Technical terms simply explained

In our logistics lexicon, you will find key terms related to transport logistics, TMS, route planning, freight auditing, and digital supply chains – concise, understandable, and always with practical relevance to daily operations in dispatch and logistics management. Use our logistics lexicon to quickly look up abbreviations, categorize technical terms, or ensure a common understanding internally. Browse alphabetically through all entries or jump directly to the term you need.

A

Flexible planning method that dynamically adapts to changing conditions in the supply chain.

Use of artificial intelligence to optimise logistical processes such as route planning, warehousing and demand forecasting.

Automated calculation of optimal routes for transport vehicles based on parameters such as delivery times, traffic volume and capacities.

Collection of data (e.g. scans, GPS, sensors) without manual intervention, to increase efficiency and avoid errors.

Extension of automatic dispatch through self-learning systems that make decisions based on historical and current data.

Advance information about an upcoming delivery, e.g. by e-mail or EDI (Electronic Data Interchange).

Logistics process in which deliveries or collections are announced in advance in order to create planning security.

C

IT systems of freight carriers (carriers) for the management and communication of transport orders.

D

Software solution to support dispatch in forwarding companies, in particular for the planning of vehicles and personnel.

Software specifically for dispatchers, for organizing transports, resources and communication with drivers.

Dispatch refers to the planning and control of vehicles, trips and orders in transport logistics. The aim is to make optimal use of resources and reliably meet delivery deadlines.
Modern dispatch software such as opheo supports dispatchers with real-time data, telematics integration and learning algorithms for more overview, efficiency and relief in everyday life.

Specific application of dispatch within logistical processes, for example in warehouse or transport planning.

Measures to increase the efficiency of dispatch processes through software, data analysis or process improvements.

Dispatch processes in forwarding companies for the coordination of orders, vehicles and delivery times.

General term for software to support dispatch in companies.

Digital solution for automating and simplifying dispatch in logistics and transport.

Specialized software for planning and controlling truck operations.

AI-supported technology for the automatic analysis and processing of documents, e.g. delivery notes or invoices.

E

Live tracking of shipments, vehicles or goods movements via GPS or IoT technologies.

An end-to-end transport management system (TMS) that integrates all phases of transport – from planning to billing.

ETA stands for the estimated time of arrival of a vehicle or delivery. It is calculated in real time using telematics data and updated dynamically.
A precise ETA increases planning reliability in dispatch, avoids waiting times and improves communication between shipper, forwarder and recipient.

Process of determining the estimated time of arrival, taking into account real-time data and route information.

Forecasting the ETA using historical data and AI to identify potential delays early on.

Tool or dashboard for monitoring and visualizing the ETA values of multiple transports in real time.

Tracking of deliveries with a focus on the dynamic calculation and adjustment of the arrival time.

F

Analysis and monitoring of freight costs, services and contracts for cost control and process optimization.

Verification of freight invoices for accuracy with regard to agreements, services and billing.

Freight audit checks freight invoices for factual and tariff accuracy. It uncovers incorrect calculations, compares contract rates with billing values and thus creates transparency in transport costs.
Solvares Logistics offers this audit as a service including reporting and direct feedback to freight forwarders.

Strategies and measures to reduce transport and logistics costs, for example through better planning or negotiation with service providers.

Evaluation of freight costs according to criteria such as route, weight, means of transport or freight forwarder to identify potential savings.

Systematic improvement of transport costs through digitization, bundling or strategic partnerships.

Monitoring of shipments along the transport chain to identify current position and status.

Review and validation of freight invoices to ensure correct billing by service providers.

Measures to reduce international and national transport costs, e.g. through tenders or consolidation.

Control and reconciliation of freight invoices with orders, delivery notes and contract conditions.

Process of tendering transport services to select service providers based on price and performance.

International shipment tracking for real-time monitoring of goods movements on land, sea or air.

I

Intelligent document analysis uses AI to automatically recognise, extract and transfer freight documents, invoices or delivery notes into the system.This makes administrative processes faster, more secure and more transparent.

Systematic control of incoming invoices with regard to completeness, accuracy and conformity with orders.

Invoice matching is the automated comparison of invoice data with target costs from the Transport Management System (TMS).

As a TMS, LP2 compares tariffs, transports and invoice items. Deviations are automatically marked or released.

This ensures transparency, saves time and prevents overpayments.

Software solution to support automated invoice reconciliation in financial and logistics processing.

K

Dispatch using artificial intelligence for data-based, self-optimising planning of resources and transports.

Automatic recognition and processing of document content using artificial intelligence, e.g. for text recognition or classification.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has long been an integral part of modern logistics software. It supports dispatchers in making decisions, recognizes patterns in data and suggests optimizations.
At Solvares Logistics, AI is used in opheo and LP2 where it brings real benefits for more intelligent processes and more operational excellence.

Route planning based on artificial intelligence that is oriented towards real-time data and historical patterns.

L

Measures to improve warehouse processes, e.g. through automation, inventory reduction or layout optimisation.

Warehouse logistics includes all processes related to the storage, picking and loading of goods.
In combination with a TMS, a continuous flow of information is created from inventory management to transport for transparent, efficient processes.

Software for controlling and monitoring warehouse processes, such as storage, relocation or picking.

Strategic and operational management of warehouse inventories, warehouse space and processes to maximize efficiency.

Central control and monitoring unit for coordinating logistical processes in real time.

Digital platform for visualizing, controlling and optimizing logistics processes in real time.

Electronic notification of an upcoming delivery with information on quantity, time window and means of transport.

Notification of a forwarding company about upcoming deliveries for better route and time planning.

Connection of notification and tracking systems for proactive shipment tracking and information provision.

Specialized software for the scheduling of trucks, drivers and transports in real time.

Determination of the estimated travel time of a truck, taking into account legal regulations, traffic and route profile.

Planning the optimal route for trucks, taking into account restrictions such as weight, height or driving bans.

Software for the automated and rule-based calculation of efficient truck routes.

Use of telematics systems in trucks for the transmission and analysis of vehicle and driver data in real time.

Organisation and optimisation of the daily trips of trucks, taking into account orders, time windows and routes.

Process for improving truck routes in terms of time, costs and utilisation through intelligent algorithms.

Strategic and operational planning of truck trips with the aim of efficient routes and high customer satisfaction.

Real-time tracking of trucks to control location, route and delivery status.

Software solution for monitoring and analysing truck movements based on GPS and telematics data.

Truck planning refers to the organisation of transports, vehicles and driving times in road freight transport. Efficient truck planning reduces costs, increases utilisation and minimises downtimes.
Through systems such as opheo, dispatchers can digitally plan tours, take driving times into account and automatically calculate ETAs.

Planning, control and monitoring of all logistical processes along the value chain.

Central unit for real-time monitoring and control of logistics processes in the company.

Comprehensive digitisation and redesign of logistical processes to increase efficiency and competitiveness.

LP2 is the modular Transport Management System from Solvares Logistics. It combines transport planning, carrier allocation, freight audit and reporting in one system.
LP2 creates a continuous data chain (“Single Source of Truth”) and enables data-based decisions in real time, including AI-supported functions and interfaces to ERP systems.

M

Use of machine learning to improve logistical processes, e.g. in predictions or pattern recognition.

P

Shipment tracking of packages during the entire transport from the sender to the recipient.

Predictive logistics through data-based forecasts, e.g. about delivery times, disruptions or demand.

R

Comparison of incoming invoices with orders and delivery notes to avoid errors and double payments.

Verification of logistics-related invoices for correct services, prices and contractual conformity.

Specific planning of optimal routes for trucks, taking into account tolls, driving times and road closures.

S

Artificial intelligence that independently learns from data and experience and improves decisions.

Self-learning systems continuously analyze transport processes and automatically suggest improvements.
opheo uses e.g. Machine Learning to calibrate loading times, routes and traffic conditions for tours that get better every day.

Monitoring and status tracking of goods shipments in real time along the transport chain.

Logistics processes for the complete tracking of shipments, often integrated into TMS or ERP systems.

Intelligent, digital dispatch solution that uses real-time data and AI to optimally plan tours and resources.

Automated processing of documents using AI, OCR and NLP to structure unstructured data.

General term for software solutions that support transport processes – e.g. planning, billing, tracking.

Totality of all stations, processes and partners along the value chain – from raw material to end customer.

Supply Chain Management (SCM) refers to the holistic management of value creation and supply chains from procurement to delivery.
Integrated systems such as LP2 support companies in controlling transports, warehouses and freight rates in a networked manner and in identifying bottlenecks at an early stage.

Improvement of the entire supply chain through process analyses, automation and data-based decisions.

T

Telematics systems connect vehicles, drivers, and dispatch via digital data networks. They record position, status, and performance data and enable real-time fleet control.
In opheo, telematics data is directly integrated into tour planning for precise ETAs and active disruption management.

Mobile application for displaying and evaluating telematics data for drivers, dispatchers, or fleet managers.

Use of telematics systems in trucks for monitoring location, driving behavior, consumption, and technical condition.

Digital platform for collecting, analysing, and visualising vehicle and fleet data from telematics systems.

Integrated system in the truck for recording and transmitting real-time data to dispatchers and fleet managers.

Process for improving delivery and pickup tours regarding time, costs, emissions, and utilisation.

Software to support the planning of efficient and compliant routes for deliveries and pickups.

Route planning includes the optimal sequence and route selection for transport orders. It considers delivery windows, vehicle capacities, driving and rest times, and traffic data.
With AI-powered tour planning from opheo, routes are automatically calculated, empty runs are reduced, and time windows are precisely met. Routes therefore become plannable, transparent, and economical.

Calculation of optimal routes and schedules based on orders, traffic conditions, and delivery windows.

Application of tour planning within logistical processes – often as a central element in TMS.

Digital solution for planning, simulation, and optimisation of transport and delivery trips.

Seamless real-time tracking of shipments and vehicles along the supply chain, combining tracking and historical data.

Tracking systems enable real-time monitoring of shipments, vehicles, and deliveries.
They increase transparency and planning reliability, especially in conjunction with ETA and telematics data. Systems like LP2 centralise all tracking information in one dashboard.

Monitoring of goods, vehicles, or containers within logistical processes using digital technologies.

Software solution for controlling, monitoring, and optimizing transport processes in freight forwarding and logistics.

A TMS (Transport Management System) is software for planning, controlling, and billing logistical transports.

Systems like LP2 from Solvares Logistics digitally map the entire transport process from order and freight tendering to invoice verification.
The result: less manual work, lower transport costs, and a consistent data basis across all transports.

Planning and organisation of transports with the aim of optimizing the use of time, costs, and resources.

Digital solution to support transport planning through functions such as route optimisation, time window management, and load planning.

Entirety of organisational, technical, and infrastructural elements for carrying out transports.

Real-time tracking of transports for monitoring location, status, and estimated arrival.

Detailed evaluation and breakdown of transport costs to identify savings potential.

Transport cost optimisation describes the targeted analysis and reduction of logistical costs through data-based planning, benchmarking, and smart procurement processes.
With LP2 and freight auditing from Solvares Logistics, savings of up to 15% can be realised while maintaining consistent service quality.

Data-based analysis and reduction of logistical costs through intelligent planning and procurement processes.

The transport control center is the central cockpit for planners and logistics/Transport managers. It displays all relevant route and vehicle data at a glance and enables quick intervention in case of deviations.
Solvares Logistics combines visual ETA display, telematics data, and AI-based forecasts in the transport control center for maximum real-time control.

Overall control of all transport processes – from planning to billing.

Software to support transport management with modules for planning, execution, analysis, and billing.

Integrated system for handling and optimizing all transport processes (synonymous with TMS).

Dashboard or display for real-time monitoring of transports and their key performance indicators.

V

Forecast of when a shipment or vehicle is expected to arrive at its destination (synonymous with ETA).

W

Sub-area of logistics that deals with the storage, movement, and management of goods in the warehouse.

Advisement means the pre-notification of a delivery or pickup to ensure smooth processing.

An advisement is the message or information that a delivery will take place at a specific time.

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