Glossary

Energy efficiency refers to the optimal use of energy to achieve a desired output with the least possible energy input. It describes the relationship between the energy used and the resulting benefit of a system or process.

In logistics and automation, energy efficiency plays an important role in the design and operation of machines, conveyor systems, and IT systems. Modern systems, for example, use intelligent control systems, energy-optimized components, and demand-based operating modes to reduce energy consumption. Digital process data can also help operate systems more efficiently and identify unnecessary energy consumption. Energy-efficient solutions contribute to sustainable and cost-effective logistics processes.

Practical example:

An automated conveyor system adjusts its output to the actual shipment volume, thereby reducing energy consumption during periods of low load.

See also: Automation, Digitalization, Conveyor Technology, Industry 4.0, Sustainability, Process Optimization, Sensor Technology, Transport Technology

The European Pallet Association e. V. (EPAL) is the international organization responsible for setting standards and ensuring quality for EPAL load carriers. It defines binding specifications for the manufacture, repair, marking, and exchange of standardized wooden pallets.

Through a globally uniform licensing and inspection system, EPAL ensures that pallets maintain a consistently high level of quality and interchangeability. These standardized load carriers are an integral part of modern logistics processes and enable efficient storage, handling, and international transport of goods. Automated logistics systems and AI-powered inspection systems identify EPAL pallets based on their standardized characteristics and check their condition.

Practical example:

Before loading, an automated inspection system checks whether an EPAL pallet meets quality requirements or must be removed from the pallet pool due to damage.

See also: Automatic pallet inspection, Euro pallet, material handling, artificial intelligence (AI), load carriers, material flow, quality control, traceability

ERP system stands for Enterprise Resource Planning and refers to a software solution for planning, controlling, and managing core business processes. It connects various business areas and provides a unified database for operational processes.

ERP systems support areas such as purchasing, production, sales, finance, human resources, and logistics, among others. Within the supply chain, they serve as a central information platform and are often integrated with WMS, TMS, DWS systems, and other automation solutions. This enables data such as orders, master data, inventory levels, measurement values, and shipping information to be processed end-to-end. An integrated system landscape improves transparency, data quality, and the efficient management of business processes.

Practical example:

After the dimensions and weight of a package are automatically recorded, the data is transferred to the ERP system via an interface and used for shipping and billing.

See also: Data Interface, DWS, Master Data Management (MDM), SAP, Master Data Entry, Supply Chain Management (SCM), Transport Management System (TMS), Warehouse Management System (WMS)

The Euro pallet is a standardized wooden load carrier used for the transport, storage, and handling of goods in European logistics. It enables consistent handling by conveyor systems, industrial trucks, and automated warehouse systems.

The Euro pallet complies with defined dimensions and quality requirements and is particularly widespread as a reusable load carrier. It is used in production, retail, and logistics processes and facilitates the planning of storage space, transport capacity, and material flows. Thanks to its standardization, it can be efficiently processed by automated measurement, identification, and warehouse systems.

Practical example:

A loaded Euro pallet is automatically measured and weighed in the outbound goods area before the data is used for transport planning and freight billing.

See also: Automatic Pallet Inspection (MSPP), EPAL, Weight Recording, Load Carriers, Pallet Management, Freight, Outbound Goods, Weighing Technology

The European Measuring Instruments Directive (MID) is an EU directive that establishes uniform requirements for certain measuring instruments and their conformity assessment. It provides the legal basis for ensuring that measuring instruments can be lawfully placed on the market within the European Union and used for applications regulated by law.

The MID defines requirements for measurement accuracy, reliability, documentation, and conformity assessment of selected measuring instruments. It is particularly relevant to the logistics sector when measurement values are used for billing purposes and metrological regulations must be complied with. Manufacturers and operators benefit from harmonized European standards that facilitate the cross-border use of suitable measurement systems.

Practical example:

A logistics service provider uses measurement systems that have been proven to comply with the requirements of the MID in order to use measurement values relevant to billing in a legally compliant manner throughout Europe.

See also: Billing purposes, Calibratability, Calibratable system, Freight billing, Weight measurement, Conformity assessment, Measurement accuracy, Metrology