Glossary

Temporary storage refers to the temporary holding of goods, merchandise, or loading units between two logistics processes. It serves to balance material flows, coordinate transportation processes, and ensure a continuous supply.

Interim storage takes place, for example, between goods receipt and putaway, between production and shipping, or within transshipment processes. Modern warehousing and logistics systems digitally monitor inventory levels, storage locations, and movements. Through the use of WMS, sensor technology, and automated conveyor solutions, interim storage can be efficiently managed, lead times reduced, and bottlenecks avoided.

Practical example:

In a logistics center, incoming pallets are temporarily held in a designated area prior to final storage and automatically recorded in the warehouse management system.

See also: Intralogistics, Warehouse, Material flow, Transshipment hall, Goods receipt, Goods issue, Goods flow, Warehouse Management System (WMS)

Temporary storage of goods between different process steps. Precise dimension measurement helps to optimize the use of temporary storage space..

A test specimen is a standardized or defined reference object used for testing, calibrating, or validating measurement systems. It serves to verify the measurement accuracy and functionality of a system under reproducible conditions.

Test specimens have specified dimensions, weights, or geometric properties and are used regularly to check dimensional, weighing, or DWS systems. By comparing the measured values with known reference data, deviations can be detected early on and the reliability of the measurement system ensured. The use of test specimens is particularly important in applications subject to calibration requirements and those relevant to quality assurance.

Practical example:
Before the start of a shift, a service technician checks a DWS system using a calibrated test specimen to verify that the dimensional measurement function is working correctly.

See also: Dimensional measurement, DWS, traceability, calibration, measurement resolution, measurement accuracy, OIML R 129, certification

Time management involves the planning, control, and optimization of time schedules, tasks, and resources within processes. It helps organize workflows efficiently, set priorities, and use available time effectively.

In logistics, time management plays a key role in coordinating shipments, warehouse processes, and automated workflows. Digital systems track process times, lead times, and status information to ensure transparency in operations and identify bottlenecks early on. When integrated with ERP, WMS, and TMS systems, time slots, resources, and process steps can be planned and managed more effectively. Effective time management contributes to stable and reliable logistics processes.

Practical example:
A logistics center analyzes the lead times of its shipping processes and adjusts resource planning to reliably meet delivery deadlines.

See also: Data collection, digitization, process optimization, process reliability, system integration, cycle time, transport management system (TMS), transparency

Time-of-Flight refers to an optical measurement method in which the distance to an object is determined based on the time it takes for a transmitted signal to travel to the object and back to the sensor. The measured time is converted into precise distance information.

ToF sensors typically use light pulses or modulated infrared light, and the reflection of these from the object is analyzed. Three-dimensional information and point clouds can be generated from many individual measurement points. In logistics, ToF technology is used for applications such as dimensional measurement, 3D scanning, contour inspection, and automated object recognition. It enables fast, noncontact measurement even of moving objects.

Practical example:
A ToF sensor measures the distances to the surface as a package moves along a conveyor line and automatically calculates the three-dimensional dimensions based on this data.

See also: 3D sensors, dimensional measurement, DWS, laser scanners, LiDAR, object recognition, sensor technology, volume measurement

Timestamp refers to a digital identifier that assigns a unique point in time to an event, data record, or measurement value. It enables the chronological classification, tracking, and documentation of processes within digital systems.

In logistics, timestamps are used to document process steps—such as goods receipt, measurement, transport, sorting, or delivery—in a traceable manner. In combination with sensor technology, DWS systems, and IT platforms, they enable a precise analysis of process flows and support the traceability of goods movements. Timestamps are an important component of digital data chains and provide transparency regarding the execution of automated processes.

Practical example:

A DWS system stores a timestamp along with a package’s measurement data so that it can be determined later when the measurement and identification took place.

See also: Data Collection, Digitization, DWS, Traceability, Track & Trace, Validation, Valid Data, Time Management

TMS refers to a digital system for planning, controlling, and monitoring transportation processes. It helps companies organize shipments, select appropriate transportation routes, and make efficient use of transportation capacity.

A Transport Management System manages transport orders, optimizes routes, monitors deliveries, and processes relevant freight data. Through integration with ERP, WMS, and DWS systems, information such as dimensions, weight, and shipment status can be automatically imported. This helps reduce transport costs, make delivery processes more transparent, and manage the entire transport chain more efficiently.

Practical example:
After automatically measuring and weighing a pallet, the WMS transmits the data to the TMS, which then plans the appropriate transportation route and the necessary capacities.

See also: WMS, ERP system, freight data, freight billing, supply chain, Supply Chain Management (SCM), Transportation Management System (TMS), Warehouse Management System (WMS)

Traceability refers to the ability to track the path, condition, and history of goods, products, or process data along a supply chain or value chain. It provides transparency regarding origin, movements, and the process steps that have been carried out.

In logistics, traceability is made possible by digital identification, data collection, and networked IT systems. Technologies such as barcodes, RFID, sensors, and track-and-trace solutions document the movements of shipments, pallets, or individual products. The stored information supports quality checks, error analyses, compliance documentation, and rapid response to deviations. Seamless traceability is particularly important in sensitive sectors such as air freight, the pharmaceutical industry, and the food industry.

Practical example:
For an air freight shipment, all relevant data—from data entry through handling and transport to delivery—is documented, ensuring that every step in the process remains traceable.

See also: Data collection, Identification, RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification), Shipment tracking, Supply chain visibility, Traceability, Track & Trace, Transparency

“Track & Trace” refers to the systematic recording and tracking of goods, shipments, or modes of transportation throughout the entire supply chain. It enables a transparent overview of an item’s current status and past movements.

Track & Trace systems use identification technologies such as barcodes, RFID, or digital interfaces to automatically capture and provide shipment data. They enable companies and customers to track shipments, transport, and delivery seamlessly. In combination with ERP, WMS, and TMS systems, Track & Trace improves transparency, increases process reliability, and supports a rapid response to deviations.

Practical example:
A logistics service provider tracks an international shipment of replacement parts from the shipping warehouse to the recipient and provides the current location and all transport events digitally.

See also: Barcode, Data Capture, RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification), Shipment Tracking, Supply Chain Visibility, Transport Management System (TMS), Goods Flow, Warehouse Management System (WMS)

Transparency enables the clear presentation of information, processes, and statuses within logistics and industrial workflows. It creates a reliable data foundation and supports informed decision-making by providing easy access to relevant information.

In logistics, transparency is achieved through the collection, integration, and analysis of process data from systems such as DWS, WMS, TMS, and sensor technology. This provides companies with insight into the movement of goods, inventory levels, transport status, and process performance. A high degree of transparency supports the optimization of workflows, improves responsiveness to deviations, and increases process reliability throughout the entire supply chain.

Practical example:
A logistics company uses interconnected systems to retrieve and analyze up-to-date information on shipment status, inventory levels, and transportation processes at any time.

See also: Data exchange, Data collection, Digitization, Shipment tracking, Supply chain visibility, Traceability, Track & Trace, Validation

Transport regulations encompass legal, technical, and organizational requirements that must be followed when transporting goods and merchandise. Among other things, they govern safety, labeling, documentation, and special conditions for transport.

Transport regulations vary depending on the mode of transport, country, goods, and area of application. They pertain, for example, to hazardous materials, weight restrictions, packaging, load securing, and international trade requirements. In logistics, digital systems support compliance with these regulations by automatically capturing and providing relevant data such as dimensions, weight, identification, and documents. This allows for safer planning and regulation-compliant execution of shipments.

Practical example:
Before shipping an air freight shipment, the weight, dimensions, and required documents are checked to ensure the shipment complies with applicable transport regulations.

See also: Document handling, hazardous materials labels, air freight, cargo, transport management system (TMS), shipping, customs clearance, customs declaration

Transportation routes are the planned routes and connections used to move goods, merchandise, or shipments within a supply chain. They include both internal company routes as well as national and international transportation routes.

The selection of optimal transportation routes takes into account factors such as distance, mode of transport, delivery time, costs, capacity, and safety requirements. Digital systems such as transportation management systems (TMS), real-time data, and intelligent planning methods help companies determine efficient routes and reliably manage shipments. Optimized transportation routes reduce empty runs, lower costs, and contribute to sustainable and efficient logistics.

Practical example:
A transport management system automatically calculates the optimal transport route for a shipment, taking into account available capacity, delivery dates, and current traffic information.

See also: Supply chain, logistics automation, supply chain management (SCM), supply chain visibility, transportation costs, transport management system (TMS), transport optimization, flow of goods

Transportation costs refer to the expenses incurred in transporting goods, merchandise, or shipments between the point of origin and the destination. They include all costs associated with carrying out a transport.

Transportation costs are influenced by factors such as the route, weight, volume, vehicle utilization, energy prices, and additional services, among others. Accurate recording of dimensions and weight enables correct calculation and helps optimize the use of transportation capacity. Digital systems such as DWS, TMS, and ERP solutions support the automatic determination, planning, and analysis of transportation costs and help reduce unnecessary expenses.

Practical example:
A logistics service provider uses automatically captured freight data from a DWS system to accurately calculate the transportation costs of a shipment and plan the most cost-effective route.

See also: DWS, freight billing, freight data, freight measurement, cubic factor, transportation management system (TMS), transportation optimization, volumetric weight

Transportation optimization involves planning and improving transportation processes with the goal of reducing costs, making better use of capacity, and streamlining delivery operations. This involves specifically coordinating transportation routes, resources, and processes.

In logistics, transportation optimization takes into account factors such as shipment volume, weight, delivery times, vehicle utilization, and available transportation capacity. Digital systems such as TMS, DWS, and analytical methods help plan optimal routes, utilize cargo space efficiently, and make data-driven decisions. Precise cargo data and automatic measurement help avoid empty space and sustainably reduce transportation costs.

Practical example:

A logistics service provider uses automatically captured dimension and weight data to optimally distribute shipments across vehicles and increase the utilization of available cargo space.

See also: DWS, cargo measurement, cargo data, transportation costs, transportation management system (TMS), transportation routes, volumetric weight

Transportation technology refers to the technical systems, equipment, and processes used to move, handle, and deliver goods within logistics processes. It forms the basis for an efficient and reliable flow of materials.

Transportation technology includes, for example, conveyor systems, lifting equipment, industrial trucks, automated transport systems, and sorting technology. In modern logistics centers, transportation technology is increasingly being combined with sensor technology, control systems, and automated solutions to move goods quickly, safely, and in accordance with demand. Integration with DWS, WMS, and TMS systems enables transparent control and optimization of logistics processes.

Practical example:
In an automated distribution center, conveyor systems transport packages between the measurement, sorting, and shipping areas, ensuring a continuous flow of materials.

See also: Automation, Conveyor Technology, Intralogistics, Material Flow, Process Automation, Sorting System, Transportation Management System (TMS), Goods Flow

A transshipment facility refers to a logistics operations area where goods, packages, or loading units are received, sorted, temporarily stored, and prepared for onward transport. It serves as a central interface between various transportation routes and logistics processes.

In transshipment centers, shipments are often moved, inspected, and repackaged within a short period of time. Modern facilities use conveyor systems, sorting systems, DWS systems, and automatic identification technologies to efficiently process large volumes of goods. Optimal organization of material flows reduces turnaround times, prevents errors, and ensures rapid forwarding of shipments.

Practical example:
In a parcel transshipment facility, incoming shipments are automatically scanned, measured, and sorted before being routed to their respective delivery routes.

See also: WMS, conveyor technology, CEP companies, material flow, sorting system, general cargo, goods flow, goods out

In a sorting center, the final distribution between long-distance and local delivery usually takes place.

Two-factor authentication provides an additional layer of security for digital access by combining two different forms of identity verification. This prevents a single stolen password from being sufficient to grant unauthorized access.

In two-factor authentication, for example, a password is combined with a security code, an authenticator app, or a physical security key. In logistics and automation environments, this method protects access to ERP, WMS, TMS, and control systems, as well as to digital platforms. The additional layer of security helps protect sensitive process data and is an important component of modern IT security strategies.

Practical example:

A service employee first logs in to a plant platform using their personal password and then a time-limited security code before they can access maintenance data.

See also: Authentication, User Management, Cybersecurity, Data Integrity, IT Security, Password Management, System Integration, Access Control