Introduction to the Smart Supply Chain 120

adaptability

The capability to respond to a particular situation or purpose. Adaptability in supply chains allows for quick responses to changes as they occur.

agility

The ability to respond quickly to customer needs and market changes while still controlling costs and quality. Agility in manufacturing may be enabled by smart technologies.

AI

Artificial intelligence. A computer program with algorithms that function as behavioral rules, allowing a machine or computer to imitate intelligent human behavior. AI is able to discern and learn from its experiences in order to make optimized decisions during an operation or for subsequent processes.

AIT

Automatic identification technology. Any method used to recognize objects, collect data about them, and record that data in computer information systems without direct human intervention. AIT includes bar codes, radio-frequency identification, biometric identification, and optical character recognition, among other methods.

artificial intelligence

AI. Using algorithms that function as behavioral rules that allow a machine or computer to imitate intelligent human behavior. Artificial intelligence is able to discern and learn from its experiences in order to make optimized decisions during the operation or for subsequent processes.

automate

To use mechanical systems that operate with limited human interaction. Computer programs can be used to automate a manufacturing process.

automatic identification technologies

AIT. Any method used to recognize objects, collect data about them, and record that data in computer information systems without direct human intervention. Automatic identification technology includes bar codes, radio-frequency identification, biometric identification, and optical character recognition, among other methods.

backup

An extra copy of data from a computer. Backup may be used to restore original information after a data loss event.

bar codes

A technology that uses geometric patterns to automatically identify objects. A bar code is read by an optical scanner.

biometric identification

An automatic identification technology that uses distinctive, measurable characteristics of individual people to label and distinguish them. Biometric identification includes fingerprint scanning, facial recognition, and iris recognition.

cloud computing

The practice of using software and storing data on remote servers that can be accessed through the internet. Cloud computing reduces or eliminates the need for servers onsite and provides offsite backup for data.

cold chain

A supply chain kept at a consistently low temperature. Cold chains are required for perishable products like fresh and frozen foods or certain pharmaceuticals.

continuous optimization

The practice of constantly measuring the effectiveness of processes and striving to meet more difficult objectives to satisfy customers. Continuous optimization can improve through the collection and analysis of data.

cybersecurity

Protection against criminal or unauthorized access to computer networks, programs, and data. Cybersecurity has become a major industrial concern as networking and connectivity have increased.

data

Any numbers, facts, or information about a process or product. Data can be created, communicated, and recorded by sensors in smart objects.

digital thread

An integrated view of all the data and information about an asset or product throughout its lifecycle. The digital thread connects information from all aspects of a product into one seamless network.

digital twins

A synchronized virtual representation of a physical asset or part. A digital twin evolves with the asset throughout its product lifecycle.

end users

The final customer for whom a product or service is intended. The end-user is often engaged throughout a smart supply chain.

environmental sensors

A device that detects or measures a property in the environment and records, indicates, or otherwise responds to it. Environmental sensors can be coupled with automatic identification technology to prevent waste.

Global Positioning System

GPS. A satellite-based radio navigation system owned by the United States government. The Global Positioning System provides location and time information to a GPS receiver anywhere on or near the Earth where there is an unobstructed line of sight to four or more GPS satellites.

hazardous material

Hazmat. Any substance that can pose an unreasonable risk to health, safety, and property. Hazardous materials may pose physical hazards or health hazards.

IIoT

The Industrial Internet of Things. A network of smart industrial machines and devices. The IIoT is a network of smart industrial technology and the manufacturing-specific part of the overall Internet of Things (IoT).

Industrial Internet of Things

IIoT. A network of smart industrial machines and devices. The Industrial Internet of Things is a network of smart industrial technology and the manufacturing-specific part of the overall Internet of Things (IoT).

inventory

A quantity of goods held in stock. Inventory refers to raw materials, partially finished products, and finished products prior to sale.

lifecycle

The entire timeline of a product. In manufacturing, lifecycle includes part design, machine setup, production, quality, and end of life.

machine learning

ML. The process that enables a digital system to analyze data in order to build predictive models and make decisions autonomously. Machine learning systematically solves problems using highly complex algorithms.

machine tool

A power-driven machine that is used to manufacture parts by guiding a tool to shape workpieces. Common examples of machine tools include the drill press, the lathe, and the mill.

machine-to-machine

M2M. The transfer of data between machines and the internet without human interaction. Machine-to-machine communication relies on sensors.

material handling

Loading, moving, unloading, placing, or manipulating materials. Types of material-handling tasks include machine tending, part transfers, packaging, and palletizing.

on-board diagnostics

OBD. A vehicle's self-diagnostic and reporting capability. On-board diagnostics provide data for telematics.

organic compounds

A material that contains carbon and hydrogen. Smart sensors can monitor certain organic compounds in the environment.

oxidation

A chemical reaction involving the addition of oxygen and the loss of electrons. Oxidation causes metal to rust.

packaging

Applying a protective cover to materials, products, or parts. The consistency of packaging robots results in better and more efficient use of packaging materials, such as cling film and adhesive tape.

pallet jacks

A tool used to lift and move pallets. Pallet jacks are the most basic form of a forklift and are used to move pallets within a warehouse.

palletizing

Placing, securing, and locating containers or objects on pallets. Palletizing robots may also pick up an object and place it in a compartmentalized container of multiple objects.

part-transfer

The movement of parts from one location to another. Part-transfer robots, sometimes called pick-and-place robots, are fast and accurate, can operate in confined spaces, and often increase the rate of production processes.

perishable

Likely to decay or lose effectiveness quickly. Perishable items require unbroken cold chains to maintain their shelf-life and quality.

predictive analytics

The use of data to predict future events. Predictive analytics allows manufacturers to make informed decisions to address things like future supply needs, machine maintenance, and customer demand.

predictive data

Information about current and historical facts used to make predictions about future or otherwise unknown events. Predictive data can be analyzed throughout the supply chain to prevent or respond quickly to problem issues.

predictive maintenance

A maintenance approach that involves testing and monitoring machines with sensors and other smart devices to predict machine failures. In predictive maintenance, periodic readings are compared to baseline readings in order to identify problems.

Quick Response codes

QR codes. A type of two-dimensional bar code that directs a scanner to a website or application. Quick Response codes can be read using mobile devices with built-in cameras, such as smartphones.

radio-frequency identification

RFID. A technology that uses electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and track tags attached to objects. Radio-frequency identification requires a scanner and a tag.

real time

The actual time during which a process or event occurs. Real-time systems input and process data within milliseconds so that it is available virtually immediately as feedback.

real-time

A way of describing a nearly instantaneous interval of time. Real-time insights are made possible because smart manufacturing technologies monitor the functions of a real-world asset as they occur.

RFID

Radio-frequency identification. A technology that uses electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and track tags attached to objects. RFID requires a scanner and a tag.

robot

A machine that automatically performs complicated and repetitive tasks. Robots often perform work that is too dangerous, monotonous, or strenuous for humans.

sensors

A device within a device that detects a physical stimulus and turns it into a signal that can be measured and recorded. Sensors in smart devices make it possible for machines to communicate digitally.

servitization

The delivery of a service component as an added value. With servitization, companies may continue to provide updates and product support to their customers even long after the purchase has occurred.

smart manufacturing

The information-driven, event-driven, efficient and collaborative orchestration of business, physical and digital processes within plants, factories, and across the entire value chain. Smart manufacturing uses the IIoT to connect devices and operations.

supply chain

A network of companies and processes that exchange resources, such as materials and information, to deliver products and services to customers. A supply chain consists of a company, its suppliers, its suppliers' suppliers, its distributors, its customers, and its customers' customers.

supply chain management

The process of planning, implementing, and controlling supply chain activities to achieve maximum customer value and sustain competitive advantage. Supply chain management oversees each organization in the supply chain, from development to sourcing to production to delivery.

synchronized

Meeting the necessary conditions to operate in exact unison. Synchronized digital twins provide real time information about the physical objects with which they are paired.

telematics

The integrated use of telecommunications and data for application in vehicles and to control vehicles on the move. Telematics allows supply chain partners to monitor shipments in transit.

traceability

The ability to verify the history, application, or location of an item using data flows. Traceability enables links in smart supply chains to monitor entire production lifecycles.

traceability

The ability to verify the history, application, or location of an item using data. Traceability throughout the entire product lifecycle can be ensured by the data from digital twins.

virtual

Existing on or simulated within a computer program or system rather than physically existing. Virtual representations of real-world objects are known as digital twins.

warehouse

A large building or part of a building where raw materials or manufactured goods may be stored before being used in the manufacturing process or for their export or distribution for sale. Warehouses increasingly employ automatic identification technology, robots, and other smart elements to increase their efficiency and accuracy.