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Glossary

Film tails

Film tails are protruding ends of stretch film or packaging film that remain after a load unit has been wrapped or secured. They result from excess film material and can affect the contour and handling of a load unit.

In logistics, film tails occur particularly with palletized goods secured with stretch film. In automated processes, they can be detected by sensors, camera systems, or contour inspections, as they can lead to deviations during measurement, transport, or automated storage and conveyor processes. Reliable detection supports process reliability and prevents disruptions in the material flow.

Practical example:

A contour inspection system detects a film tail protruding from the side of a pallet, thereby preventing a potential collision in an automated conveyor system.

Flow of goods

The flow of goods refers to the movement of goods within and outside a company along the entire supply chain. It describes the spatial and temporal processes from procurement through storage and processing to delivery.

An efficiently managed flow of goods is a central component of modern logistics processes. Conveyor technology, automation, sensor technology, and digital systems such as WMS, TMS, and ERP support the planning, monitoring, and control of goods movements. By collecting and analyzing process data, throughput times can be reduced, bottlenecks avoided, and material flows optimized. A transparent flow of goods lays the foundation for efficient and flexible logistics systems.

Practical example:

In a distribution center, incoming packages are automatically identified, measured, sorted, and routed via various conveyor lines to the appropriate shipping area.

Forklift

A forklift is an industrial truck used to lift, transport, and stack goods and load units. It is used to efficiently move goods within warehouses, production areas, and transshipment zones.

Forklifts play an important role in intralogistics and are frequently used to transport pallets, containers, and other load carriers. Modern models can be equipped with sensors, assistance systems, and digital solutions to enhance safety and efficiency. In conjunction with automated processes, they support a smooth flow of materials and the flexible supply of warehouse and production areas.

Practical example:

A forklift transports a measured and identified pallet from the goods receiving area to its designated storage location.

Free-form recognition

Free-form recognition refers to the automatic detection and analysis of objects with irregular or non-standard geometries. It enables the reliable detection of load units whose shape deviates from traditional cuboids or cylinders.

Free-form recognition utilizes 3D sensors, laser scanners, or AI-powered image processing to precisely capture and evaluate an object’s contours. This makes it possible to automatically measure even bulky, asymmetrical, or irregularly shaped goods and integrate them into logistics processes. Free-form recognition improves data quality, reduces manual rework, and supports optimal transportation and warehouse planning.

Practical example:

In a furniture logistics center, a measurement system automatically detects the contours of differently shaped pieces of furniture and determines their dimensions for further transport planning.

Freight

“Freight” refers to goods, materials, or cargo that are transported within a supply chain from a point of origin to a destination. It forms the basis of all transportation and handling processes in logistics.

Freight can take various forms, such as a package, carton, pallet, container, or bulk goods. To ensure efficient planning and safe execution of shipments, characteristics such as dimensions, weight, volume, nature, and special requirements are recorded. Automated measurement and identification systems help to uniquely identify freight, move it optimally, and bill it correctly.

Practical example:
Before a replacement part is shipped internationally, the dimensions and weight of the cargo are automatically recorded so that the appropriate shipping route and the required loading capacity can be planned.

Freight billing

Freight billing refers to the calculation and settlement of costs for the transportation of goods or cargo units. It is based on contractually agreed-upon rates as well as the recorded transportation and freight data.

For accurate freight billing, factors such as weight, dimensions, volumetric weight, transport distance, and additional services are taken into account. Modern WMS systems provide this data automatically and with high precision, thereby reducing manual entries and preventing billing errors. Transparent freight billing ensures traceability for shippers, freight forwarders, and recipients and forms the basis for fair cost allocation.

Practical example:

After a shipment has been automatically measured and weighed, the transport management system calculates the freight costs based on the recorded measurement data and the agreed-upon rate.

Freight data

Freight data refers to all information that uniquely describes a shipment or loading unit and is required for its transport. It is used for planning, controlling, documenting, and billing logistics processes.

Freight data includes, among other things, dimensions, weight, volumetric weight, identification characteristics, shipper and recipient information, and transport-related details. Modern warehouse management systems (WMS) and identification technologies capture this data automatically and transmit it directly to warehouse management, transportation management, or ERP systems. Complete and error-free freight data increases transparency throughout the supply chain and forms the basis for efficient and cost-effective logistics processes.

Practical example:

Before a machine component is shipped, all freight data is automatically captured and transferred to the transport management system so that the shipment can be processed without additional manual data entry.

Freight measurement

Freight measurement refers to the process of recording the dimensions of shipments, packages, or loading units for logistical and billing purposes. It provides precise dimensional data that serves as the basis for transportation planning, warehouse processes, and the calculation of freight costs.

Freight measurement is performed manually or automatically using 3D sensors, laser scanners, or camera-based measurement systems. In modern logistics centers, it is often an integral part of a DWS system, which also records weight and identification data. Accurate measurements improve the utilization of transport vehicles, support efficient warehouse planning, and ensure transparent and traceable freight billing.

Practical example:

Before loading a container, all loading units are automatically measured so that the available cargo space can be optimally utilized and transportation costs can be calculated correctly.

Freight measurement systems

Freight measurement systems are technical measurement systems designed to automatically record the dimensions of shipments, packages, or loading units. They provide precise measurement data for transportation planning, warehouse logistics, and billing-related applications.

Depending on the application, cargo measurement systems use 3D sensors, laser scanners, or camera-based technologies and can be installed as stationary units or integrated into conveyor systems. Many systems also capture weight and identification data, thereby forming the basis for modern cargo tracking and tracing (DWS) solutions. Automated data capture reduces the need for manual measurements, improves data quality, and makes logistics processes more efficient.

Practical example:

In an air cargo terminal, cargo measurement systems automatically measure each shipment before it is cleared for loading and the required transport data is transmitted to the cargo management system.

Freight volume

Freight volume describes the spatial dimensions of a shipment or cargo and indicates how much space it occupies within a vehicle or loading unit. It is a key metric for planning, calculating, and optimizing transportation processes.

In logistics, freight volume is used to plan transportation capacity, optimize vehicle utilization, and make efficient use of cargo space. It is often determined using automated measurement systems that record the dimensions of packages, pallets, or other loading units. In conjunction with weight data, DWS systems, and transportation management systems, freight volume supports precise planning and billing of transportation services.

Practical example:

A logistics service provider automatically records the freight volume of several pallets to make optimal use of a transport vehicle’s available loading capacity.

Freight volume measuring device

A freight volume measuring device is a measurement system designed to automatically determine the volume of packages, pallets, or other loading units. It calculates the volume based on the measured dimensions and provides the data for logistics and billing purposes.

Freight volume measuring devices use 3D sensors, laser scanners, or camera-based measurement methods and provide precise volume data within a few seconds. They are used in freight forwarding companies, package sorting centers, distribution warehouses, and air freight to optimize the use of transport capacity and reliably determine volumetric weight. They are often part of a DWS system that also automatically records weight and identification data.

Practical example:

In a distribution center, a cargo volume measuring device automatically determines the volume of each pallet so that the available cargo space can be optimally planned for the next shipment.

FTL (Full Truckload)

FTL stands for Full Truckload and refers to a shipment in which an entire truck is used exclusively for a single shipment or order. The goods are transported directly from the shipper to the recipient without any additional shipments being loaded onto the truck.

FTL shipments are used when large volumes, time-sensitive deliveries, or special transport requirements necessitate full utilization of a vehicle’s capacity. Compared to less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments, they enable shorter transit times and fewer handling operations. Digital systems such as TMS and DWS support planning, capacity utilization, and the efficient use of available cargo space.

Practical example:

A manufacturer commissions an FTL shipment to deliver a full truckload of pallets directly to the customer without any stops along the way.