CSL Logo on conveyor

Glossary of Automation & Conveyor System Terms

The field of automation and conveyor systems encompasses a wide range of technical terms and industry-specific language. To support clarity and informed decision-making, CSL Automation has compiled this comprehensive glossary, providing precise definitions of key terms related to material handling, warehouse automation, and conveyor technology.

  • 3PL 
    Third Party Logistics. The outsourcing of logistics and supply chain functionsto an external company. 
  • 4PL 
    Fourth-Party Logistics. An integrative logistics provider that manages the entire supply chain. 
  • 5PL 
    Fifth-Party Logistics. A logistics provider that managesmultiple supply chains through technology. 
  • ABC
    Activity-based Costing. A costing method that asigns costs to products based on resource usage. 
  • Accumulating Conveyor
    A conveyor system designed to allow a product to queue (accumulation). Can be done with either lineshaft conveyor, belt under roller conveyor, motorised roller conveyor, gravity conveyor.  Additional devices may be required to complete this function.
  • AI
    Artificial Intelligence. the simulation of human intelligence by machines. 
  • Aluminium Conveyor
    Lightweight and strong the aluminium range includes Belt, lineshaft, motorised roller, belt under roller and gravity.
  • APS
    Advanced Planning and Scheduling. Software tools that optimise production planning and scheduling.
  • ASN
    Advanced Shipping Notice. A notification sent in advance about shipping details.
  • Ball Table
    A combination of roller ball units fitted onto a workstation at a workable height allows products to be easily manoeuvred in multiple directions. These are usually part of a gravity-based system.
  • Belt/bands
    A flexible band/belt placed around two or more rollers / lineshaft to transmit motion or power is often seen between motorised rollers or to connect lineshaft rollers with the lineshaft itself. 
  • Belt Conveyors
    Similar to what is found in many supermarkets, products are conveyed using a PVC/PU belt driven by either a motorised drum or a geared motor. Belt conveyors can be horizontal or used for inter-floor conveying, such as decline/inclines. More specialist belt conveyors, such as belt bends and strip belt merges, are available.
  • Belt Under Roller Conveyor
    A roller system based on gravity rollers gaining drive from a narrow belt beneath which is in contact with the underside of the rollers. Belt under roller is ideal for medium-weight totes/cartons/boxes at high speeds or over long lengths with a single drive unit.
  • Brake Motor
    A safety device used on incline/decline belts which engages when power is shut off to stop the belt moving under the weight of products being carried. It is usually fitted on a motor shaft between the motor and a reducer. 
  • BOM
    Bill of Materials. A list of raw materials and components required for manufacturing.  
  • BZP
    Bright Zinc plate – the standard finish on the majority of rollers giving a hard-wearing finish for longevity. 
  • Chain/Belt Transfer Unit
    Used for transferring a product (box/tote bin) from one conveyor  off at 90 degrees to another.  The belts/chains lift between the roller pitches, raising the product just above the running surface of the roller and then driving the product off to another waiting conveyor. The drive motion is engaged via the drive motor and the lift motion is either by pneumatics or electrically operated. Heavy duty chain transfers can accommodate pallets/stillages and IBC’s.
  • Chain Conveyor
    The product is moved on chains instead of rollers or a belt, often used for pallet/stillage handling.
  • Chain Drive
    The drive power is transmitted to each roller using chains and sprockets. Ideal for heavy products.  
  • Chain Guard
    A protective safety cover for drive or conveyor chains
  • Chain Roller Conveyor
    A variant of roller conveyors, the rollers are powered via attached sprockets driven by a single / duplex chain and motor gearbox. Ideal for heavy products.
  • Conveyor Rollers
    Either bright zinc-plated steel, stainless steel, Nickel/Chrome plated or rigid PVC manufactured in a range of sizes.
  • CRP
    Capacity Requirements Planning . A process  to determine production capacity needs. 
  • DARB – Double Activated Roller Belt
    Designed and manufactured by Intralox. The system is based on a modular plastic belt conveyor which features multiple small free-spinning angled rollers, beneath a transfer point a powered roller unit lifts and contacts the underside of the free-spinning rollers giving them the drive to divert the product off the belt.
  • Decline Conveyor
    An inter-floor belt conveyor is used for transporting products up or down between two levels.   It can be reversible as a standard.
  • Degree of Incline
    The angle of slope in degrees that an incline conveyor is installed.
  • Discharge End
    Location on the conveyor system at which objects are removed
  • Divert Unit
    Pneumatically or electronically operated using diverting wheels which pivot 45/90° in devices such as a switch sorter.
  • DOL – (Direct online)
    The motor turns on at full speed instantly
  • Drive Unit
    Mostly motor gearbox units, fitted to lineshaft conveyors, belt conveyors, chain conveyors, pallet conveyors, spiral elevators, vertical elevators.
  • DRP
    Distribution Requirements Planning. A system for inventory replenishment in distribution networks
  • EDI
    Electronic Data Interchange. A standard format for exchanging business documents electronically.
  • Emergency Stop Switch or E-stop
    A high visibility switch is used to stop the conveyor in an emergency.
  • ERP
    Enterprise Resource Planning. Software for integrating core business processes.
  • ETA
    Estimated Time of Arrival Interchange. A standard format for exchanging business documents electronically.
  • Expandable Conveyor
    Belt, roller or wheel conveyor that can be extended or shortened to suit operating requirements.
  • FAT – Factory Acceptance Test
    Testing of machinery while still at the manufacturers facility prior to shipping, this can eliminate issues once installed.
  • FDS – Functional Design Specification
    A document that specifies the operational function and controls architecture that the conveyor system must perform to meet the clients’ specific requirements. The FDS is a technical document and contains at a minimum a list of requirements that can be used for development, testing, and client sign-off. The FDS forms the brief the controls software/hardware are designed to.
  • FEFO 
    First Expired, First Out. Inventory method for shipping items with the nearest expiration date first.
  • FIFO 
    First In, First Out. Inventory method for shipping items with the first one in to be the first one out.
  • Filter regulator
    Controls the flow of air into a solenoid valve which in turn operates pneumatic devices. 
  • Flexible Conveyor
    Powered or gravity roller or gravity skatewheel. These can be easily compacted to one third of their expanded length and wheeled either in or out of position.
  • Floor Supports
    Adjustable floor mounted support at which the conveyor sits on top to get the optimum operating height. 
  • FMCG 
    Fast-moving consumer goods. Products that sell quickly at low cost.
  • FPM –  Feet per minute
    One of the Standard measures for conveyor speed
  • Front line spares
    List of critical spare parts based on high wear or parts more susceptible to damage. These parts will often be detrimental to the conveyor operating correctly and at the optimum safteyl and efficiency levels.
  • Gate (lift gate)
    A section of conveyor equipped with a hinge mechanism and gas struts to provide an opening for an occasional walkway / emergency exit.  Available in both powered roller conveyor and Gravity roller conveyor.
  • Gravity Roller Conveyor
    Gravity Roller is a non-powered conveyor which can be used to transit products by either a manual push or by placing the conveyor on a decline.
  • Gravity Rollers
    Rollers fitted into the Gravity conveyor framework as listed above.
  • Guard Rail
    60mm angle or 150mm channel mounted on top of the conveyor side frame. Used to prevent products from falling or being pushed off the conveyor. 
  • GUI
    Graphical User Interface. A visual way to interact with software. 
  • Guide Rail
    Rail mounted on adjustable post to guide products towards a datum point such as a labeller / printer or packaging machine.  
  • HMI – Human Machine Interface 
    Commonly a touch sensitive screen mounted on a control panel.
  • IAT- Initial Acceptance Test
    Once the system is installed an IAT will be carried out to ensure the system hardware and software are working as per the FDS. Once this is completed, more detailed commissioning testing can commence.
  • Incline
    An inter-floor belt conveyor is used for transporting products up or down an incline between two levels.   It can be reversible as a standard
  • Intermediate Roller
    25mm free-running roller fitted between 50mm dia. rollers at 75mm pitch resulting in 37.5mm pitch to support smaller,  loads.
  • JIT
    Just in time. An inventory strategy aligning raw materials with production schedules.
  • LIFO 
    Last in, First Out. An inventory management strategy where the last item in is the first to go out. Electrical devices used to limit travel on certain pieces of equipment such as elevators.
  • Lineshaft
    A 25mm dia. rotating steel bar is used to transmit power from a motor gearbox to multiple rollers on a lineshaft conveyor.
  • Lineshaft Conveyor (powered conveyor)
    A series of rollers driven via individual small polyurethane belts connected to a steel shaft fitted with accumulating spools to allow easy product accumulation.  The shaft is connected and driven by a geared motor.
  • Long Edge leading
    Describes the orientation of which the product travels down the conveyor, long edge leading travels widest side first.
  • LPN Licence Plate Number. A unique serial number that identifies specific items throughout the fulfillment process.
  • Manual Start Switch
    A simple one-direction switch is used to turn the conveyors on or off.
  • MCB – (Motor Circuit Breaker)
    Protects the motor from overload
  • Motor inverter
    Used to provide a gradual start and shut down of motor
  • MOQ
    Minimum Order Quantity. The smallest order a supplier will accept.  gradual start and shut down of motor
  • Micro V-Belt
    A belt with a ‘V’ shape cross section for operating in specially grooved pulleys.
  • Micro V-Belt Conveyor (Poly V)
    Using Micro-V belts fitted to specially designed rollers allows the conveyor to transit heavier products. Also ideal for dustier more arduous environments.
  • Motorised Roller
    A roller fitted with its own internal 24-volt DC motor used for zero line pressure and high-speed applications.
  • Motorised Roller Conveyor
    Using the motorised roller listed above. Controlled from side-mounted drive control cards allows for cost-effective zero line pressure (Non contact products) with individual speed adjustment and single product or slug release.
  • Motorised Roller Conveyor
    Using the motorised roller listed above. Controlled from side-mounted drive control cards allows for cost-effective zero line pressure (Non contact products) with individual speed adjustment and single product or slug release.
  • MRO
    Maintenance, Repair and Operations. Supplies for maintenance and repairs. 
  • MRP
    Maintenance, Requirements Planning Calculates materials needed for manufacturing
  • Narrow Edge leading
    Describes the orientation of which the product travels down the conveyor, narrow edge leading travels shortest side first.
  • Noseover
    A section of a belt conveyor to provide transition from an incline to horizontal.
  • OTD
    On time Delivery. A metric for timely delivery.
  • OTIF
    On time In Full. Measures timely amnd complete deliveries.
  • RAMS – Risk Assessment and Method Statement
    Documents produced by CSL and provided to the customer prior to installation commencing. The documents outline recognised risks and how these can be controlled.
  • Reversible
    A conveyor that can move product in either direction
  • RFID – Radio Frequency Identification
    Used for product or tote identification, often for either sortation or tracking.  
  • RFP
    Request for Proposal. A document soliciting supplier proposals.
  • RFQ
    Request for Quotation. Requests pricing from suppliers.
  • RMA
    Return Merchandising Authorisation. A process authorising product returns. 
  • ROI
    Return on Investment. Measures investment profitability
  • Roller Conveyor
    A series of rollers supported in a frame at a set pitch which totes/cartons/cases etc are transported manually by gravity or driven by motors.
  • Roller Pitch
    The distance measured from the centre of one roller to the centre of another. Larger products typically have a larger roller pitch and smaller products have a smaller pitch. 
  • Roller Pitch
    The distance measured from the centre of one roller to the centre of another. Larger products typically have a larger roller pitch and smaller products have a smaller pitch. 
  • S&OP
    Sales and Operating Planning. Aligns production with demand.  
  • SAT – Site Acceptance Test
    System testing is carried  once the installation is complete to verify that the system is functioning correctly and to the customers requirements. A number of CSL customers provide the SAT criteria at the start of the project.  
  • SCADA – Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition
    Control system architecture that uses computers, networked data communications and graphical user interfaces for high-level process management. Also using other peripheral devices such as programmable logic controllers (PLC) to interface with the process plant or machinery. The operator interfaces which enable monitoring and the issuing of process commands, such as controller set point changes.
  • SCM
    Supply Chain Management. Managing the flow of goods and services. 
  • SDS – System Design Specification
    Is a document to outline how the functional and non-functional requirements recorded in the Requirements Document, the preliminary user-oriented functional design recorded in the High Level Technical Design
  • Side Mounted Drive Unit
    The geared motor is mounted on the side of the conveyor as opposed to underneath it.
  • Skatewheel Conveyor
    Steel or plastic wheels mounted on an shaft or axle, these are unpowered gravity conveyors
  • SKU – Stock Keeping Unit
    Unique Identifier for inventory items.
  • SLA– Service Level Agreement
    Defines service quality and performance metrics. 
  • Slave Driven
    A conveyor section powered from another conveyor section instead of having its own power.
  • Slug Mode
    Allows all packages to be released together as one.
  • SOP – Standard Operating ProcedureDetailing instructions for uniform processes.
  • Spur
    A conveyor section fitted at an angle to switch products to and from the mainline conveyor. Also known as a mitre section.
  • Support Stand / Frames
    Stands or frames used maintain the elevation or alignment of the conveyors. Supports can take the form of hangers, floor supports or brackets.
  • SV – Solenoid Valve
    Used with pneumatic systems to control the air movement to conveyor devices
  • Switch Sorter
    A sortation conveyor which can divert different totes/cases/cartons to specific take-away lines. The switch sorter uses a series of powered wheels which can switch direction.
  • SY Cable type
    Steel armoured cable with clear PVC jacket, used for voltage between 300-500v. The clear jacket means signs of deterioration, damage or corrosion can be detected easier.
  • Tapered Roller Bend
    A curved section of roller conveyor fitted with tapered rollers.
  • TCO – Total Cost of Ownership
    Comprehensive cost assement of a product.
  • Terminal Roller
    A roller mounted at the tail end of a belt conveyor, its purpose is to return the belt and keep it tensioned.
  • TMS – Transport Management System
    Software for optimising transport operations.
  • Throughput
    The amount of product moved on a conveyor at a given time.
  • Total Load
    Maximum weight (Kg.) distributed over the entire length of a conveyor.
  • Tracking
    Keeping the belt on the centre line of the conveyor. 
  • Transfers
    A device or series of devices, which uses belts, chains, rollers, skate wheels or diverting wheels, to move products from one conveyor to another.
  • Truetrack
    Conveyor belt with a central or outer fitted strip mounted to the underside to improve belt tracking and guiding for belt conveyors. Used especially where products are removed regularly from the side of the conveyor
  • Tread Plates
    Chequer plate steel filler plates used to fill the gaps between rollers on roller conveyor for walk overs or to eliminate gaps.
  • Turntable
    A rotary mechanism used for transferring objects between conveyors or turning the product’s leading edge. Mostly used on pallet conveyor systems.
  • Turning Wheel
    Wheel mounted horizontally to turn products through 90 degrees prior to a further process such as labelling or printing. 
  • Underguard
    Either sheet metal or plastic and  used to cover the underside of a conveyor section for safety.
  • URS – User Requirement Specification
    A document provided by the customer with their expectations of the conveyor system, mainly focusing on the controls and software. 
  • Variable Speed Motor
    A drive or power transmission mechanism which can have the speed adjusted
  • WCS- Warehouse Control System
    Software applications that direct the real-time activities within warehouses and distribution centres
  • Wide Edge leading
    Describes the orientation by which the product travels down the conveyor, wide edge leading travels longest side first.
  • WMS – Warehouse Management System
    A software based system designed to support and optimise warehouse management. The systems are used to manage resources and product movement.
  • YY Cable type
    YY is very similar to SY but without the mechanical protection provided by the steel armour but instead in a grey PVC jacket.
  • Zero Line Pressure Accumulating Conveyor (ZLP)
    A type of conveyor designed to have zero pressure / contact with product on product, ideal for handling a wide range of product sizes and weights. See motorised roller conveyor and micro-V belt conveyor.