode. |
GLN | Global Location Number | Identifying number for company locations. |
VMI | Vendor or manufacturer is responsible for managing inventory. | |
DC | Distribution Center | Location where products are stored and shipped. |
RDC | Redistribution Center | Secondary location where products are stored and shipped. |
MABD | Must Arrive By Date | Deadline for delivery. |
MFC | Mixed Freight Consolidation | Combining multiple smaller loads into one freight type. |
NMFC | National Motor Freight Classification | An organization that manages the standards for LTL shipping, such as minimum packaging requirements and classification requirements. |
SSCC | Serial Shipping Container Code | Identifying number for a single logistics unit (e.g. pallet). |
CPFR | Supply chain management strategy. | |
OS&D | Overages, Shortages, and Damages | Overarching term for shipping infractions. |
DSD | Direct to Store Delivery | Delivery process that the supplier handles directly. |
GSL | Guaranteed Redistributed Shelf Life | Amount of time calculated that a product will last—usually related to pharmaceuticals and food products. |
TTR | Temperature Tracking Recorder | Process for tracking and recording product temperatures. |
Terms
Term | Definition |
Standard pallet configuration: stacking pattern of items on a particular pallet platform. | |
Logistics method where product is transferred directly from inbound to outbound carriers without storing. | |
Chargeback/Deductions | Charges added by retailer or distributor to the supplier invoice due to noncompliance or other infractions. |
Allowance | Charges added to an invoice due to previously agreed upon terms. |
Time between the start of a process and its conclusion. | |
Direct Distribution | The supplier distributes their own product. |
Indirect Distribution | The supplier hires a distributor to sell their product. |
Exclusive Distribution | Distributors who work within a specific geographical area. |
Intensive Distribution | Distribution type that handles multiple product types and multiple retailers. |
Dual Distribution | Distribution type that is a combination of direct and indirect distribution. |
CPG | Consumer Packaged Goods, such as PepsiCo, Procter & Gamble, and Coca-Cola, for example. |
Routing Guides | Guide from the distributor relating transportation and carrier expectations and requirements of the supplier. |
Shipping Windows | Expected timeframe in which the product should arrive at the DC. |
Movement of goods using two or more modes of transportation. | |
Lumper Service | Third party service contracted at distribution centers to unload trucks. |
Dunnage | Packing material used to protect goods in transit. |
Products and their packaging that requires no unpacking before being placed on retailer shelves. | |
Unload Discrepancy Report | Report sent to the supplier of product amount issues. |
Inbound Fill Rate | Fulfillment requirement that measures the percentage of product that is delivered on time and in full. |
Unsaleables | Products that are damaged or otherwise deemed unfit for sale. |
Spoilage | Damage to products making them unfit for sale. |
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