Glossary

Valid data refers to information that is accurate, complete, traceable, and suitable for its intended purpose. It provides a reliable foundation for automated processes, analyses, and well-informed decisions.

In logistics, valid data is crucial for the error-free management of goods and information flows. This includes, for example, accurate dimensions, weights, identification data, and master data for packages and loading units. Automated measurement systems, DWS systems, and digital interfaces help ensure data quality and reduce errors caused by manual entry. High data validity improves transparency, process reliability, and efficiency throughout the entire supply chain.

Practical example:

A DWS system automatically records the dimensions and weight of a pallet and provides valid freight data that can be used directly for transport planning and billing.

See also: Data Integrity, Data Capture, DWS, Freight Data, Master Data Management (MDM), Measurement Accuracy, Master Data Capture, Supply Chain Visibility

Validation refers to the process of demonstrating that a system, process, or procedure meets the specified requirements and is suitable for its intended use. It ensures that results are reliable, reproducible, and practical.

In logistics, validation is used to test automated systems, measurement systems, and software solutions before or during operation. In this process, functions, measured values, and process flows are evaluated against defined requirements and reference data. Careful validation is particularly important for DWS systems, dimensioning systems, and applications involving calibration to ensure high data quality, process reliability, and reliable measurement results.

Practical example:

Before commissioning a DWS system, various reference packages are measured and the results are compared with the target values to confirm that the system is functioning correctly.

See also: Calibratability, calibration, measurement accuracy, process reliability, test specimens, quality control, valid data, certification

Visualization involves the graphical representation of data, information, or processes to make relationships clear and easy to understand. It supports the analysis, evaluation, and communication of complex information.

In logistics and automation, visualizations are used to clearly display process data, measured values, statuses, and workflows. Dashboards, user interfaces, and digital displays enable, for example, the monitoring of equipment, material flows, or key performance indicators. In conjunction with data analysis, sensor technology, and networked systems, visualization creates transparency and supports rapid decision-making in day-to-day operations.

Practical example:

A control station displays the current statuses of conveyor systems, shipment data, and process metrics for a logistics center in a clear user interface.

See also: Data analysis, Data acquisition, Digitalization, Process optimization, Sensor technology, System integration, Transparency, Validation

Voice Picking refers to a voice-controlled order-picking process in which employees communicate with a warehouse management system via a headset and receive work instructions verbally. This allows them to use both hands for picking items.

In voice picking, the system guides the employee step by step through the picking process and provides information such as the storage location, item, and quantity to be picked. After completing each step, the employee confirms the action verbally. This method reduces search times, lowers error rates, and improves ergonomics, particularly in large warehouses with a high volume of orders.

Practical example:

An employee receives instructions via a headset to retrieve a specific item from a storage bin and confirms the retrieval directly via voice command.

See also: Order Picking, Warehouse Management System (WMS), Pick-by-Light, Pick-by-Voice, Pick-by-Vision, Warehouse Management System (WMS), Goods Flow

Volume detection refers to the determination and digital recording of the space occupied by an object. Based on the captured dimensions, the volume can be calculated and made available for logistics, storage, packaging, and transport processes.

Practical example:
In logistics, volume detection is used to determine the space required by products, parcels, pallets, or bulky goods. Reliable volume data supports storage space planning, packaging selection, capacity utilization, transportation optimization, and the maintenance of accurate master data.

See also: Cargo Handling, Dimension Recording, DWS, Master Data, Measurement Accuracy, Transportation Optimization, Valid Data, Weight Recording

Volume freight refers to shipments for which the billing basis is not solely the actual weight, due to their large volume and low weight. Instead, the transport volume occupied is taken into account using a calculated volumetric weight.

Volume freight plays an important role, particularly in the air freight, general cargo, and CEP sectors, as high-volume shipments take up limited cargo space. To determine this, a shipment’s dimensions are recorded and converted into a weight used for billing purposes using a volumetric factor. Automatic dimensioning systems and DWS (Dimensioning and Weighing System) equipment provide precise measurement data for this purpose and support accurate freight billing.

Practical example:

A lightweight but large cardboard box is measured automatically. Based on the dimensions, the system calculates the volumetric weight, which is used to determine shipping costs.

See also: Dimension capture, DWS, freight billing, freight measurement, volume factor, air freight, volumetric weight, volume measurement

Volume measurement refers to the automatic determination of the volume of objects, packages, or loading units by capturing their spatial dimensions. It provides an important data foundation for logistics planning, billing, and process optimization.

In logistics, volume measurement is often performed using DWS systems, laser scanners, LiDAR, or camera sensors. In addition to length, width, and height, irregular contours and free-form shapes can also be taken into account. The volume data collected supports, among other things, freight billing, transportation planning, warehouse space optimization, and automated master data capture. Precise volume measurement enables better utilization of transportation and warehouse capacities.

Practical example:

A DWS system measures the volume of a package during transport on the conveyor line and automatically transmits the data to the transport management system.

See also: 3D sensors, dimensional measurement, DWS, cargo measurement, LiDAR, volume measurement, volumetric weight

Volume optimization involves the targeted use and improvement of existing space capacity in storage, packaging, and transportation. It describes measures designed to efficiently utilize available volume and reduce unused space.

In logistics, volume optimization plays a key role in transportation planning, load carrier utilization, and the design of packaging processes. With accurate data on dimensions, weight, and volume, systems such as DWS, TMS, and WMS can support decisions regarding the optimal use of warehouse and transport capacities. Precise measurement and analysis of load units help make better use of available space and make transport processes more efficient.

Practical example:

A logistics service provider uses automatically captured volume data from shipments to make optimal use of a transport vehicle’s available cargo space.

See also: DWS, freight measurement, loading unit, load carrier, transport optimization, volume measurement, volumetric weight, goods flow

Volume weight refers to a weight calculated based on the dimensions of a shipment that takes into account the space required for transport rather than the actual weight. It is used in particular for large-volume but lightweight shipments for freight billing.

Volume weight is calculated based on the length, width, and height of a shipment, as well as a specified volume factor. It ensures that the cargo space occupied is appropriately factored into the shipping costs. Precise dimensional data is crucial, particularly in air freight, the express, parcel, and general cargo sectors. Automated DWS systems capture the dimensions and transmit the data directly to shipping and billing systems.

Practical example:

A lightweight, large-dimensioned cardboard box is automatically measured. The volumetric weight calculated from these measurements is used for transport billing, as it better reflects the actual space required.

See also: DWS, freight billing, freight measurement, volumetric factor, air freight, volumetric freight, volume measurement

The volumetric factor is a conversion factor used to calculate the volumetric weight of a shipment. It determines the ratio by which the measured volume is converted into a weight used for billing purposes.

The volumetric factor is set by transportation companies and organizations depending on the mode of transport or shipping method. It is used in particular when high-volume but lightweight shipments take up more cargo space than their actual weight would warrant. Modern DWS systems automatically calculate the volumetric weight based on the recorded dimensions and the stored volumetric factor, and immediately make the data available for transport planning and freight billing.

Practical example:

When processing an air freight shipment, the DWS system automatically calculates the volumetric weight using the stored volumetric factor, which then serves as the basis for transport costs.

See also: Dimension capture, DWS, freight billing, freight measurement, freight data, air freight, volumetric weight, volume measurement