Glossary
Technical terms and abbreviations explained in an easy-to-understand way
This glossary explains the most important technical terms and abbreviations in a clear and simple manner. If you'd like to learn more, feel free to contact us.
We aim to make key terms easy to understand and concise
The logistics industry is filled with numerous technical terms and abbreviations. Similarly, in fields like technology, hardware, software, digitalization, and artificial intelligence (AI), there are many terms that can be unclear or confusing when reading or communicating.
To help clarify things, we’ve provided simple explanations of the technologies and processes that are central to modern business operations. These explanations are organized alphabetically and cover everything from hardware and image recognition to data processing, interfaces, and organizational processes. Our goal is for this glossary to help you better understand technical terminology and place it in context.
Application Programming Interface (API)
An API is a set of rules and protocols that allow one software application to interact with another. It acts as a bridge, enabling different programs to communicate and share data or functionality.
Axle Load
The axle load of a vehicle (also known as axle mass, axle pressure, wheel set mass, wheel set load, or wheel pressure) refers to the portion of its total weight (unladen weight + load weight) that rests on a single axle or wheel set. It is typically measured in tons (t). When the vehicle’s load and unladen weight are evenly distributed, each axle carries an equal amount of weight. Besides the effective axle load, the dynamic axle load—caused by driving speed—also plays a significant role in wear and tear. Permissible axle loads for road traffic in Germany are outlined in § 34 of the StVZO (Road Traffic Licensing Regulations), and for rail traffic in § 8 of the EBO (Railway Operating Regulations).
Backup
A backup refers to creating at least one copy of data on a separate storage medium, with the goal of being able to restore the original data in case of loss. Data backup is a critical measure for ensuring data security. The redundant copy stored on a storage device is called a backup copy, which can be created either online or offline. Restoring the original data from a backup copy is known as data recovery, data restoration, or simply restore.
BIC Codes
The BIC code is a container identification code consisting of three letters that represent the owner or operator, followed by a fourth letter used as equipment identifier. It also includes a six-digit serial number, and a seventh digit, known as the check digit, which ensures the accuracy of the data recording and transmission. This container code can be used to identify containers in all international transport and customs documentation.
BIC Facility Codes
The BIC Facility Code is a unique, standardized identifier used to recognize container facilities. The BIC Facility Code uses a 9-character format that builds on the 5-character UN/Locode. The structure is as follows: 2 letters identifying the country (ISO 3166); 3 letters identifying the municipality; 4 Alpha characters to define the specific facility.
Brake Lever Positions Conversion device for compressed air brakes
The UIC uses the term "conversion device for compressed air brakes" to refer to a component in the compressed air brake system of a railway vehicle. This device is used to adjust the different brake types and modify the vehicle's braking behavior.
Clearance Profile
A clearance profile is a defined boundary line, typically established for the vertical transverse plane of a transportation route (e.g., roads or railroad tracks). It specifies, on one hand, the "clear space" that must remain free of objects along the route, and on the other hand, serves as a design guideline for the dimensions of the vehicles intended to use the route.
Client
In the client-server model, a client—also known as a client-side application, client application, or client program—is a computer program that runs on a network terminal and communicates with a server. A terminal that requests services from a server is also referred to as a client. The counterpart to the client is the server program or the server itself, often called the host.
Cloud Computing
Cloud computing (from the English for "computing in the cloud," "computer cloud," or "data cloud") is the use of computer software that is not located on the local PC, but remotely in the cloud. More specifically, cloud computing describes a model that provides shared computer resources as a service, such as servers, data storage, or applications, on demand—usually via the internet and device-independent—in a timely manner and with little effort, and bills according to usage. The provision and use of these computer resources is defined and usually takes place via a programming interface (API) or, for users, via a website or app. The term cloud computing is usually abbreviated to cloud
Compliance Audit
Compliance auditing is crucial for any company that wants to operate in full legal compliance. It involves a systematic review aimed at ensuring that all internal processes, procedures, and activities align with the relevant laws, regulations, and internal guidelines.
Data Hub
A data hub is a central platform for data exchange, supported by data science, data engineering, and data warehousing technologies. It facilitates interaction with endpoints such as applications and algorithms.
Data Integrity
In IT, integrity refers to the ability of a system to maintain the accuracy and consistency of data, protecting it from unauthorized or unnoticed changes. Along with availability and confidentiality, integrity is one of the three core principles of information security.
Database
A database—also referred to as a database system—is an electronic data management system. The primary function of a database is to efficiently store large volumes of data in a consistent and permanent manner, and to provide subsets of this data in various formats, tailored to the needs of users and application programs. A database system consists of two components: the management software, known as a database management system (DBMS), and the actual data to be managed, referred to as the database (DB) in the narrower sense, sometimes also called the "data base.".
Despatch Advice
A despatch advice or delivery notification is an announcement from the supplier to the recipient, informing them that goods are on their way. It is sent prior to the actual delivery to provide advance notice. Delivery notifications are commonly used in supply chains, where it’s crucial for recipients to know whether goods will arrive on time or if there are any delays. This allows them to make any necessary arrangements in advance.
Dwell times Idle time
Dwell time refers to the time a machine, vehicle, or cargo remains idle at a location, whether planned (e.g., scheduled breaks) or unplanned (e.g., delays). The term is often used in the context of transportation (e.g., how long a train or truck stays at a station) rather than machine operation per se.
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
ERP systems integrate core business processes, including personnel management, resource planning, finance, and materials management, to help organizations optimize operations and achieve their objectives. The goal is to ensure an efficient value creation process and continuously optimize the management of business and operational processes.
European Vehicle Number (EVN)
The EVN (European Vehicle Number) is a unique twelve-digit identifier for railway vehicles, officially recognized in the EU. It is also commonly referred to as the UIC number. The EVN uniquely identifies railway vehicles across Europe, as well as parts of Asia and Africa.
Flat Spots
A flat spot is a type of wear on a railway wheel caused by excessive braking, which causes the wheel to slide rather than roll, leading to uneven wear. Flat spots can be caused by various factors, including an unnoticed stuck brake, a normal braking process where the friction between the track and wheel is insufficient, or excessive braking (e.g., during emergency stops).
General Contract for the Use of Freight Cars (AVV)
The AVV is a UIC agreement that governs the use of freight wagons on the networks of member railways. It came into effect on July 1, 2006, and succeeded the RIV regulations. The AVV is a multilateral agreement with over 600 signatories, including wagon owners and railway undertakings (RUs). It serves as the standard framework for cooperation between wagon owners and railways, including at the international level.
Gross Vehicle Weight
The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) refers to the maximum total weight of a vehicle or vehicle combination, including its empty weight plus the maximum allowable load. In German regulations (StVO and StVZO), the term "zulässiges Gesamtgewicht (zGG)" is also used, while in Austria, it is called "höchstzulässiges Gesamtgewicht (hzG)".
Harmonized List of Goods (NHM) Harmonized commodity code
The Harmonized Commodity Code (HCC) is based on the international standard known as the Harmonized System (HS), which is used to describe and classify goods in international trade. Published by the World Customs Organization (WCO), the HS serves as a key framework for managing international freight traffic, providing a uniform and compatible commodity code. This code simplifies the compilation, comparison, and analysis of data exchanged between customers, railway undertakings (RUs), and regulatory authorities. It also helps railways monitor market trends.
Hazardous material Dangerous goods / Hazardous goods labeling
Dangerous Goods (DG) are substances that may pose a risk to people, property, or the environment during transport. The regulations for transporting dangerous goods by rail (RID) are aligned with those for transport by road (ADR) and water (ADN).
Hot Axle Box
A hot axle box refers to a condition where excessive friction in the bearing or drive unit causes overheating in a railway vehicle's axle, which can pose operational risks. A hot axle box is considered a hazard to operation, so the vehicle must be taken out of service immediately. Hot axles are typically detected by hot axle detection systems (HDS) installed permanently along railway lines or by bearing temperature monitoring systems installed on the vehicles themselves. The latter are primarily used in high-speed traffic. These systems measure both the absolute temperature values and the temperature differences between the wheel bearings of a wheelset.
ILU Codes
The ILU code is a standardized system for identifying intermodal loading units (such as containers, trailers, and swap bodies) used in international transport, supporting the digital management and tracking of goods. It facilitates the digitization of combined transport and streamlines day-to-day operations.
ISO Size and ISO Type Code
The ISO size and ISO type codes enable the quick identification of a container's size, type, and characteristics.
Load Limit Grid
The load limit grid (AVV symbol for load limits, also known as the ABC grid) is a marking on freight cars that indicates the maximum permissible load weight, depending on the route class.
Logistics
Logistics is both an interdisciplinary field of study and an economic sector or operational function within organizations. It focuses on the planning, control, optimization, and execution of the flow of goods, information, and people.
Movement Profile
A movement profile is a set of data that tracks the movement and status of an asset (e.g., vehicle, container) over time, allowing for real-time monitoring and analysis of its location and actions.
Operating system
An operating system is a set of computer programs that manages a computer's system resources—such as RAM, hard drives, and input/output devices—and makes them available to application programs. It serves as the interface between the hardware components and the user's application software.
Optical Character Recognition (OCR)
OCR is a technology used for text recognition in information technology. It refers to the automated process of identifying text or handwriting within images.
Optical Feature Detection (OFD)
OFD refers to the automated identification and interpretation of non-textual visual elements in images or video streams. Using AI-based image processing and deep learning models, OFD can recognize features such as component positions, structural characteristics, damage indicators, fill levels, load types, or contaminants. It enhances OCR by enabling a more comprehensive visual assessment of vehicles, containers, or equipment.
Outage time
Outage time refers to the period when a machine, system, or service is not operational, often due to maintenance, failure, or other disruptions.
Payload
Payload refers to the weight of the cargo or goods being transported, excluding the vehicle's own weight, fuel, and crew.
Portal
In computer science, the term portal (from the Latin porta, meaning "gate") refers to an application system that integrates applications, processes, and services. A portal provides its users with various functions, including personalization, navigation, and user management. It also coordinates the search and presentation of information while ensuring security.
In everyday usage, the term often refers to a "web portal", which describes the web applications offered by internet service providers, web directories, web browser manufacturers, and search engine operators in the late 1990s. These portals served as entry points to the World Wide Web (e.g., Yahoo, AOL, Lycos).
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) refers to a technology that uses electromagnetic waves for automatic, contactless identification and localization of objects and living beings through radio waves. It involves a transmitter-receiver system that enables this process.
Rail Vehicles
Rail vehicles are railway vehicles that run or are guided on one or more rails. The vehicle and rail form a closely coordinated system, usually referred to as a wheel-rail system. In the railway industry in particular, the entirety of a company's or administration's rail vehicles is also referred to by the generic terms rolling stock or rolling material. A distinction is made between standard vehicles (such as locomotives and carriages) and auxiliary vehicles.
Railway Interchange Coding System (RICS)
The Railway Interchange Coding System (RICS) is a four-digit code used to uniquely identify railway companies, operators, and infrastructure managers within the global railway network. It facilitates the smooth exchange of goods and services across borders.
Railway Scales
A weighbridge is a facility used to measure the weight of railway vehicles, ensuring compliance with legal weight limits. There are two types: static weighbridges, which weigh stationary vehicles, and dynamic weighbridges, which measure vehicles in motion.
Representational State Transfer
The REST architecture is a paradigm for designing distributed systems, particularly web services. The term is used to describe the transition from one state to the next within an application. This state transition occurs through the transfer of data that represents the next state.
SAP
The name SAP was once synonymous with the company's former core software product: an integrated standard business software package, also known as SAP ERP, initially available in the SAP R/2 version for mainframe computers and SAP R/3 for client-server systems.
Terminal Operating System (TOS)
A Terminal Operating System (TOS) is a software platform used to manage and optimize operations at ports or marine terminals. It handles the transport, storage, and movement of cargo, coordinates the scheduling and planning of assets, labor, and equipment, and provides real-time tracking and reporting capabilities.
Type of rail vehicles
In the railway industry, the term “class” is used to describe a group of vehicles that share common technical characteristics (e.g., wheelbase, axle load, drive system) and are used for similar purposes. The characteristics that determine classification into a type vary and, in addition to historically established classifications, are also determined by the level of detail of the objects. This type designation is generally referred to as the UIC type symbol and consists of a “type letter” (uppercase) and one or more “identification letters” (lowercase).
Vehicle Fuel Level
The term "fill level" refers to the height of the contents in a container, which may be either a liquid or bulk material. Depending on the type of container and material, the fill level can be measured using various methods and displayed as needed.
Vehicle Keeper Rail vehicle owner
The rail vehicle keeper, also known as the vehicle keeper or simply the keeper, is an individual or legal entity that uses a rail vehicle, either as the owner or an authorized representative. In Europe, North America, and some countries in Asia and North Africa, the rail vehicle keeper is identified by a vehicle keeper identification mark on the exterior of the vehicle.
In Europe, the rail vehicle keeper is also recorded in the National Vehicle Register (NVR).
Vehicle Owner Vehicle identification (VKM)
A Vehicle Keeper Marking (VKM) is an alphanumeric code made up of 2 to 5 letters. The VKM is placed on each rail vehicle near the vehicle number and identifies the vehicle keeper listed in the vehicle register.
Webhook
In web development, a webhook is a way to extend or modify the behavior of a website or web application using custom callbacks. These callbacks can be created, modified, and managed by third parties who do not need to be directly associated with the original website or application.
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