Glossary

Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS): An item that can be purchased from a vendor without specialized

fabrication.

Efficiency: The ratio of the effective or useful output to the total input in any system.

Graphical User Interface (GUI): Device used by warehouse operator to communicate with the tracking

system. The GUI provides limited access and functionality that would otherwise be difficult to control with

a standard keyboard and mouse.

Logistics Database (LogDB): A centralized database used by the system as a global filing and storage

area for all tag data.

Logistics Officer (LogOfcr): Uses the tracking system to insure that shipments are managed accurately

and efficiently.

Logistics Processor (LogProc): This is an industrial computer with typical CPU and data storage

hardware. However, the logistics processor uses embedded software to perform functions that are specific

to the tracking system. There is typically one LP per ware-house, which handles all of the local data

processing for that warehouse.

Logistics Software (LogSoft): The logistics software is also global and runs on the WAN computer

system. It is used by the logistics officer to query the logistics database, and to run logical and statistical

analyses of the tag data. It generates instructions and corrective action messages that are sent across the

WAN to various logistics processors.

Manual Tag Programmer (MtagPro): Hand held device used by the Warehouse Operator to

retrieve/program tag data.

Radio Frequency (RF): Waves transmitted in the range within which radio waves may be transmitted,

from about 3 kilohertz to about 300,000 megahertz.

Resources: The total means available to a company for increasing production or profit, including plant,

labor, and raw material; assets.

Tag: Device that is attached to a materials shipment. The tag contains logistics data about the shipment

such as, ID#, quantity, material type, intended destination, etc. It communicates with the Manual Tag

Programmer and the RF Transceiver using an RF channel and a standard wireless communications

protocol.

Transceiver: A transmitter and receiver housed together in a single unit and having some circuits in

common, often for portable or mobile use.

Warehouse Operator (WrhsOpr): Controls inventory at the local level, interacts with the tracking

system by using the GUI/LP and the MTP.