Material Handling Glossary | L

Software programs that integrate with warehouse management systems (WMS) to provide management with information about warehouse labor resources are known as labor management systems (LMS). Labor resources usually count as the single biggest cost associated with operating a warehouse.

The process of evaluating the current state of an organization’s operations to identify areas of improvement and create a roadmap for continuous improvement. 

The average velocity in feet-per-minute when raising the load carriage throughout its operating range, specified for empty and loaded conditions.

A powered industrial vehicle used to lift and transport materials for short distances. Also called a forklift, lift trucks use either gasoline-powered engines, diesel engines or electric motors with power supplied by a rechargeable industrial battery.

The horizontal distance from the intersection of the fork face and fork heel (or equivalent load positioning structure) to the center of gravity of the load.

The vertical distance from the carrying surface of the fork (or equivalent load carrying structure) to the center of gravity of the load.

The preferred term for what is commonly referred to as a “maintenance-free battery.” Regardless of construction, all batteries require at least a minimum of maintenance to perform at optimum levels. The term “reduced maintenance” is also appropriate to describe these newer-generation batteries.

The vertical dimension to the top surface of the forks when the carriage is at its lowest position, but not dragging on the floor.

The average velocity in FPM when lowering the load carriage throughout its operating range, as specified for empty and loaded conditions.