Material Handling Glossary
Common Material Handling Terms:
Pick / Drop Station (P/D)
Usually at the end of a rack row and used as
a temporary drop station to hold pallets for
movement into a rack system or retrieve pallets
out of the rack system. Pick up and delivery
point for incoming and outgoing loads into a
rack system. Positioned to maximize vehicle
efficiency.
Warehouse Management System (WMS)
Software applications that allow management to have centralized control over day-to-day warehouse operations, including inventory locations and stock movement are called warehouse management systems.
WMS tasks include control of the movement and storage of goods within a warehouse, processing the associated transactions such as shipping, receiving, putaway and picking. These systems help direct and optimize stock movement based on real-time information about the utilization of individual bins.
Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV)
A self‑driving vehicle that uses guidance technologies such as electromagnetic, optical, or laser‑based navigation to follow predefined paths. AGVs operate autonomously and are equipped with safety sensors and programmable controls to safely transport materials within a facility. AGVs are used to automate repeatable material transports within industrial environments like warehouses and factories.
Ergonomics
The study of work organization, and the human/machine interface in particular. Not to be
confused with mere appearance, ergonomic
design is a science devoted to helping the
machine operator be more productive by allowing
him/her to operate more efficiently, comfortably,
and safely.