Check out our Healthcare terms glossary
ABC Analysis
ABC analysis is a stock management technique that enables items to be classified and organized based on their rotation. This makes it easier to plan the appropriate strategy for allocating resources in the warehouse and reduce effective picking times. It is based on the Pareto principle which states that 20% of the items generate 80% of the handling operations, while the remaining 80% of the goods are responsible for only 20% of goods handling operations.
Access Index
The access index identifies the degree of accessibility of an item inside the warehouse.
Access opening
Entry and exit point for trays contained within an automatic storage system with shifting trays.
Accessibility
The various opportunities to access an item stored in the warehouse.
Accuracy of delivery
The ability of the supplier to comply with the conditions agreed for deliveries. This can be measured as a percentage of deliveries which are subsequently disputed by customers with regards to how much the order conforms to what they ordered, the suitability of the load units shipped and any accompanying documentation.
Advanced Planning & Scheduling (APS)
Production planning system which can take into account any restrictions in the process (finite capacity scheduling).
AGVS
Transport system using automated guided vehicles. Driverless vehicles equipped with automated guiding devices that follow a pre-defined route, stopping at each machining or assembly station to allow for automatic or manual loading and unloading of material.
Amplification of the effects (Bullwhip Effect)
An extreme change in the supply position upstream in a supply chain generated by a small change in demand downstream in the supply chain. Inventory can quickly move from being backordered to being in excess
Archive
The complete set of documents produced or acquired by a legal entity while carrying out its business; the place dedicated to the appropriate conservation of these documents.
Archiving
Activity aimed at ensuring the conservation of documentation in suitable conditions and the subsequent availability of said documents.
Assortment
Set of items managed in a specific warehouse, whose composition is determined by precise market choices.
Auto ID (Automatic Identification)
Method used by devices to identify a code (and automatically upload this data into a computer). The most widely used technology at present is the barcode.
Automatic Identification
See also “AUTO ID”
Automatic vertical system with rotating carriers
Method used by automatic storage systems with carriers, which rotate to bring goods directly to the operator.
Available stock
The quantity of goods in stock and ready to meet demand.
Average stock
The ratio between the daily inventories and the number of working days.
