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The world of logistics is complex and certain concepts can be difficult to understand. Being in control of your logistics means being more independent and also means understanding your environment and associated concepts.

Find a logistics glossary here, as well as answers to the most frequently asked questions. Yours may be there!

The world of WMS

A warehouse management system (WMS) is software that helps businesses manage and control the day-to-day operations of a warehouse from the time goods and materials arrive at a distribution or fulfillment center until they leave.

The price of a WMS (Warehouse Management System) can vary considerably, ranging from €25,000 to €250,000 (or more) for its acquisition. The cost of WMS software depends on many factors, including the required features , the size of the warehouse , and the complexity of logistics operations.

Logistics tracking software is often an feature of WMS software . WMS, on the other hand, is a broader system that manages all warehouse operations. Traceability focuses specifically on tracking the movement and status of products at each stage of the supply chain.

WMS software improves returns management via:

  • Real-time traceability of returned products,
  • Optimization of reception and sorting processes,
  • Storage management and inventory management ,
  • Error prevention with the Poka Yoke principle.

The world of Supply Chain

Traditional logistics manages the flow of products to the customer. Reverse logistics , or returns logistics, deals with return flows: defective, non-compliant, recyclable, or end-of-life products. It thus encompasses all the processes that manage the flow of products from their point of consumption to the point of origin.

A sustainable supply chain is one that integrates environmental, social, and economic criteria into all its decisions. Its goal is to minimize its negative impact on the environment (CO2 emissions, waste, resource depletion) while remaining economically viable and socially responsible.

Green logistics focuses primarily on the environmental aspect of logistics activities (transport, storage, packaging). Sustainable supply chain is a broader concept that encompasses green logistics but adds social/ethical (working conditions, fair trade) and economic (long-term profitability, resilience) dimensions across the entire value chain, from raw material sourcing to the end customer and recycling.

The circular economy in logistics aims to move beyond the linear "produce-consume-dispose" model by creating value loops. This involves optimizing material and product flows to minimize waste and maximize the reuse, repair, and recycling of products and packaging. Reverse logistics (or returns management) is a central element of this approach.

The world of TMS/WMS synchronization

Simply put, the Warehouse Management System (WMS) manages everything that happens inside warehouse walls Transport Management System (TMS) the hand , manages everything that happens outside : transport planning, carrier selection, route optimization and delivery tracking. The WMS stops at the shipping dock, where the TMS takes over.

Yes, it is entirely possible and even common.

Many companies begin by implementing WMS software to optimize their warehouse management and preparation. Others, whose business relies heavily on transportation, may prioritize TMS software. However, to achieve a higher level of performance and end-to-end visibility, synchronizing the two systems becomes essential.

No, that's a misconception.

Today, with the rise of SaaS (Software as a Service) solutions and APIs, integration has become much more accessible and affordable for SMEs and mid-sized companies . The benefits in terms of efficiency and cost reduction can be even more impactful for mid-sized structures.

The duration can vary considerably depending on the complexity of your processes, the technologies chosen (unified suite vs. heterogeneous systems integration), and the resources allocated. A project can last from a few weeks for a standard integration via existing connectors to several months for a highly complex custom project . It is only after completing the initial audit and scoping phase that you will obtain a realistic schedule.

The cost is variable and depends on several factors : the cost of software licenses (WMS/TMS), the cost of the integration service (if you use an external integrator), any specific developments, and internal costs related to project management and training. However, keep in mind that this cost must be considered an investment to be evaluated in relation to the expected ROI (savings on transport, productivity gains, etc.).

Logistics and supply chain glossary

Storage location in a pallet rack/shelf.

A method of ranking a repository in descending order of outputs. The repository is thus divided into 3 groups:

  • Group A : composed of references constituting 80% of outputs.
  • Group B : composed of references constituting 15% of outputs.
  • Groups C : composed of references constituting 5% of outputs.

This analysis makes it possible to know the references deserving particular attention.

The container is the stock object constituted upon receipt and containing 1 to N items of quantities different from 1 to N lots. It always has an SSCC label identifying it.

A container contains stock. It can be the subject of a movement, a reservation, an addressing… The fact of moving, addressing, reserving the container directly allows the reservation, movement, addressing of its contents.

For example : A single reference pallet will be considered as a container.

It is the action of moving goods from the arrival docks to the departure docks, without passing through the stock.

This is the company owning the merchandise. She is the custodian of the stock. The depositor receives his goods from suppliers and delivers them to end customers (Third Parties).

For example: A logistics service provider works on behalf of several depositors and delivers to the end customers of its depositors.

It is the gap between physical stock and computer stock

An inventory management rule allowing the management of products with an expiration date.

An inventory management rule in which we send out the products returned the earliest first.

An operation consisting of superimposing containers.

An inventory management rule in which we send out the products returned later first.

It is the act of physically booking goods on behalf of orders.

Physical reservation specifically reserves a quantity of items at a given address.

Deliverability allows the generation of picking replenishment, preparation order, etc.

A logistics management system for products that are collected by the company. This may involve recycling, recovery and other forms of product returns from the customer to the producer.

This is the physical warehouse where the logistics service is carried out.

Wave mode is a preparation mode which consists of picking up items anonymously (not linked to the notion of ordering), then packing.

Wave mode is a two-step preparation mode.

An order authorizing a manufacturing shop to produce parts.

A type of order preparation in which the prepared SKUs (sales units) are stored directly in their package.

Taking UVs (sales units) from their storage unit to prepare an order.

A type of order preparation in which the prepared UVs (sales units) are only stored in their package at the end of the order preparation process.

Serial Shipping Container Code.

The unique identification number of a pallet.

It is a medium used for shipping. It may be a pallet, or a package made up during preparation. It can also be a container entirely reserved for the order. In the latter case, the container becomes the support.

A wave defines a list of orders selected during the act of deliverability to be put into preparation.

BULK is opposed to the container mode and qualifies a quantity of an item from a specific lot.

BULK does not directly correspond to an inventory item. The reference must be permanently specified, as well as the quantity and address of the bulk stock that we wish to move, reserve, address.

The notion of BULK is not associated with any stock identifier. There is therefore no associated SSCC.

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