Order Fulfilment Excellence: Scaling Speed and Accuracy

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the lecture on order fulfillment excellence, including processes, technologies, strategies, and logistical solutions.

Order Fulfillment

End-to-end process of receiving, picking, packing, and shipping products to customers accurately and on time.

Receiving

Warehouse step where incoming inventory is unloaded, inspected, and stored.

Picking

Activity of locating and collecting items listed on a packing slip for an order.

Packing

Securing picked items in appropriate packaging and attaching a shipping label.

Shipping

Sorting packed orders and loading them onto transport for delivery.

Lean Supply Chain

Supply chain that delivers products with minimal waste, loss, and maximum flexibility.

Make-to-Order (MTO)

Production strategy where items are manufactured only after a customer order is received.

Assemble-to-Order (ATO)

Strategy that assembles finished goods from pre-made components once an order is placed.

Mass Customization

Producing individualized products at costs and speeds similar to mass production.

Third-Party Logistics (3PL)

External provider that performs logistics functions such as warehousing, fulfillment, and transportation.

Warehouse Management System (WMS)

Software that controls inbound, inventory, resource, and outbound warehouse activities.

Barcode Scanning

Technology using optical scanners to identify items quickly and accurately by reading barcodes.

Pick-to-Light System

Visual picking aid that lights up at storage locations to guide workers to correct items and quantities.

Batch Picking

Method where a worker picks items for multiple orders simultaneously to reduce travel time.

Zone Picking

Warehouse is divided into zones; each worker picks items only within their assigned zone.

Goods-to-Person Technology

Automated systems that bring items to workers, reducing walking and improving ergonomics.

Automated Packing Station

Machine that measures, boxes, and seals orders to increase packing speed and consistency.

Quality Check

Inspection step ensuring items and documentation are correct before shipment.

Inventory Management

Processes and tools used to maintain optimal stock levels and accuracy.

Fill Rate

Percentage of customer orders fulfilled completely from available inventory without backorders.

Cloud-Native Platform

Software built for cloud environments, allowing scalable and easily integrated fulfillment operations.

Outsourcing

Contracting a third party to perform a business function previously done in-house.

Offshoring

Relocating business processes to another country to reduce costs or access expertise.

Reverse Logistics

Handling returns, repairs, recycling, or disposal of products moving from customer back to seller.

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)

Wireless technology that uses radio waves to identify and track tags attached to objects.

Collaborative Planning, Forecasting, and Replenishment (CPFR)

Supply-chain model where partners share data to synchronize demand forecasting and inventory replenishment.

Digital Supply Chain

Supply chain enhanced by digital technologies for real-time visibility and data-driven decision making.

Virtual Supply Chain (VSC)

Information representation or visualization of a company’s physical supply chain network.

e-Marketplace

Online platform where businesses or consumers buy and sell goods and services.

Merge-in-Transit

Logistics strategy combining components from different origins en route so the customer receives a complete order.

Same-Day Delivery

Service that delivers orders to customers within the same calendar day of purchase.

Drone Delivery

Use of unmanned aerial vehicles to transport and deliver packages to customers.