Glossary: Intralogistics
Focus on Software Solutions
This glossary provides an overview of key terms in intralogistics with a particular focus on software-driven solutions.
A
AI (Artificial Intelligence)
Use of algorithms to optimize warehouse movements, forecast demand, and control autonomous systems.
AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot)
A self-driving mobile robot used for moving materials within warehouses or production facilities.
API (Application Programming Interface)
An interface enabling the automated exchange of data between various IT systems across a supply chain. It connects systems like ERP, WMS (Warehouse Management System), or TMS (Transport Management System) to enable seamless communication between suppliers, logistics providers, and customers. Real-time information on inventory, shipment tracking, or production capacity can be exchanged, making processes more efficient and transparent. This improves responsiveness to demand changes and optimizes overall supply chain planning.
APS (Advanced Planning and Scheduling)
Software used for detailed production planning and control, taking capacities and delivery times into account.
ASN (Advanced Shipping Notice)
Electronic pre-advice of an incoming shipment. Contains detailed information about the shipment’s contents, packaging, quantities, and expected delivery time, optimizing inbound planning and goods receiving.
B
BOM (Bill of Materials)
A structured list of all components and materials required to manufacture or assemble a product, including quantities, material numbers, and subassemblies. Essential for production planning, procurement, and inventory control.
Booking Error
An incorrect or missing recording of a warehouse movement in the warehouse management or ERP system. Booking errors typically arise from manual barcode scanning under time pressure, damaged labels or unstable Wi-Fi connections in the warehouse. Every booking error creates an inventory discrepancy. Accumulated over time, this results in a WMS or ERP that reflects a warehouse reality that no longer exists.
C
Cloud WMS
Cloud-based warehouse management systems that offer scalable infrastructure and mobile accessibility.
D
Digital Twin
A virtual representation of physical warehouse or logistics processes for real-time monitoring and optimization.
E
Empty Run
A trip made by a forklift truck without a transport order or without a load. Empty runs arise when travel orders are not distributed intelligently based on the actual positions of vehicles, but according to fixed rules or manual dispatching. In many warehouses, a significant proportion of all trips is structurally avoidable. AI-based order optimisation based on real-time position data reduces empty runs by up to 30% for identpro customers. How empty runs are reduced: Read more
ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning)
Integrated enterprise software used to manage business processes including inventory, logistics, and finance.
EWM (Extended Warehouse Management)
Advanced warehouse management software, e.g., from SAP, used to control complex logistics operations.
F
FIFO (First In, First Out)
Inventory method where the first items stored are also the first to be retrieved – preventing spoilage or obsolescence. Commonly used for perishable or time-sensitive goods.
Fleet Management
Coordination and optimization of the use of vehicles or robots in intralogistics via software solutions.
G
GRN (Goods Receipt Note)
Document (physical or digital) confirming receipt of goods: includes details such as quantity, condition, and conformity with the purchase order. Basis for inventory updates, quality checks, and claims processing.
Guidance
In the context of software, this refers to strategic support in selecting, evaluating, and implementing appropriate systems. It helps companies navigate the complex software landscape by providing structured decision-making support. This includes:
- Requirement analysis: Identifying specific business needs.
- Solution comparison: Assessing functions, integration capabilities, and costs.
- Best practices & recommendations: Aligning with proven methods and market trends.
Guidance ensures companies choose solutions that align with their long-term goals.
H
HDL (Human Driven Lift Truck)
Manually operated industrial trucks, such as forklifts.
I
Identification Technologies
Systems like RFID or barcode scanning used for automated tracking of goods movements.
Inventory Discrepancy
A discrepancy between the warehouse inventory recorded in the system and the inventory physically present. Inventory discrepancies almost always arise from manual interventions between a warehouse movement and the corresponding system booking — such as forgotten bookings, incorrect scans or transfer errors into the ERP. They lead to incorrect allocation, search times and delivery delays. They cannot be permanently resolved through more frequent stocktakes, but only through the automatic capture of all warehouse movements in real time. Causes and solutions: Read more
Inventory Management
Systematic recording, control, and optimization of warehouse inventory to increase efficiency.
IoT (Internet of Things)
Networking of devices and sensors to enable data-driven process optimization in logistics. ry to increase efficiency.
K
KPI (Key Performance Indicator)
Metrics used to measure efficiency and performance.
L
Laser Localization
A method for precise positioning of vehicles or objects within a defined warehouse environment. Laser beams are emitted, reflected by surrounding structures, and detected by sensors. By comparing the reflected signals to a digital map, the system can determine the exact real-time position without the need for floor markings or GPS.
LIFO (Last In, First Out)
Inventory method where the most recently stored goods are the first to be retrieved. Useful for block storage and non-perishable goods – easy to implement but lacks age tracking.
M
MES (Manufacturing Execution System)
Software for real-time control and monitoring of manufacturing processes.
O
OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness)
A metric used to measure the overall effectiveness of equipment in production and logistics.
OLE (Overall Logistics Effectiveness)
A comprehensive metric for assessing a company’s logistics performance. It combines factors such as timeliness, quality, and productivity of logistics processes. The goal is to identify optimization potential and improve efficiency across the entire supply chain. fectiveness of equipment in production and logistics.
omlox
An open standard for location data in industrial environments. It enables cross-vendor integration of various locating technologies (e.g., LiDAR, UWB, RFID, BLE) into a unified system. By standardizing interfaces and data formats, omlox ensures interoperability, transparency, and future-proofing in real-time object localization in intralogistics.
P
PO (Purchase Order)
Formal order issued to a supplier, including complete details on items, quantities, pricing, delivery date, and location. Legally binding and a key reference for procurement, receiving, and invoicing.
R
RTLS (Real-Time Locating System)
Technology that enables precise real-time positioning of goods, vehicles, or personnel.
Real-Time Data Processing
A general term for systems that process data immediately as it is received.
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification)
Technology for wireless identification and tracking of objects.
RPA (Robotic Process Automation)
Software-based automation of repetitive processes in intralogistics.
S
SAP EWM / WM (Warehouse Management)
SAP EWM is the extended warehouse management module within SAP S/4HANA and SAP ERP. It controls complex logistics processes at handling unit level — from goods receipt and putaway through to picking and dispatch. Compared to its predecessor SAP WM, EWM offers significantly more granular process control and deeper integration with production planning.
SAP WM is being phased out: the compatibility phase in S/4HANA ended on 31 December 2025. Companies must migrate to EWM by 2027 at the latest, or implement it directly from scratch. A decisive success factor for SAP EWM is the quality of the warehouse data. EWM plans and controls excellently — but depends on reliable real-time data from the warehouse. A Warehouse Execution System (WES) delivers this data automatically and closes the structural gap between SAP planning and warehouse reality.
→ Why valid warehouse data is the essential prerequisite for SAP EWM: Read more
→ How to operate SAP EWM® scan-free: Read more
Scanner gate
Astationary scanning unit used for automated identification and tracking of goods, pallets, or load carriers. Using barcodes, RFID, or other sensor technologies, it enables contactless and error-free tracking of goods movements—enhancing transparency and efficiency.
Slotting
Algorithm-based optimization of item placement in warehouses to reduce travel paths and increase picking efficiency.
SCM (Supply Chain Management)
Software-supported planning and management of the entire supply chain.
SLS (Forklift Guidance System)
Software solution for intelligent routing and task assignment for forklifts. It minimizes idle time, improves route efficiency, and dynamically distributes tasks based on real-time data and priorities.
S&OP (Sales and Operations Planning)
A company-wide planning process that aligns sales, production, procurement, and finance to synchronize supply and demand. The goal is to avoid shortages, optimize inventory, and improve service levels.
Supply Chain
A network of companies, people, activities, information, and resources involved in producing and delivering a product. It includes all steps from raw materials to production, warehousing, and distribution to the end customer. Effective supply chain management coordinates these processes, reduces costs, and ensures high delivery reliability.
SKU (Stock Keeping Unit)
Unique product identifier for a specific item variant e.g., size, color, or packaging unit. Essential for accurate inventory tracking and product-level reporting.
T
TMS (Transport Management System)
Software for planning, executing, and optimizing transportation processes.
Track & Trace
Real-time tracking of shipments and goods movements across the supply chain.
U
UWB (Ultra Wideband)
High-precision radio technology for real-time localization of objects in the warehouse. Unlike other locating technologies, UWB enables centimeter-level accuracy with extremely low latency. It is ideal for dynamic warehouse environments and supports use cases like automated goods tracking, vehicle navigation, or safety zone management.
V
VDA5050
An open communication standard for the control of automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). It defines standardised interfaces between vehicles from different manufacturers and higher-level control systems such as WES or WMS. VDA5050 enables manufacturer-independent mixed operations of AMRs and manually operated forklift trucks within a single system, ensuring investment security when automating warehouse processes. Together with omlox, VDA5050 forms the open standard foundation on which identpro builds its system architecture.
W
WES (Warehouse Execution System)
Software for real-time execution of all warehouse operations. Unlike traditional WMS solutions, WES operates closer to the shop floor and handles tactical task allocation for humans and machines. It uses real-time data from RTLS and IoT sensors to dynamically orchestrate warehouse resources—independent of vehicle type (e.g., AMRs, HDL). The goal is maximum efficiency and transparency in daily warehouse operations. View the identpro Warehouse Execution System
WMS (Warehouse Management System)
Software for managing and controlling warehouse operations, often integrated with ERP systems.
Workflow Automation
Digitization and optimization of logistics workflows to improve process efficiency.
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