Supply Chain Distribution Glossary
33 terms total — 9 showing — Last updated 15 Sep 2026
3PL 3PL
A third-party logistics provider that offers outsourced supply chain services including transportation, warehousing, and fulfilment.
Putaway
The warehouse process of moving received goods from the inbound dock to their designated storage location.
Reverse Logistics
The supply chain processes involved in moving goods from the consumer back toward the point of origin for returns, recyc...
Safety Stock
Buffer inventory held above the minimum required level to guard against supply disruptions or unexpected demand spikes.
SCAC Code
A Standard Carrier Alpha Code; a unique two-to-four-letter identifier assigned to transportation companies in North Amer...
SKU
A unique alphanumeric code assigned to a distinct product or product variant to facilitate inventory tracking and manage...
Slotting
The strategic assignment of storage locations to products within a warehouse to maximise operational efficiency.
Stockout
A situation in which demand for a product exceeds the available inventory, resulting in an inability to fulfil orders.
TMS
A Transportation Management System; software used to plan, execute, and optimise the movement of goods by managing carri...
WMS
A Warehouse Management System; software that controls and optimises the operations within a warehouse, including receivi...