IC3 SCM SB Glossary A-Z

SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT
In Company 3.0 ESP Supply Chain Management:

Glossary (A–Z)
What are red words? air waybill /ˌeə(r) ˈweɪbɪl/ (noun [countable]) an air cargo
company’s receipt for goods transported. We need to
90% of the time, speakers of English use just 7,500 provide the air waybill prior to departure.
words in speech and writing. These words appear in red.
aisle /aɪl/ (noun [countable]) the space between shelves in
3PL /ˌθriː piː ˈel/ (noun [countable]) third-party logistics: a warehouse. We need to keep the aisles clear so that the
a company that provides logistics services to other pickers and packers can access the racks easily.
companies or organizations. We need to find a 3PL that alternative /ɔːlˈtɜː(r)nətɪv/ (noun [countable]) something
can help us. that you can choose instead of something else. There
4PL /ˌfɔː(r) piː ˈel/ (noun [countable]) fourth-party was no alternative but to close the plant until the safety
logistics: also known as a lead logistics provider (LLP). concerns had been addressed.
A company that oversees the logistics of another ambient storage /ˈæmbiənt ˌstɔːrɪdʒ/ (noun [uncountable])
company. I think that using a 4PL would take some of the the keeping of items at the normal temperature of the
pressure off us. building so that they are neither too hot nor too cold.
acronym /ˈækrənɪm/ (noun [countable]) an abbreviation Ambient storage will be fine for the tinned goods, but not
consisting of letters that form a word. For example, for the fresh fruit and vegetables.
NATO is an acronym for the North Atlantic Treaty and so on /ən ˈsəʊ ɒn/ (phrase) used instead of
Organization. I didn’t know what the acronym ROI meant. mentioning more of a similar type of thing that
address /əˈdres/ (verb [transitive]) to try to deal with a has already been mentioned. Employees were always
problem or question, for example by thinking carefully complaining about their wages, their working conditions
about it, or by doing things to improve a situation. and so on.
Governments have been slow to address the problem of anticipate /ænˈtɪsɪpeɪt/ (verb [transitive]) to guess that
global warming. something will happen, and be ready to deal with it. The
adjust /əˈdʒʌst/ (verb [transitive]) to change something businesses that will survive will be those that anticipate
slightly in order to make it better, more accurate, or changes in technology.
more effective. I think we may need to adjust the schedule. apply /əˈplaɪ/ (verb [intransitive]) to affect or be relevant
administrative /ədˈmɪnɪstrətɪv/ (adjective) relating to the to a particular person or thing. The discount no longer
management of a company, organization, or institution. applies to him because he’s over eighteen.
I still have a number of administrative duties to perform. appoint /əˈpɔɪnt/ (verb [transitive]) to choose someone to
adopt /əˈdɒpt/ (verb [intransitive]) to decide to start using do a particular job or have a particular position. We need
a particular idea, plan, or method. They decided that they to appoint a new school secretary.
needed to adopt a new procurement strategy. attractive /əˈtræktɪv/ (adjective) worth having, considering,
afford /əˈfɔː(r)d/ (verb [transitive]) if you can afford or doing. It was an attractive proposition.
something you can do it without having to worry about audit /ˈɔːdɪt/ (noun [countable]) the systematic
it causing problems for you. This word always follows examination of a system to ensure compliance with
‘can’, ‘could’, or ‘be able to’. We can’t afford to take such a accepted standards. Our clients want to organize a quality
big risk. audit to check that we’re following procedures.
agenda /əˈdʒendə/ (noun [countable]) a list of things that automated /ˈɔːtəˌmeɪtɪd/ (adjective) using machines or
people will discuss at a meeting. Let’s move to the last done by machines, instead of people. We have a fully
item on the agenda. automated assembly line.
agent /ˈeɪdʒ(ə)nt/ (noun [countable]) a person or company automatically /ˌɔːtəˈmætɪkli/ (adverb) as the result of
that does business for another person or company, for specific conditions, rules, or laws, without a special
example by selling their products or by dealing with decision being made. You are automatically entitled to
their customers. We work with some very efficient shipping three weeks’ holiday a year.
agents.
awareness /əˈweə(r)nəs/ (noun [singular/uncountable])
ahead of the game /əˌhed əv ðə ˈɡeɪm/ (phrase) in a knowledge or understanding of a subject, issue, or
situation that is likely to lead to success as the result situation. There was a general lack of awareness about
of good planning, advice, luck, etc. Our research and safety issues.
development programme means that we can stay ahead of
B2B /ˌbiː tə ˈbiː/ (adjective) business-to-business: used
the game.
for describing a type of business activity in which
air freight /ˈeə(r) ˌfreɪt/ (noun [uncountable]) the companies trade with each other rather than sell to
transportation of goods by aeroplane. I think we need to consumers/the general public. I was impressed with their
spend the extra money and send this order by air freight. B2B marketing content.
In Company 3.0 ESP Supply Chain Management © Macmillan Publishers Limited 2017 GLOSSARY (A–Z) 1
background /ˈbækˌɡraʊnd/ (noun [singular/uncountable]) brainstorm /ˈbreɪnˌstɔː(r)m/ (verb [intransitive/transitive])

information about what has happened in the past that to develop new ideas, through a discussion in which
helps you to understand the present situation. We need several people make lots of suggestions and the best
to know the background to the case. ones are chosen. We brainstormed ideas for how to improve
background noise /ˌbækɡraʊnd ˈnɔɪz/ (noun [countable/ employee retention.
uncountable]) noise that can be heard in addition to the brand /brænd/ (noun [uncountable]) a product or group
main thing you are listening to. It’s difficult to hear you of products that has its own name and is made by one
with all that background noise. particular company. The word for a machine or vehicle
backup /ˈbækʌp/ (noun [countable/uncountable]) made by one particular company is a make. It’s a brand
people or equipment that can be used when that people trust.
extra help is needed. We need a backup in case the strike break up /ˌbreɪk ˈʌp/ (phrasal verb [intransitive]) if the
means Wetherby’s can’t deliver. sound on a radio or mobile phone breaks up, you can no
balance sheet /ˈbæləns ˌʃiːt/ (noun [countable]) a longer hear the person who is speaking on it. I can’t hear
written statement showing the value of a company at you; you’re breaking up.
a particular time. I agree with her analysis of the balance bricks-and-mortar /ˌbrɪks ən ˈmɔː(r)tə(r)/ (adjective
sheet; they are in serious financial difficulty. [only before noun]) a bricks-and-mortar business is
bar code /ˈbɑː(r) ˌkəʊd/ (noun [countable]) a set of a traditional business that does not operate on the
printed lines on a product’s label that tells a computer Internet. Some bricks-and-mortar companies are unable to
information about it such as its price. The bar codes on compete with what online stores can offer.
this batch were all unreadable. buffer stock /ˈbʌfə(r) ˌstɒk/ (noun [uncountable]) an
base /beɪs/ (verb [transitive] [often passive]) to be located amount of stock that is kept in case there are problems
somewhere. Their office is based in Munich. getting more of it, or there is a sudden increase in
demand for it. Do we have sufficient levels of buffer stock?
bay /beɪ/ (noun [countable]) a partly enclosed area that is
used for a particular purpose, for example parking a car. buy in to /ˌbaɪ ˈɪn tuː/ (phrasal verb [transitive]) to agree
He works in the loading bay of the warehouse. with a decision that will affect you. We need to focus on the
efficiencies that these changes will bring if we are to get the
bear with /ˌbeə(r) ˈwɪð/ (phrasal verb [transitive]) used as
workers to buy in to them.
a polite way of asking someone to be patient while you
do or finish something. If you just bear with us for a few buyer’s remorse /ˌbaɪə(r)z rɪˈmɔː(r)s/ (noun [uncountable])
more minutes, we’ll have all the paperwork finished. when a customer regrets making a purchase and so
returns the product. Most of our returns are due to buyer’s
best-of-breed software /ˌbest əv ˌbriːd ˈsɒf(t)ˌweə(r)/
remorse.
(phrase) the most efficient, effective, easy-to-use,
etc computer program for doing a certain task. Top capacity /kəˈpæsəti/ (noun [countable/uncountable]) the
companies always ensure that they have the best-of-breed amount of something that a building can contain. The
software for carrying out their core tasks. capacity of our factory floor just isn’t big enough.
bill of exchange /ˌbɪl əv ɪksˈtʃeɪndʒ/ (noun [countable]) carbon emissions /ˈkɑː(r)bən ɪˌmɪʃ(ə)nz/ (noun [plural])
the seller’s order for payment by the buyer (usually the carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide in the atmosphere,
buyer’s bank) on or after receiving the goods. Have they produced by vehicles and industrial processes. We all have
received the bill of exchange? a responsibility to reduce carbon emissions.
bill of lading /ˌbɪl əv ˈleɪdɪŋ/ (noun [countable]) a shipping carbon footprint /ˈkɑː(r)bən ˌfʊtprɪnt/ (noun [countable])
company’s receipt for goods transported. I just need to the amount of carbon dioxide a person, organization,
check the bill of lading. building, etc produces, used as a measure of their effect
on the environment. As well as being so expensive, air
biomass /ˈbaɪəʊˌmæs/ (noun [uncountable]) plant and
freight has a very large carbon footprint.
animal substances used for fuel. There needs to be a move
away from fossil fuels towards alternatives like biomass. cargo /ˈkɑː(r)ɡəʊ/ (noun [countable/uncountable])
things that are being sent by ship, plane, train, or truck.
bottleneck item /ˈbɒt(ə)lnek ˌaɪtəm/ (noun [countable])
The ship and all its cargo sank.
something that a company needs to make its product
which is difficult to get and may only be available carrier /ˈkæriə(r)/ (noun [countable]) a company that
from a limited number of suppliers, but which only moves goods or people from one place to another. We
has a small effect on the price the company sells the need an international carrier for this job.
finished product for. It is good practice to maintain a good case study /ˈkeɪs ˌstʌdi/ (noun [countable]) a set of events
relationship with the companies that supply your bottleneck that is a good example of a particular idea or situation.
items. The company’s failure is a case study in managerial
bottom line /ˌbɒtəm ˈlaɪn/ (noun [countable]) the amount incompetence.
of money that a business makes or loses. He keeps a CDP /ˌsiː diː ˈpiː/ (abbreviation) carbon disclosure project:
careful eye on the bottom line. an organization that tries to encourage companies to
say how high their greenhouse emissions are. The work
of the CDP has done a lot to change how companies view the
importance of maintaining a green image.
Celsius /ˈselsiəs/ (noun [uncountable]) a system for close /kləʊz/ (verb [transitive]) to successfully complete
measuring temperature that is part of the metric the arrangements for a business deal. He had to lower the
system, in which water freezes at 0 degrees and boils at price to close the sale.
100 degrees. We store the food at 4° Celsius. CMR document /ˌsiː em ˈɑː(r) ˌdɒkjʊmənt/ (noun
cement /səˈment/ (verb [transitive]) to make a relationship, [countable]) proof of contract for road transport. We
idea, etc stronger or more certain. The aim of the only need the CMR document now that we aren’t shipping
president’s visit was to cement relations between the two the goods by sea.
countries. code /kəʊd/ (noun [countable]) a set of rules about
centralize /ˈsentrəlaɪz/ (verb [transitive]) to give control of how something should be done or how people should
a country, organization, or industry to one central group behave. Managers are expected to comply with the
of people. The company plans to centralize its financial company’s code of conduct.
services at its new location. cold chain /ˈkəʊld ˌtʃeɪn/ (noun [countable]) a
certificate of origin /sə(r)ˈtɪfɪkət əv ˌɒrɪdʒɪn/ (noun temperature-controlled supply chain. There are a great
[countable]) proof that the goods have been produced many challenges involved in maintaining the cold chain to
or obtained in a specified country. Without the certificate such a remote area.
of origin, they are refusing to let our shipment through commercial invoice /kəˌmɜː(r)ʃ(ə)l ˈɪnvɔɪs/ (noun
customs. [countable]) an export invoice containing additional
certify /ˈsɜː(r)tɪfaɪ/ (verb [transitive]) to state officially information about terms, shipping, letter of credit,
that something is true, accurate, or of a satisfactory etc. Slow payment of our commercial invoices is causing us
standard. Meat exports must be certified safe and free of severe cash-flow problems.
disease. commitment /kəˈmɪtmənt/ (noun [countable/uncountable])
CFR /ˌsiː ef ˈɑː(r)/ (abbreviation) cost and freight: the a promise to do something. The Government will continue
seller pays for transport to the destination, but the to honour its commitment to pensioners.
buyer pays for any loss or damage. We’re going to ship competitive /kəmˈpetətɪv/ (adjective) competitive prices
these CFR Sydney. are cheaper than many others. We offer a wide range of
chairperson /ˈtʃeə(r)ˌpɜː(r)s(ə)n/ (noun [countable]) the goods at very competitive prices.
person who is in charge of a meeting or committee. The compliance /kəmˈplaɪəns/ (noun [uncountable]) the
members will elect a new chairperson next week. practice of obeying a law, rule, or request. We need
chamber of commerce /ˈtʃeɪmbə(r) əv ˌkɒmɜː(r)s/ (noun strategies to force compliance with air-quality standards.
[countable]) an organization of people who own shops compliant /kəmˈplaɪənt/ (adjective) designed to follow a
and businesses in a particular town or city. Their aim is particular law, system, or set of instructions. Our new
to improve conditions for business in their area. He sent range has been certified as compliant with all relevant
his proposal to the chamber of commerce. standards.
the cherry on the cake /ðə ˈtʃeri ɒn ðə ˌkeɪk/ (phrase) the component /kəmˈpəʊnənt/ (noun [countable]) one of the
final thing that makes something perfect. Having them different parts that a machine or piece of equipment
take the full maintenance package too was just the cherry on consists of. Each component of the machine is of the
the cake. highest quality.
CIF /ˌsiː aɪ ˈef/ (abbreviation) cost, insurance and freight: concerning /kənˈsɜː(r)nɪŋ/ (preposition) about a particular
the seller pays for transport to the destination and subject. Concerning your objections, I think we need to
for insurance to cover any loss or damage. I’ve found a arrange a time to talk through them.
company that will take shipments CIF Moscow.
concession /kənˈseʃ(ə)n/ (noun [countable]) something
clarification /ˌklærəfɪˈkeɪʃ(ə)n/ (noun [countable/ you give or allow to someone in order to reach an
uncountable]) an explanation that makes something agreement. The company has already made several
clearer and easier to understand. Please contact us if you concessions on pay.
require clarification of any of these matters.
condition /kənˈdɪʃ(ə)n/ (noun [countable]) something
clarify /ˈklærəfaɪ/ (verb [transitive]) to explain something that must be true or be done before another thing can
more clearly so that it is easier to understand. He’s happen, especially as part of an agreement, law, or
expected to clarify his position today. contract. One of the conditions of employment is that you
clause /klɔːz/ (noun [countable]) a part of a legal are able to provide evidence of your right to work in this
document or law that officially states that something country.
must be done. There’s a clause in the contract requiring a conduct /ˈkɒndʌkt/ (noun [uncountable]) the way
fee to be paid if the holiday is cancelled. someone behaves, especially in relation to particular
climate change /ˈklaɪmət ˌtʃeɪndʒ/ (noun [uncountable]) rules or accepted ways of behaving. Two players were
the changes that are thought to be affecting the world’s sent off for violent conduct.
weather so that it is becoming warmer. Businesses need confirmation /ˌkɒnfə(r)ˈmeɪʃ(ə)n/ (noun [uncountable]) a
to start taking the issue of climate change more seriously. statement that something will definitely happen at the
time or in the way that has been arranged. The hotel will
send you written confirmation of your booking.
conflict /ˈkɒnflɪkt/ (noun [countable/uncountable]) contractor /kənˈtræktə(r)/ (noun [countable]) a person or

fighting between countries or groups. The conflict has company whose job is to provide goods or to do work
already resulted in a great many deaths. for another person, organization, company, etc at a
confrontation /ˌkɒnfrʌnˈteɪʃ(ə)n/ (noun [countable/ particular price. They were hired as a contractor to work on
uncountable]) a situation in which people or groups are the new offices.
arguing angrily or are fighting. The meeting descended contribute /kənˈtrɪbjuːt/ (verb [intransitive]) to be one of
into a confrontation between the two parties. the things that help to make something happen. Poor
consideration /kənˌsɪdəˈreɪʃ(ə)n/ (noun [uncountable]) management contributed to the company’s failure.
something that you must think about carefully before corporate social responsibility /ˌkɔː(r)p(ə)rət ˌsəʊʃ(ə)l
you make a decision or judgment. For most people, the rɪspɒnsəˈbɪləti/ (noun [uncountable]) the belief that a
most important consideration in choosing a mortgage is the company should consider the social and environmental
cost of repayments. effects of its activities on its employees and the
consignee /kɒnsaɪˈniː/ (noun [countable]) the person community around it. Too few companies take their
or organization that something is delivered to. The corporate social responsibility seriously.
consignee is still waiting for delivery of this order. corruption /kəˈrʌpʃ(ə)n/ (noun [uncountable]) dishonest
consolidate /kənˈsɒlɪdeɪt/ (verb [transitive]) to make or illegal behaviour by officials or people in positions of
the power, position, or achievements you already power, especially when they accept money in exchange
have stronger or more effective so that they are likely for doing things for someone. The bank was closed down
to continue. The company is consolidating its hold on amid allegations of corruption and fraud.
technology. couple /ˈkʌp(ə)l/ (verb [transitive] [usually passive]) if
consolidation /kənˌsɒlɪˈdeɪʃ(ə)n/ (noun [countable/ one thing is coupled with another, they are combined
uncountable]) the act of combining several small things, and produce a particular effect. Our new fleet of vehicles
especially companies or organizations, into one large coupled with an improved warehouse management system
unit. The consolidation of our European and UK operations means that we are fulfilling more perfect orders than ever.
has greatly improved efficiency. courteous /ˈkɜː(r)tiəs/ (adjective) polite, especially in a
consular invoice /ˌkɒnsjələ(r) ˈɪnvɔɪs/ (noun [countable]) formal way. Hotel staff must be courteous at all times.
proof that the shipment meets the importing country’s credentials /krɪˈdenʃ(ə)lz/ (noun [plural]) personal
regulations. How long will we have to wait for the consular qualities, achievements, or experiences that make
invoice? someone suitable for something. The company is looking
consultant /kənˈsʌltənt/ (noun [countable]) an expert to enhance its environmental credentials.
or a professional person whose job is to give help and credit /ˈkredɪt/ (verb [transitive]) to put money into
advice on a particular subject. They brought in a design someone’s account. We credited your account with £100.
consultant. critical /ˈkrɪtɪk(ə)l/ (adjective) very important. Classroom
consumer /kənˈsjuːmə(r)/ (noun [countable]) someone practice is a critical factor in children’s learning.
who buys and uses goods and services. The expression cross-docking /ˌkrɒs ˈdɒkɪŋ/ (noun [uncountable]) the act
‘the consumer’ is often used for referring to consumers of transferring received goods directly to the shipping
as a group. He has always shown a shrewd understanding dock (or bay) instead of storing them in the warehouse
of what consumers want. first. We can get goods into and out of the warehouse in a
consumption /kənˈsʌmpʃ(ə)n/ (noun [uncountable]) the couple of hours with our cross-docking operation.
use of something such as fuel or energy, or the amount the crunch /ðə ˈkrʌntʃ/ (noun [singular]) the time when
that people use. Many couriers are now using vehicles with something important or difficult happens or must
a much lower fuel consumption. be decided. If it comes to the crunch, can I rely on you to
container /kənˈteɪnə(r)/ (noun [countable]) a very large support me?
metal or wooden box designed to be loaded easily onto crush /krʌʃ/ (verb [transitive]) to hit or press something
ships and trucks. Is there a weight restriction on what we so hard that you damage it severely or destroy it,
can load into the container? especially by making its shape flatter. When the
contingency /kənˈtɪndʒ(ə)nsi/ (noun [only before a noun]) shipment arrived, some of the boxes had been crushed.
used for describing plans or actions that help you to CSR /ˌsiː es ˈɑː(r)/ (noun [uncountable]) corporate
prepare for possible bad events. We need a contingency social responsibility: the belief that a company should
plan in case something goes wrong. consider the social and environmental effects of its
continuity plan /kɒntɪˈnjuːəti ˌplæn/ (noun [uncountable]) activities on its employees and the community around
the series of actions that a company intends to follow it. I don’t feel that they take their CSR seriously enough.
in the event of something going wrong so that they customer service guarantee /ˌkʌstəmə(r) ˈsɜː(r)vɪs
can get back to doing business as normal, as quickly ɡærənˌtiː/ (noun [countable]) a promise from a company
as possible. Our continuity plan should have taken into that it will provide a certain level or quality of service.
account what we need to do in the case of heavy snow Our customer service guarantee means that you can be sure
around our Seattle depot. we will be there when you need us.
customs duties /ˈkʌstəmz ˌdjuːtiz/ (noun [plural]) the diplomacy /dɪˈpləʊməsi/ (noun [uncountable]) the ability
taxes that you pay on goods that you bring into a to deal with people in a sensitive way that does not
country. They are demanding immediate payment of upset or offend them. Tact and diplomacy are skills that
customs duties. every good receptionist needs.
dashboard /ˈdæʃˌbɔː(r)d/ (noun [countable]) a way of directness /dɪˈrek(t)nəs/ or /daɪˈrek(t)nəs/ (noun
displaying data such as metrics and key performance [uncountable]) the quality of saying what you really
indicators. If you look at the dashboard, you can see that think in a very clear and honest way. I appreciate your
our returns rate is getting steadily worse. directness in this matter.
DDP /ˌdiː diː ˈpiː/ (abbreviation) delivered duty paid: disassemble /ˌdɪsəˈsemb(ə)l/ (verb [transitive]) to take
the seller pays for all transport and delivery charges something apart in order to repair it, understand how it
including customs duties and taxes. They said that they works or reuse some of the parts. They found the cause of
want DDP Toulouse. the problem when they disassembled the engine.
deal /diːl/ (noun [countable]) a formal agreement, disassembly /ˌdɪsəˈsembli/ (noun [uncountable]) the
especially in business or politics. We’re 99% certain the process of taking something apart in order to repair
deal will go through. it, understand how it works or reuse some of the
deal with /ˈdiːl ˌwɪð/ (phrasal verb [transitive]) to take parts. Used refrigerators can be returned to the plant for
action to do something, especially to solve a problem. I disassembly.
spent the morning dealing with my emails. disaster /dɪˈzɑːstə(r)/ (noun [countable/uncountable])
dealbreaker /ˈdi:lˌbreɪkə(r)/ (noun [countable]) a factor something very bad that happens and causes a lot of
or problem that will prevent someone from agreeing damage or kills a lot of people. A series of disasters forced
to something, doing something, or buying a particular the company to close down.
product. The high monthly fee for a limited service is discrepancy /dɪsˈkrepənsi/ (noun [countable/uncountable])
probably a dealbreaker. a difference between things that should be the same.
declare /dɪˈkleə(r)/ (verb [transitive]) to state officially There was a discrepancy between estimated and actual
that you have brought goods into a country so that spending.
you can pay the correct amount of tax. There was a dispatch /dɪˈspætʃ/ (verb [transitive]) to send someone or
discrepancy between what we declared we had brought in something somewhere. The goods are dispatched from a
and what was actually in the shipment. warehouse.
dedicated /ˈdedɪˌkeɪtɪd/ (adjective) made or used for just disposal /dɪˈspəʊz(ə)l/ (noun [uncountable]) the process
one purpose. We have dedicated mortgage advisors in of getting rid of something. There was a large crowd
every branch. protesting against the disposal of nuclear waste at sea.
defective /dɪˈfektɪv/ (adjective) not made correctly, or not dispose of /dɪˈspəʊz ɒv/ (phrasal verb [transitive]) to
working correctly. They recalled the car when it became get rid of something that you no longer need or want.
apparent that the brakes were defective. Please dispose of your litter thoughtfully.
definitive /dɪˈfɪnətɪv/ (adjective [usually before noun]) distinctly /dɪˈstɪŋk(t)li/ (adverb) carefully, so that what
certain and unlikely to change. We now have a definitive you say is easy to hear and understand. When she spoke
set of requirements from the customer. again it was slowly and distinctly.
degrade /dɪˈɡreɪd/ (verb [intransitive]) if a substance distribute /dɪˈstrɪbjuːt/ (verb [transitive]) to supply
degrades, it separates into the different substances that goods from one central place to shops. Most of Japan’s
it consists of. If you don’t store these materials properly, manufacturers distribute their products through separate
they will start to degrade. wholesale companies.
delivery note /dɪˈlɪv(ə)ri ˌnəʊt/ (noun [countable]) a distribution /ˌdɪstrɪˈbjuːʃ(ə)n/ (noun [uncountable]) the
list describing the type and quantity of goods being process of supplying goods from one central place
shipped. Now that they’ve changed their order, we’ll have to shops. What are our plans for the marketing and
to update the delivery note. distribution of the new software?
demand /dɪˈmɑːnd/ (noun [uncountable]) the amount of distributor /dɪˈstrɪbjʊtə(r)/ (noun [countable]) a company
a product or service that people want, or the fact that or person that supplies goods to shops. The defective
they want it. Demand for organic food is increasing. items had been supplied by a distributor in the UK.
demands /dɪˈmɑːndz/ (noun [plural]) the things that need diversify /daɪˈvɜː(r)sɪfaɪ/ (verb [intransitive/transitive])
to be done in a particular situation. Despite the demands to develop new products or activities in addition to the
on her time, she was always courteous to everyone. ones that you already provide or do. They have decided to
depot /ˈdepəʊ/ (noun [countable]) a large building where diversify their product range.
things can be stored until they are needed. I’ll send division /dɪˈvɪʒ(ə)n/ (noun [countable]) one of the parts
someone to pick up the order from the depot now. into which a large organization is divided. She works in
desirable /dɪˈzaɪrəb(ə)l/ (adjective) something that is the company’s electronics division.
desirable has qualities that make you want it. This town do without /ˌduː wɪðˈaʊt/ (phrasal verb [intransitive/
is a desirable place to live. transitive]) to succeed in living or working without
someone or something. I couldn’t do without my PA.
docker /ˈdɒkə(r)/ (noun [countable]) someone whose job estimated /ˈestɪmeɪtɪd/ (adjective) an estimated quantity,
is to take goods on and off ships at a dock. He worked as price, etc is what someone thinks it will be, either by
a docker for his whole adult life. guessing or by using available information to calculate
docks /dɒks/ (noun [plural]) the area in a port where the it. I’m only able to give an estimated value at the moment.
docks are. He spent many years working on the docks. ETA /ˌiː tiː ˈeɪ/ (noun [uncountable]) estimated time of
double /ˈdʌb(ə)l/ (verb [intransitive]) to become twice arrival: the time when an aircraft, ship, train, etc is
as big, twice as much, or twice as many. The number of expected to arrive. What is the ETA on that shipment?
people without work has doubled in the last five years. ethical /ˈeθɪk(ə)l/ (adjective) morally right. We need a
down time /ˈdaʊn ˌtaɪm/ (noun [uncountable]) time when government with an ethical foreign policy.
a computer or other machine is not working. All this existing /ɪɡˈzɪstɪŋ/ (adjective [only before noun]) used for
down time is costing us a fortune! describing something that exists now, especially when
downstream /ˌdaʊnˈstriːm/ (adjective) relating to or it might be changed or replaced. The existing system
happening at a later stage in a process. Our downstream needs to be updated.
supply chain is too dependent on one carrier company. expand /ɪkˈspænd/ (verb [transitive]) to make a business,
earthquake /ˈɜː(r)θˌkweɪk/ (noun [countable]) a sudden organization, etc grow by including more people,
shaking movement of the ground. The earthquake caused moving into new areas, selling more products, etc. We
severe damage to the region’s infrastructure. need to expand our business if we are to survive in the
market.
eco-friendly /ˌiːkəʊ ˈfren(d)li/ (adjective) designed to
cause as little harm as possible to the environment. expansion /ɪkˈspænʃ(ə)n/ (noun [uncountable]) the
They’re launching a new car with an eco-friendly engine. process of making a business, organization, or activity
grow by including more people, moving into new areas,
e-commerce /iːˈkɒmɜː(r)s/ (noun [uncountable]) the
selling more products, etc. The company has looked at a
activity of buying and selling goods on the Internet.
number of ways of financing its expansion.
E-commerce has changed the way people shop.
expectation /ˌekspekˈteɪʃ(ə)n/ (noun [countable] [usually
emission / ɪˈmɪʃ(ə)n/ (noun [countable]) a substance,
plural]) a belief that something should happen in a
especially a gas, that goes into the air. New regulations
particular way, or that someone or something should
are aimed at reducing vehicle emissions.
have particular qualities or behaviour. The two teachers
end-of-life /ˌend əv ˈlaɪf/ (adjective) a term used with have different expectations of their students.
respect to a product that has reached the end of its
expedite /ˈekspədaɪt/ (verb [transitive]) to make something
useful life. We have to consider how we will dispose of
happen quickly or easily. Aid workers are trying to
end-of-life products responsibly.
expedite the process of returning refugees to their homes.
endorse /ɪnˈdɔː(r)s/ (verb [transitive]) if someone famous
exploit /ɪkˈsplɔɪt/ (verb [transitive]) to treat someone
endorses a product, they say in advertisements that
unfairly in order to get some benefit for yourself.
they like it. Having Serena Williams endorse their clothing
Children are being exploited in many of these factories.
range was a big boost.
exploitation /ˌeksplɔɪˈteɪʃ(ə)n/ (noun [uncountable])
engage /ɪnˈɡeɪdʒ/ (verb [transitive]) to attract and keep
unfair treatment of someone, or the use of a situation
someone’s interest or attention. A good speaker needs to
in a way that is wrong, in order to get some benefit
be able to engage the audience.
for yourself. Working people will now be vulnerable to
environmental footprint /ɪnˈvaɪrənment(ə)l ˌfʊtprɪnt/ exploitation by unscrupulous employers.
(noun [countable]) the extent to which a person or
export /ɪkˈspɔː(r)t/ (verb [intransitive/transitive]) to send
organization has a negative effect on the natural world.
a product to another country so that it can be sold
The environmental footprint of the oil industry must be
there. Their flowers are exported around the world.
reduced.
express /ɪkˈspres/ (adjective [only before noun]) an
environmentally friendly /ɪnˈvaɪrənment(ə)li ˌfren(d)li/
express service delivers letters or parcels more quickly
(adjective) designed not to harm the natural
than the ordinary service. She sent the parcel by express
environment. Environmentally friendly options should
post.
always be considered when considering a new supply chain.
extend /ɪkˈstend/ (verb [intransitive/transitive]) to
equivalent /ɪˈkwɪvələnt/ (adjective) with the same size,
increase the size of a building or area, especially by
value, importance, or meaning as something else.
adding extra parts onto it. We’re going to extend the first
Applicants should have a BSc or equivalent degree.
floor.
ERP /ˌiː ɑː(r) ˈpiː/ (noun [countable]) enterprise resource
EXW /ˌiː eks ˈdʌb(ə)ljuː/ (abbreviation) ex-works: the
planning: software that performs office-administration
buyer is responsible and pays for picking up the goods
tasks. The ERP allows us to keep tighter control on the
from the factory. In Europe, EXW is the norm.
whole process from purchasing materials through to
invoicing customers. facility /fəˈsɪləti/ (noun [countable]) a special feature of a
particular tool, system, etc. The software has the facility
eruption /ɪˈrʌpʃ(ə)n/ (noun [countable/uncountable]) an
to produce high-quality graphics displays.
occasion when a volcano explodes inside and flames,
rocks and lava come out of the top. Stromboli’s eruption
in 1996 resulted in four people being injured.
facility /fəˈsɪləti/ (noun [countable] [usually plural]) focused /ˈfəʊkəst/ (adjective) concentrating on a
something such as a room or piece of equipment that is particular aim and not wasting time or energy on other
provided at a place for people to use. There are plans to things. He’s very focused on growing the business.
improve toilet facilities at the station. forecast /ˈfɔː(r)kɑːst/ (verb [transitive]) to make a
factor /ˈfæktə(r)/ (noun [countable]) one of the things statement about what is likely to happen, usually
that influence whether an event happens or the way relating to the weather, business, or the economy.
that it happens. Safety is the single most important factor He forecasted that the economy’s downturn would be
in a car’s design. short-lived.
fail /feɪl/ (verb [intransitive]) to not do something that forecast /ˈfɔː(r)kɑːst/ (noun [countable]) a statement
you should do. The government failed to protect people about what is likely to happen, based on available
from the danger. information and usually relating to the weather,
failing that /ˈfeɪlɪŋ ˌðæt/ (phrase) used for saying that business, or the economy. Her forecast for the economic
if one thing is not suitable or possible, then there is situation was bleak.
something else that you can try. You should get them to forklift truck /ˌfɔː(r)klɪft ˈtrʌk/ (noun [countable]) a
pay for the damage, or failing that, claim on the insurance. vehicle that uses two long metal bars at the front for
failure /ˈfeɪljə(r)/ (noun [countable/uncountable]) a lifting and moving heavy objects. Forklift trucks are vital
situation in which you do not do something that to our warehouse operation.
someone expects you to do. He was angry about the fraud /frɔːd/ (noun [countable/uncountable]) the crime of
failure of the UN to intervene in the crisis. obtaining money from someone by tricking them. He
faint /feɪnt/ (adjective) a faint sight, sound, smell, or was found guilty of insurance fraud.
taste is not strong or clear. His voice was so faint as to be freeze /friːz/ (verb [intransitive/transitive]) if a computer
almost inaudible. screen freezes, or if something freezes it, the images on
faulty /ˈfɔːlti/ (adjective) not working correctly or made it become completely still and you cannot move them
correctly. You are only entitled to a refund if the goods are because there is something wrong with the computer. I
faulty. didn’t get much work done because my computer froze and I
couldn’t get it working again.
feedback /ˈfiːdbæk/ (noun [uncountable]) comments
about how well or how badly someone is doing FTL /ˌef tiː ˈel/ (abbreviation) full truck load: a shipment
something, which are intended to help them do that fills up all the space in a truck or container. This is
it better. Complaints offer valuable feedback on the an FTL shipment.
effectiveness of the organization. GDP /ˌdʒiː diː ˈpiː/ (noun [uncountable]) good distribution
feel free /ˈfiːl ˌfriː/ (phrase) used for telling someone practice: guidelines on the correct transportation of
that they can do something if they want to. Feel free to medicines. If they aren’t GDP-compliant, then we can’t use
contact us at any time. them.
figure /ˈfɪɡə(r)/ (noun [countable] [often plural]) an geothermal energy /dʒiːəʊˈθɜː(r)m(ə)l ˌenə(r)dʒi/ (noun
official number that has been counted or calculated. [uncountable]) power that is generated from the heat
Government figures show a continued decline in within the Earth. More and more we are seeing the
unemployment. benefits of using geothermal energy.
fill rate /ˈfɪl ˌreɪt/ (noun [countable]) a measure of the global warming /ˌɡləʊb(ə)l ˈwɔː(r)mɪŋ/ (noun
number of orders that can be supplied from the stock [uncountable]) the slow increase in the temperature
that a company currently has. Our 95% fill rate means of the Earth caused partly by the greenhouse effect
that we can guarantee to have your order with you by the increasing the amount of carbon dioxide in the
following day. atmosphere. A lack of political will means that global
warming is not being tackled effectively.
fleet /fliːt/ (noun [countable]) a group of vehicles, planes,
boats, or trains, especially when they are owned by globalization /ˌɡləʊbəlaɪˈzeɪʃ(ə)n/ (noun [uncountable])
one organization or person. They have a fleet of vans for the idea that the world is developing a single economy
making deliveries. and culture as a result of improved technology and
communications and the influence of very large
flexible /ˈfleksəb(ə)l/ (adjective) able to make changes
multinational companies. Critics of globalization staged a
or deal with a situation that is changing. The job offers
large demonstration.
flexible working hours.
GPS /ˌdʒiː piː ˈes/ (noun [countable]) global positioning
flow chart /ˈfləʊ ˌtʃɑː(r)t/ (noun [countable]) a drawing
system: a system for finding exactly where you are
that represents a complicated process by using a series
anywhere in the world using satellites (= objects that
of lines to show the different ways in which the process
go around the earth high in the sky). Thanks to GPS, we
can happen and the different choices that you can
always know exactly where every vehicle in our fleet is.
make. The flow chart helped his audience to understand the
different options they had. grant /ɡrɑːnt/ (verb [transitive]) to allow someone to have
or do what they want. If permission is granted, they’ll
FOB /ˌef əʊ ˈbiː/ (abbreviation) free on board: the seller
start building soon.
pays for everything until the goods are loaded onto the
ship. Our agreement is FOB Dover.
green /ɡriːn/ (verb [transitive]) to change a place or impact /ˈɪmpækt/ (noun [countable]) an effect, or an
activity in a way that protects the environment or limits influence. Her paper discusses the likely impact of global
damage to the environment. Companies are exploring warming on climate change.
ways of greening their offices. impact /ɪmˈpækt/ (verb [intransitive/transitive]) to have
green /ɡriːn/ (adjective) designed to protect the an effect or influence on someone or something. We
environment or to limit damage to the environment. need to assess how this new legislation will impact our
We should start making more use of wind farms and other business.
green energy schemes. implement /ˈɪmplɪˌment/ (verb [transitive]) to make
greenhouse gas /ˈɡriːnhaʊs ˌɡæs/ (noun [countable]) a something such as an idea, plan, system, or law start
gas that stops heat from escaping from the atmosphere to work and be used. Attempts to implement change have
and causes the greenhouse effect. Carbon dioxide is a met with strong opposition.
greenhouse gas. People are concerned about the greenhouse implication /ˌɪmplɪˈkeɪʃ(ə)n/ (noun [countable] [usually
gases that the plant is releasing into the atmosphere. plural]) possible effect or result. We believe that GM crops
growth /ɡrəʊθ/ (noun [singular/uncountable]) an increase will have serious implications for the environment.
in the success of a business or a country’s economy, import /ˈɪmpɔː(r)t/ (noun [uncountable]) the process of
or in the amount of money invested in them. The buying and bringing in products from other countries.
engineering sector achieved significant growth last year. There are strict controls on the import of meat.
GSCM /ˌdʒiː es siː ˈem/ (noun [uncountable]) green in due course /ɪn ˌdjuː ˈkɔː(r)s/ (phrase) when it is the
supply chain management: the process of coordinating right time, and not before. We will announce the results of
the supplying of goods to customers that tries to our investigation in due course.
minimize the negative impact that this process has on
in house /ˈɪn ˌhaʊs/ (phrase) in the offices of a company.
the environment. In today’s more environmentally aware
We don’t have that kind of software in house.
world, GSCM is becoming ever more important.
in real time /ɪn ˈrɪəl ˌtaɪm/ (phrase) the time during which
guarantee /ˌɡærənˈtiː/ (noun [countable]) a promise that
something is actually happening. The software allows the
something will definitely happen. I can’t give you any
presenter to respond to questions in real time.
guarantees at the moment.
in retrospect /ɪn ˈretrəʊˌspekt/ (phrase) considering
guarantee /ˌɡærənˈtiː/ (verb [transitive]) to promise
something that happened in the past, using knowledge
someone that they will have something or will get
or information that you did not have at that time. In
something. We can guarantee next-day delivery.
retrospect, we should never have allowed that to happen.
guidelines /ˈɡaɪdˌlaɪnz/ (noun [plural]) official instructions
in the region of /ɪn ðə ˈriːdʒ(ə)n əv/ (phrase) used before
or advice about how to do something. There are strict
a number for saying that it is not exact and could be
guidelines on the training of police officers.
higher or lower. There were somewhere in the region of
handling /ˈhændlɪŋ/ (noun [uncountable]) the way in 5,000 people at the conference.
which you touch, use, or deal with something, especially
inaccurate /ɪnˈækjʊrət/ (adjective) not accurate or correct.
with your hands. The safe handling of waste is now a legal
We received inaccurate information.
requirement.
inadequate /ɪnˈædɪkwət/ (adjective) not enough, or not
highlight /ˈhaɪˌlaɪt/ (verb [transitive]) to describe something
good enough for a particular purpose. We are trying to
in a way that makes people notice it and think about it.
provide basic education with inadequate resources.
The case highlights the need for adequate controls on such
experiments. Incoterm® /ˈɪnkəʊtɜː(r)m/ (noun [countable]) one
of a series of commercial terms published by the
holistic /həʊˈlɪstɪk/ (adjective) thinking about the whole
International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). They are
of something, and not just dealing with particular
widely used in international commercial transactions
aspects. They’re taking a holistic approach to the region’s
or procurement processes. Today, Incoterms® play an
development.
important role in business.
honour /ˈɒnə(r)/ (verb [transitive]) to do what you
increase /ˈɪŋkriːs/ (noun [countable/uncountable]) a rise
promised to do or what it is your duty to do.
in the number, amount, or degree of something. There
Demonstrators called on the Prime Minister to honour his
has been a significant increase in the number of customer
pledge to improve health care.
complaints.
hub /hʌb/ (noun [countable]) a large, central warehouse
incremental /ˌɪŋkrɪˈment(ə)l/ (adjective) increasing
from which goods are taken to supply customers, shops,
gradually. We’ve seen an incremental improvement in
smaller warehouses, etc. Choosing the right location for
employee retention rates over the last year.
your main hub is vitally important.
infrastructure /ˈɪnfrəˌstrʌktʃə(r)/ (noun [countable/
if the worst comes to the worst /ɪf ðə ˌwɜː(r)st kʌmz tə
uncountable]) the set of systems within a place or
ðə ˈwɜː(r)st/ (phrase) used for saying what you will do if
organization that affect how well it operates, for
the worst thing that could happen does happen. If the
example the telephone and transport systems in a
worst comes to the worst, we’ll delay the launch.
country. They have spent over 4 billion euros on improving
their existing infrastructure.
insist /ɪnˈsɪst/ (verb [intransitive/transitive]) to say very jot down /ˌdʒɒt ˈdaʊn/ (phrasal verb [transitive]) to write
firmly that something must happen or must be done. something in a quick informal way. I hope you don’t mind
He insisted that we review the budget and find further if I jot down some notes while we talk.
savings. justify /ˈdʒʌstɪfaɪ/ (verb [transitive]) to show that there is
inspection certificate /ɪnˈspekʃ(ə)n sə(r)ˌtɪfɪkət/ (noun a good reason for something, especially something that
[countable]) proof of (different types of) inspection. Is other people think is wrong. You’ll be expected to justify
the inspection certificate all in order? your actions.
instability /ˌɪnstəˈbɪləti/ (noun [uncountable]) a situation just-in-time /ˌdʒʌst ɪn ˈtaɪm/ (adjective) bought, sent,
that keeps changing, so you are worried about what or produced at the last possible time. They operate a
might happen. This policy would lead to greater instability just-in-time production system.
in the region. key /kiː/ (adjective) very important. The marketing
instrument /ˈɪnstrʊmənt/ (noun [countable]) someone or campaign has been a key factor in increasing sales.
something that can be used in order to make something KPI /ˌkeɪ piː ˈaɪ/ (noun [countable]) key performance
happen. The government has a number of policy instruments indicator: a way of measuring the effectiveness of an
it can use for this purpose. organization and its progress towards achieving its
integrity /ɪnˈteɡrəti/ (noun [uncountable]) the quality goals. Analysis of their KPIs suggested that they were in
of being in a good condition, without any damage or serious trouble.
mistakes. I wasn’t confident of the integrity of the system. labelling /ˈleɪb(ə)lɪŋ/ (noun [uncountable]) the act of
intensify /ɪnˈtensɪfaɪ/ (verb [intransitive/transitive]) if putting a label on an object. The labelling of deliveries
something intensifies, or if you intensify it, it becomes needs to be 100% accurate.
greater, stronger, or more extreme. Economic conditions labour /ˈleɪbə(r)/ (noun [only before a noun]) relating to
intensified the pressure on industry to raise prices. or involving workers. The company is passing its higher
inventory /ˈɪnvəntəri/ (noun [uncountable]) the stock of labour costs on to its customers.
goods in a warehouse or storeroom. Most companies landfill /ˈlæn(d)ˌfɪl/ (noun [countable]) a large hole in the
reduce their inventory to a minimum at the end of the ground where waste from people’s homes or from
financial year to make the balance sheet look better. industry is buried. They’re discussing ways of reducing
inventory turnover /ˌɪnvəntəri ˈtɜː(r)nəʊvə(r)/ (noun the amount that we send to landfill.
[uncountable]) the number of times a company sells last-mile delivery /ˈlɑːst maɪl dɪˌlɪv(ə)ri/ (noun [countable])
its inventory in a certain period of time. This decision the final transportation of goods from a storage
will result in higher inventory turnover as it benefits the location to the customer. We can handle everything from
industry as a whole. taking orders to last-mile delivery.
investment /ɪnˈves(t)mənt/ (noun [countable]) something launch /lɔːntʃ/ (verb [transitive]) to start selling a new
that you are willing to spend money on now because it product or service to the public. The company announced
will give you benefits in the future. The reliability of this it will launch a new version of its software in January.
system means that it’s a very good investment.
lawsuit /ˈlɔːˌsuːt/ (noun [countable]) a case that a court of
invoice /ˈɪnvɔɪs/ (noun [countable]) a document giving law is asked to decide involving a disagreement between
details of goods or services that someone has bought two people or organizations. The singer has filed a $100
and must pay for. We send out our invoices on a monthly million lawsuit against his record company.
basis.
lead time /ˈliːd ˌtaɪm/ (noun [countable/uncountable]) the
invoicing /ˈɪnvɔɪsɪŋ/ (noun [uncountable]) the act of time between planning something and starting to do
sending a document asking for payment for goods or it. Local firms learned how to reduce lead time by 75–95%
services. We use an automated system for all our invoicing. while still reducing costs.
invoke /ɪnˈvəʊk/ (verb [transitive]) to use a law or rule in lean /liːn/ (adjective) a systematic method applied to a
order to achieve something. In extreme situations, the manufacturing, supply chain or other business process
police chief may invoke emergency powers. to eliminate any sort of waste. The company uses lean
issue /ˈɪʃuː/ (noun [countable]) a problem that needs methodology to reduce waste and maximize productivity.
to be considered. There were issues about the way the Lean Six Sigma /ˈliːn sɪks ˌsɪɡmə/ (noun [countable]) a
department was organized. method in which people work together to reduce waste
issue /ˈɪʃuː/ or /ˈɪsjuː/ (verb [transitive]) to announce and improve performance in any business process. We
something, or to give something to people officially. The always keep the Lean Six Sigma principles in mind when
banks have issued a warning that charges are likely to rise looking at how to improve our warehouse operation.
sharply. legislative /ˈledʒɪslətɪv/ (adjective [usually before noun])
JIT /ˌdʒeɪ aɪ ˈtiː/ (adjective) just-in-time: bought, sent, relating to laws or to the process of creating new laws.
or produced at the last possible time. If we adopt a JIT These legislative proposals would reduce the amount of
production system, it will free up lots of capital that is hazardous waste.
currently tied up in inventory.
letter of credit /ˌletə(r) əv ˈkredɪt/ (noun [countable]) a material /məˈtɪəriəl/ (noun [countable/uncountable]) a
document sent from the buyer’s bank that guarantees substance, especially one used for a particular purpose.
payment as long as certain conditions are met. They’re The materials that go into making this product come from a
refusing to dispatch the order until the problems with the variety of sources.
letter of credit are resolved. measure /ˈmeʒə(r)/ (noun [countable]) an action that is
leverage item /ˈliːvərɪdʒ ˌaɪtəm/ (noun [countable]) intended to achieve or deal with something.
something that a company needs to make its product Stronger measures will have to be taken to bring down
which it can buy from different sources and so can more unemployment.
easily negotiate a lower price when buying it. Given that merchandise /ˈmɜː(r)tʃ(ə)ndaɪz/ (noun [uncountable])
this is a leverage item, I’m sure we can get a better price. goods that people buy and sell. I wasn’t satisfied with the
licence /ˈlaɪs(ə)ns/ (noun [countable]) an official samples of their merchandise that they sent.
document that gives someone permission to do or use microphone /ˈmaɪkrəˌfəʊn/ (noun [countable]) a piece of
something. We’d need a licence to sell in this market. equipment for making someone’s voice louder when
linear /ˈlɪniə(r)/ (adjective) consisting of lines or of one they are speaking, performing, or recording something.
straight line. She has used a linear design for the new Her voice was loud enough that she didn’t need the
company logo. microphone.
live up to /ˌlɪv ˈʌp tuː/ (phrasal verb [transitive]) to be middleman /ˈmɪd(ə)lˌmæn/ (noun [countable]) a person
as good as what was expected or promised. The poor or company that buys things from producers and sells
customer service didn’t live up to our expectations. them to customers at a profit. They don’t actually produce
LLP /ˌel el ˈpiː/ (noun [countable]) lead logistics provider: anything; they’re more of a middleman.
also known as a fourth-party logistics provider (4PL). mike /maɪk/ (noun [countable]) a microphone. We couldn’t
A company that oversees the logistics of another hear him because he wasn’t talking into the mike.
company. We need to find ourselves a really reliable LLP. mistaken /mɪˈsteɪkən/ (adjective [never before noun]) if
load /ləʊd/ (noun [countable]) the goods that a vehicle someone is mistaken, they are wrong about something.
carries. Our new fleet of vans means that we can move He may have been mistaken about what he saw.
much larger loads. mockup /ˈmɒk ʌp/ (noun [countable]) a simple copy of
load /ləʊd/ (verb [intransitive/transitive]) to put goods something that you will later make or do properly, in
onto or into something such as a vehicle or container. order to test it or show people what it will be like. He
Down at the docks, ships were loading and unloading. showed me a mockup of his idea for the new design.
logistics /ləˈdʒɪstɪks/ (noun [uncountable]) the activity of mode /məʊd/ (noun [countable]) a particular way of doing
moving goods. This meeting is about reducing production something. We need to develop a more efficient mode of
and logistics costs. production.
LTL /ˌel tiː ˈel/ (abbreviation) less-than-full truck load: a momentum /məʊˈmentəm/ (noun [uncountable]) progress
shipment that doesn’t fill up all the space in a truck or or development that is becoming faster or stronger. We
container and so is one of two or more shipments that have to keep this momentum in our advertising going.
are being transported by the same truck or container. monitor /ˈmɒnɪtə(r)/ (verb [transitive]) to regularly check
I hope that sending this LTL doesn’t cause any problems at something or watch someone in order to find out what
customs; you never know what it’ll be shipped with. is happening. He will monitor and review company policy.
maintenance /ˈmeɪntənəns/ (noun [uncountable]) work multichannel retailer /ˌmʌltitʃæn(ə)l ˈriːteɪlə(r)/ (noun
that is done to keep something such as a building, [countable]) a company that offers customers a range
machine, or piece of equipment repaired and in good of ways of buying their products or services, for
condition. Routine maintenance is included in the price. example through shops, websites, catalogues, etc. As
major /ˈmeɪdʒə(r)/ (adjective [usually before noun]) a multichannel retailer, they struggled to integrate all the
important, serious, large, or great. Unemployment is a different channels.
major concern for the government. multimodal /ˌmʌltiˈməʊd(ə)l/ (adjective) describing a
manufacture /ˌmænjʊˈfæktʃə(r)/ (verb [transitive]) to shipment under a single contract using at least two
make goods in large quantities in a factory. The firm different forms of transport. We’ve been investigating
manufactures women’s clothing. ways of improving how we deal with multimodal deliveries.
manufacturer /ˌmænjʊˈfæktʃərə(r)/ (noun [countable]) a multiple /ˈmʌltɪp(ə)l/ (adjective [usually before noun])
person or company that manufactures a product. She involving or consisting of many people, things, or
works for one of the leading computer manufacturers. parts. With this software, I am able to access my files from
manufacturing /ˌmænjʊˈfæktʃərɪŋ/ (noun [uncountable]) multiple devices.
the business of making goods in large quantities in a mutual /ˈmjuːtʃuəl/ (adjective) felt or done in the same
factory. The region has suffered because of the decline in way by each of two or more people. We benefited from
manufacturing. mutual support.
marginally /ˈmɑː(r)dʒɪn(ə)li/ (adverb) by only a very small
amount. Revenue rose marginally last year.
natural disaster /ˌnætʃ(ə)rəl dɪˈzɑːstə(r)/ (noun operation /ˌɒpəˈreɪʃ(ə)n/ (noun [countable]) a company,
[countable]) something that happens in nature and or a part of a large company. The company has recently
causes a lot of damage or kills a lot of people, for expanded its UK operation.
example a flood or an earthquake. Three weeks after the opposed /əˈpəʊzd/ (adjective) someone who is opposed to
natural disaster, 250 people are still unaccounted for. something thinks it should not happen or should not
need /niːd/ (noun [countable] [usually plural]) something be done. He was very much opposed to the proposition put
that you need in order to be healthy, comfortable, forward by the board.
successful, etc. It’s clear what our needs are in this area. optimize /ˈɒptɪmaɪz/ (verb [transitive]) to make something
negotiate /nɪˈɡəʊʃieɪt/ (verb [intransitive/transitive]) to such as a method or process as good or as effective as
try to reach an agreement by discussing something possible. There have been a number of changes designed to
in a formal way, especially in a business or political optimize the efficiency of the organization.
situation. The airline is negotiating a new contract with the outsource /ˈaʊtˌsɔː(r)s/ (verb [intransitive/transitive])
union. to arrange for work to be done by people from outside
negotiator /nɪˈɡəʊʃieɪtə(r)/ (noun [countable]) a person your company, usually by a company that is expert
who tries to reach an agreement by discussing in that type of work. We can outsource the software
something in a formal way, especially in a business or development.
political situation. He’s a very tough negotiator; he usually over-order /ˌəʊvə(r) ˈɔː(r)də(r)/ (verb [transitive]) to
gets what he wants. order too much or too many of something. We decided
net /net/ (adjective) a net amount of money is the total to over-order so that we wouldn’t run out if there were any
amount after taxes or costs have been removed. Net future supply problems.
earnings per share amounted to £0.78. oversee /ˌəʊvə(r)ˈsiː/ (verb [transitive]) to watch
network /ˈnetˌwɜː(r)k/ (noun [countable]) a group of something in order to check that it works or happens
people, organizations, or places that are connected or in the way that it should. He’s overseen the whole process
that work together. We have a nationwide network of from beginning to end.
financial advisors. overstock /ˌəʊvə(r)ˈstɒk/ (verb [intransitive/transitive])
non-critical item /ˈnɒn ˌkrɪtɪk(ə)l ˌaɪtəm/ (noun to buy more of something than you need or than you
[countable]) something that a company needs to make can sell. The fact that they constantly overstocked meant
its product which is easy to get and only has a small that they had issues with warehouse space.
effect on the price the company sells the finished ownership /ˈəʊnə(r)ʃɪp/ (noun [uncountable]) an attitude
product for. Non-critical items are stored in our main of accepting responsibility for something and taking
warehouse. control of how it develops. Employees began to feel a
objection /əbˈdʒekʃ(ə)n/ (noun [countable/uncountable]) a sense of ownership of the work and enjoy its challenges.
statement that shows that you disagree with a plan, or a package /ˈpækɪdʒ/ (noun [countable]) an object or set of
reason for your disagreement. I would like to put forward objects wrapped in a box or in paper and sent or given
several objections to this proposal. to someone. I sent the package by courier.
objective /əbˈdʒektɪv/ (noun [countable]) something that packaging /ˈpækɪdʒɪŋ/ (noun [uncountable]) the boxes,
you plan to achieve, especially in business or work. The bottles, plastic, etc used for wrapping products so that
team has been successful in achieving challenging objectives. they can be sold. All this unnecessary packaging creates so
obstacle /ˈɒbstək(ə)l/ (noun [countable]) a difficulty or much waste.
problem that prevents you from achieving something. packer /ˈpækə(r)/ (noun [countable]) a person who works
What are the obstacles that we have to overcome if we are in a warehouse putting items into boxes, bags, etc so
going to make this work? that they can be sent to the customer. The packers are
obtain /əbˈteɪn/ (verb [transitive]) to get something that running short of boxes.
you want or need, especially by going through a process packing list /ˈpækɪŋ ˌlɪst/ (noun [countable]) goods
that is difficult. These parts can be obtained relatively itemized by number of boxes, etc. There appears to be a
cheaply from a local supplier. discrepancy with the packing list.
official /əˈfɪʃ(ə)l/ (noun [countable]) someone with an padding /ˈpædɪŋ/ (noun [uncountable]) material that is
important position in an organization. Her source was a used to provide extra protection for something that has
senior government official. been packed. Do we have enough padding for this shipment
on open account /ɒn ˌəʊpən əˈkaʊnt/ (phrase) an of glasses?
agreement in which shipments are sent before the pallet /ˈpælət/ (noun [countable]) a flat wooden or metal
customer has to pay for them. I don’t like trading on open surface used for moving or storing heavy goods. The
account like this; it’s not really to our advantage. goods were loaded onto pallets in the warehouse.
on the dot /ɒn ðə ˈdɒt/ (phrase) at exactly the time that part /pɑː(r)t/ (noun [countable]) one of the smaller
you mention, especially when this is a time that you individual pieces that a machine or vehicle is made of.
have arranged. He arrived at 8 o’clock on the dot. We’re waiting for a part to come from Germany.
ongoing /ˈɒnˌɡəʊɪŋ/ (adjective) still happening or being
done. I’m afraid that I cannot comment on an ongoing
investigation.
partial /ˈpɑː(r)ʃ(ə)l/ (adjective) not complete. Despite all POS /ˌpiː əʊ ˈes/ (noun [countable]) point of sale: the
the problems that we’ve had, they only offered us a partial place where a product or service is sold. We only have one
refund. POS in Italy at the moment.
partially /ˈpɑː(r)ʃəli/ (adverb) not completely. The airline is premises /ˈpremɪsɪz/ (noun [plural]) the buildings and
partially owned by British Airways. land that a business or organization uses. While on the
partner /ˈpɑː(r)tnə(r)/ (noun [countable]) a business, premises, all visitors must carry some form of identification.
organization, or country that has an agreement or prestigious /preˈstɪdʒəs/ (adjective) admired and respected
working relationship with another business, etc. China by people. This is a prestigious organization, and we want
is one of our major trading partners. to keep it that way.
partnership /ˈpɑː(r)tnə(r)ʃɪp/ (noun [countable/ pride yourself on something /ˈpraɪd jə(r)ˌself ɒn ˌsʌmθɪŋ/
uncountable]) a relationship between two or more (phrase) to feel proud about an achievement, skill, or
people, groups, or countries involved in an activity special quality that you have. We pride ourselves on the
together. We have an effective partnership with a number quality and thoroughness of our work.
of our suppliers. priority /praɪˈɒrəti/ (noun [countable]) something
patience /ˈpeɪʃ(ə)ns/ (noun [uncountable]) the ability to important that must be done first or needs more
wait for a long time without becoming angry or upset. attention than anything else. We should be able to agree
After waiting for two weeks, we finally ran out of patience on priorities.
and went with a different supplier. processing /ˈprəʊsesɪŋ/ (noun [uncountable]) the act
payment /ˈpeɪmənt/ (noun [uncountable]) the process of of putting information into a computer in order to
paying money. We require prompt payment of all bills. organize it. It’s new software that helps companies to
penalty /ˈpen(ə)lti/ (noun [countable]) a punishment for automate their data processing.
breaking a rule or law. They were ordered to pay penalties procurement /prəˈkjʊə(r)mənt/ (noun [uncountable])
totalling $175 million for failing to maintain safety the process of buying supplies or equipment for a
standards. government department or company. How will we go
perfect order /ˈpɜː(r)fɪkt ˌɔː(r)də(r)/ (noun [countable]) an about the procurement of these materials?
order that reaches the customer with the right product, product flow /ˈprɒdʌkt ˌfləʊ/ (noun [countable])
in the right quantity, at the right time, etc. There is a movements of products from one place to another
certain satisfaction in achieving a perfect order. within the supply chain. Product flows for our ice cream
performance metrics /pə(r)ˈfɔː(r)məns ˌmetrɪks/ (noun range are higher in the summer.
[plural]) ways of measuring the progress, efficiency, product life cycle /ˌprɒdʌkt ˈlaɪf ˌsaɪk(ə)l/ (noun
effectiveness, etc of a process. Just a quick look at the [countable]) the stages that a product goes through
performance metrics tells me that major changes are needed from when a company first launches it to when they
if we are to meet our targets. finally stop making it. I think we are seeing the end of
personnel /ˌpɜː(r)səˈnel/ (noun [plural]) the people revenue growth in the product life cycle of this range and a
who work for a company or organization, or who are move into a period of maturity.
members of a military force. There was a change of production /prəˈdʌkʃ(ə)n/ (noun [uncountable]) the
personnel on the management team. process of making or growing things in large quantities,
phytosanitary certificate /faɪtəʊˈsænət(ə)ri sə(r)ˌtɪfɪkət/ especially in a factory or on a farm, so that they can be
(noun [countable]) proof of inspection for pests or sold. They are involved in the production of goods for sale in
plant disease. Is a phytosanitary certificate required for the Far East.
this shipment? productivity /ˌprɒdʌkˈtɪvəti/ (noun [uncountable]) the rate
picker /ˌpɪkə(r)/ (noun [countable]) a person who works at which goods are produced, especially in relation to
in a warehouse getting items from the shelves according the time, money, and workers needed to produce them.
to what has been ordered. The pickers were complaining We’ve been working hard to increase our productivity.
about the heat in the warehouse. profit margin /ˈprɒfɪt ˌmɑː(r)dʒɪn/ (noun [countable]) the
plant /plɑːnt/ (noun [countable]) a factory that makes cars, difference between how much money you get when you
machines, equipment, etc. They’re opening a new a car sell something and how much it costs you to buy or
assembly plant in the area. make it. Despite their high turnover, their profit margin is
actually very low.
POD /ˌpiː əʊ ˈdiː/ (noun [countable/uncountable]) proof
of delivery: a way of showing that the customer has profitable /ˈprɒfɪtəb(ə)l/ (adjective) making a profit. Some
received a shipment from the sender. Without the POD, of their new electronic products are highly profitable.
I’m afraid we can’t help you. profound /prəˈfaʊnd/ (adjective) very great. This is a
portfolio /pɔː(r)tˈfəʊliəʊ/ (noun [countable]) the different scientific discovery of profound significance.
services or products that a business or organization project /prəˈdʒekt/ (verb [transitive] [usually passive])
provides. We don’t have a sufficiently varied portfolio to to calculate how big something will become in the
meet all our customers’ needs. future using information that is available now. Total
expenditure was projected to increase by 4.7%.
prototype /ˈprəʊtətaɪp/ (noun [countable]) the first form real estate /ˈrɪəl ɪˌsteɪt/ (noun [uncountable]) the business
of something new, made before it is produced in large of buying and selling land and property. Commercial real
quantities. Designers have built a working prototype of the estate isn’t a career to be taken lightly.
car. realistic /ˌrɪəˈlɪstɪk/ (adjective) based on facts and
protracted /prəˈtræktɪd/ (adjective) continuing for a long situations as they really are. It is time to make a realistic
time, especially longer than is normal or necessary. He assessment of the danger.
paid a protracted visit to the new warehouse. recall /rɪˈkɔːl/ (verb [transitive]) if a company recalls
provenance /ˈprɒvənəns/ (noun [uncountable]) the place a product, it asks people who bought it to return it
where something first came from. He was unable to prove because there is something wrong with it. They’re
the provenance of the shipment. recalling the car following the discovery of a fault with the
publicity /pʌbˈlɪsəti/ (noun [uncountable]) attention in brakes.
magazines, newspapers, or television. Her behaviour receptive /rɪˈseptɪv/ (adjective) willing to listen or to
during the filming attracted a lot of free publicity. consider suggestions. The company is receptive to new
punctual /ˈpʌŋktʃuəl/ (adjective) arriving or happening at ideas at all times.
the time agreed on. We expect punctual payment of bills. recondition /ˌriːkənˈdɪʃ(ə)n/ (verb [transitive]) to repair
purchase order /ˈpɜː(r)tʃəs ˌɔː(r)də(r)/ (noun [countable]) a machine, usually so that it can be sold again. If we
a document issued by the buyer’s company authorizing recondition the motor and replace the door, we will be able
the transaction. We sent the purchase order directly. to get a good price for it.
purchasing /ˈpɜː(r)tʃəsɪŋ/ (noun [uncountable]) the act of reflect /rɪˈflekt/ (verb [transitive]) to show the existence or
buying something. Customers’ purchasing decisions aren’t nature of something. He said that the statement did not
always based on logic. reflect his own views.
quotation /kwəʊˈteɪʃ(ə)n/ (noun [countable]) the price that refrigerate /rɪˈfrɪdʒəreɪt/ (verb [transitive]) to keep food or
someone says they will charge you for doing a particular drinks cold by putting them in a refrigerator. The meat
piece of work. Make sure you get a written quotation from needs to be refrigerated at all times.
the builder. refurbish /riːˈfɜː(r)bɪʃ/ (verb [transitive]) to repair and
quote /kwəʊt/ (verb [transitive]) to tell someone what improve something. I decided to buy a refurbished laptop
price you would charge them to do a particular piece of rather than a new one.
work. How much did they quote for the job? refurbishment /ˌriːˈfɜː(r)bɪʃmənt/ (noun [countable/
rack /ræk/ (noun [countable]) a frame or shelf used for uncountable]) the act of repairing or improving
storing items in a warehouse. The WMS tells us exactly something. The refurbishment of the machines meant that
which rack to go to for what we need to pick. we were able to get two more years of service out of them.
racking /ˈrækɪŋ/ (noun [uncountable]) a frame or set of regional /ˈriːdʒ(ə)nəl/ (adjective) relating to or typical
shelves used for storing items in a warehouse. With our of a particular area of a country or the world. We need
new racking, we can store twice as much as we could before. greater regional cooperation if this project is to succeed.
railhead /ˈreɪlˌhed/ (noun [countable]) a point where a relations /rɪˈleɪʃ(ə)nz/ (noun [plural]) the relationship
railway line connects with other forms of transport. The between countries, people, or organizations. We have
nearest railhead is over 50 miles away. very good relations with our suppliers.
raise /reɪz/ (verb [transitive]) to mention something so reluctant /rɪˈlʌktənt/ (adjective) not willing to do something.
that it can be discussed. Are there any other questions you She was reluctant to leave the company.
would like to raise at the meeting? rely on /rɪˈlaɪ ɒn/ (phrasal verb [transitive]) to trust
rate /reɪt/ (noun [countable]) the speed at which someone or something to do something for you. Can we
something happens within a particular period of time. rely on him to support us?
He was concerned by the rate at which people were leaving renewable /rɪˈnjuːəb(ə)l/ (adjective) a renewable contract,
the company. agreement, etc can be continued for a longer period of
rationalize /ˈræʃ(ə)nəlaɪz/ (verb [intransitive/transitive]) time. It’s a three-year contract, renewable for a further 12
to make a process more effective and efficient by months if both parties agree.
removing what isn’t needed. Since they rationalized reposition /riːpəˈzɪʃ(ə)n/ (verb [transitive]) to market a
the loading process, they have been able to make very product in a different way to try to make it appeal to a
substantial savings. new market. Let’s reposition it as a low-fat snack to attract
raw materials /ˈrɔː məˌtɪəriəlz/ (noun [plural]) substances the health-conscious consumer.
such as coal or iron that are in their natural state before requirement /rɪˈkwaɪə(r)mənt/ (noun [countable])
being changed by chemical processes. The supply of raw something that is needed in order for something else to
materials can be interrupted by political instability in other happen. Check the engine’s fuel requirements.
countries. resolve /rɪˈzɒlv/ (verb [transitive]) to solve a problem,
reach /riːtʃ/ (verb [transitive]) to achieve something or to find a satisfactory way of dealing with a
after discussing it or thinking about it for a long time. disagreement. A meeting has been called to resolve the
Ministers must reach a decision before next month. dispute.
respect /rɪˈspekt/ (verb [transitive]) to show that you rush /rʌʃ/ (noun [singular]) a sudden interest among a lot
understand the importance of something by not doing of people in having or doing something. A last-minute
anything against it. We expect all our partners to respect rush by Christmas shoppers boosted sales.
the rights of workers. safety stock /ˈseɪfti ˌstɒk/ (noun [uncountable]) extra
response /rɪˈspɒns/ (noun [countable]) a reaction. In items that a company holds ready to sell or use at times
response to complaints, the company reviewed its safety when they might have problems getting more of these
procedures. items. The amount we would lose in sales would be higher
responsibility /rɪˌspɒnsəˈbɪləti/ (noun [countable]) a duty than the cost of holding these levels of safety stock.
that you have to do because it is part of your job or satisfaction /ˌsætɪsˈfækʃ(ə)n/ (noun [uncountable]) the
position. It’s your responsibility to provide us with concrete feeling of pleasure that you get when you achieve or
evidence. obtain something that you want. Friendly service and low
retailer /ˈriːˌteɪlə(r)/ (noun [countable]) a person or prices all contribute to customer satisfaction.
company that sells goods directly to the public for their saving /ˈseɪvɪŋ/ (noun [countable]) an amount of
own use. He works for one of the biggest online clothing something that you manage to avoid using or spending.
retailers. That could mean a saving of up to £500 for a family of four.
retrieval /rɪˈtriːv(ə)l/ (noun [uncountable]) the process scale /skeɪl/ (noun [countable]) a range of measurements
of getting something back from somewhere. The new in a particular system. We were told to rate our experience
system facilitates the storage and retrieval of personnel on a scale of 1 to 10.
records. secondary packaging /ˌsekənd(ə)ri ˈpækɪdʒɪŋ/ (noun
return /rɪˈtɜː(r)n/ (noun [countable/uncountable]) the [uncountable]) further packaging that a product is
action of putting, sending, or taking something back to put in to make storing and transporting it easier. For
the place where it came from. No returns are allowed on example, tins of soup (primary packaging) might be
sale merchandise. placed in a cardboard box (secondary packaging). It’s
return rate /rɪˈtɜː(r)n ˌreɪt/ (noun [countable]) a the secondary packaging that accounts for so much of the
measurement of the number of items that are weight.
returned to a company because they are damaged, sector /ˈsektə(r)/ (noun [countable]) a part of a country’s
don’t work properly, etc. Our return rate is much economic or business activity. They tend to work as
higher than it should be. managers, especially in the small-business sector.
Revenue and Customs /ˈrevənjuː ən ˌkʌstəmz/ a sell-by date /ˈsel baɪ ˌdeɪt/ (noun [countable]) a date
department of the UK government that handles taxes printed on food products to show that they should not
on imports, taxes on alcohol, VAT and tax credits. We be sold after that date because they will no longer be
need to check what the latest update from Revenue and good to eat. Consumers don’t always go by the sell-by date
Customs is. on food.
reverse logistics /rɪˈvɜː(r)s ləˌdʒɪstɪks/ (noun [uncountable]) sensitive /ˈsensətɪv/ (adjective) needing to be kept secret.
the activity of reducing waste by reusing, repairing, Some items on the agenda involve commercially sensitive
recycling or disposing of products responsibly after information.
the user has finished with them. We need to improve service level /ˈsɜː(r)vɪs ˌlev(ə)l/ (noun [uncountable])
how we handle reverse logistics if we are to be more a measurement of how good the work, help or advice
environmentally friendly. provided by a company to its customers should be. Our
review /rɪˈvjuː/ (verb [transitive]) to study or examine service level demands that 95% of customers must be seen
a situation, policy, or idea again in order to decide in ten minutes or less.
whether it is suitable or satisfactory. I suggested that ship /ʃɪp/ (verb [transitive] [often passive]) to send goods
they review their forecasting processes. or people somewhere by ship. Toxic waste is shipped from
revise /rɪˈvaɪz/ (verb [transitive]) to state a new amount Western Europe to other countries.
after changing your opinion or judgment. I’ll send you shipment /ˈʃɪpmənt/ (noun [countable]) an amount of
the revised figures as soon as I have them. goods carried on a ship, plane, train, or truck. The spider
risk management /ˌrɪsk ˈmænɪdʒmənt/ (noun [uncountable]) was found in a shipment of bananas.
a method of controlling losses or damage to a business. shipping /ˈʃɪpɪŋ/ (noun [uncountable]) the business of
The fact that we find ourselves in this situation suggests carrying goods, especially in a ship. Is there any way in
that there are shortcomings in our risk management. which we can reduce our shipping costs?
roll out /ˌrəʊl ˈaʊt/ (phrasal verb [transitive]) to introduce short list /ˈʃɔː(r)t ˌlɪst/ (noun [countable]) a list of the
a new product or service. They will roll out the latest people or things that you think could be suitable for
version of the software later this month. a job, prize, team, etc chosen from a larger number of
rule out /ˌruːl ˈaʊt/ (phrasal verb [transitive]) to stop people or things. Who is on the short list of candidates for
considering something as a possibility. I know it’s the job?
expensive, but let’s not rule out air freight as a way to get
the products to our customers in time.
shrinkage /ˈʃrɪŋkɪdʒ/ (noun [uncountable]) the loss of split-load truck /ˌsplɪt ləʊd ˈtrʌk/ (noun [countable]) a
products before they can be sold to customers, due to large vehicle that can carry both cold-chain (2–8°C) and
theft, fraud, damage, etc. Shrinkage costs us around £1.3 ambient (15–25°C) products. These split-load trucks give
million a year. us more flexibility.
significantly /sɪɡˈnɪfɪkəntli/ (adverb) by a large amount, squeeze /skwiːz/ (verb [transitive]) to get something from
or in a way that is easily noticeable. As an organization, someone by forcing them to give it to you. I managed to
we’ve grown significantly. squeeze an extra 5% discount out of our supplier.
signposting /ˈsaɪnˌpəʊstɪŋ/ (verb [intransitive/transitive]) stability /stəˈbɪləti/ (noun [uncountable]) a situation in
the act of making it clear to a reader or listener what it which things happen as they should and there are no
is you are going to say, what the different sections of harmful changes. The new manager’s first task will be to
your writing or speech are, when you are changing from bring some stability to the team.
one topic to another, etc. He didn’t really signpost his stagger /ˈstæɡə(r)/ (verb [transitive]) to arrange for
talk, so I wasn’t always sure what he was trying to say. events or activities to start or happen at different times.
SKU /ˌes keɪ ˈjuː/ (noun [countable]) stock keeping unit: Planting is staggered to allow the soil time to recover.
a code (often a bar code) that identifies a product in an stakeholder /ˈsteɪkˌhəʊldə(r)/ (noun [countable]) a
organization’s inventory. An SKU needs to be assigned to person (customer, supplier, neighbour, worker, etc) or
every item before it is stored. organization who has any sort of interest in or who is
slack /slæk/ (adjective) not taking enough care to make affected in any way by the business of a company. If you
sure that something is done well. The accident was due to want to improve your company image, you should consult all
the slack safety standards at the plant. the stakeholders.
slash /slæʃ/ (verb [transitive]) to reduce something by a stale /steɪl/ (noun [countable]) food that has gone past its
large amount. The budget had been slashed by £3 million. sell-by date. Since we can’t sell these stales, it’s better to
SME /ˌes em ˈiː/ (noun [countable]) small and give them away than waste them.
medium-sized enterprise: a business that has a stock /stɒk/ (noun [uncountable]) the goods that a
small or medium number of employees, usually company has available for sale or distribution. Our stock
fewer than 250. The government should stop focusing levels are running dangerously low.
on big business and do more to help SMEs. stock-out /ˈstɒk ˌaʊt/ (noun [countable]) an occasion
solar power /ˌsəʊlə(r) ˈpaʊə(r)/ (noun [uncountable]) when a business does not have an item available to
energy that is generated from the sun’s rays. Our whole sell. Stock-outs cost us a lot of money each year.
office runs on solar power. storage /ˈstɔːrɪdʒ/ (noun [uncountable]) space where
sound /saʊnd/ (adjective) reliable and sensible. Firms things can be stored. The area underneath provides
wishing to take part in the programme must be able to show useful storage.
that they are financially sound. store /stɔː(r)/ (verb [transitive]) to keep something in a
sound out /ˌsaʊnd ˈaʊt/ (phrasal verb [transitive]) to try particular place. Nuclear waste is currently being stored
to find out someone’s opinions, ideas, feelings, etc by close to the town.
talking to them. Candidates will be sounding out voters strategic /strəˈtiːdʒɪk/ (adjective) carefully planned in
during the months before the election. order to achieve a particular goal, especially in war,
source /sɔː(r)s/ (verb [transitive] [often passive]) to get business, or politics. She was responsible for the firm’s
a product or basic material from somewhere. All our strategic planning.
timber is sourced from sustainable forests. strategic item /strəˈtiːdʒɪk ˌaɪtəm/ (noun [countable])
spec /spek/ (noun [countable]) specification: an exact something that a company needs to make its product
measurement or detailed plan about how something is which comes from only one supplier and which has
to be made. What are the specs for the new model? a very large effect on the price the company sells the
specification /ˌspesɪfɪˈkeɪʃ(ə)n/ (noun [countable]) finished product for. We need to determine which strategic
an exact measurement or detailed plan about how items will be affected by the new legislation.
something is to be made. Specifications require ceilings to strategy /ˈstrætədʒi/ (noun [countable]) a plan or method
be 15 feet high. for achieving something, especially over a long period
split /splɪt/ (verb [transitive]) to share something by of time. The countries hope to devise a common strategy to
dividing it into separate parts. I split my working hours provide aid.
between three offices. strict /strɪkt/ (adjective) strict rules or conditions must be
split the difference /ˌsplɪt ðə ˈdɪfrəns/ (phrase) to do, obeyed completely. They operate within strict time limits.
give, or take an amount of something that is between stuck /stʌk/ (adjective [never before noun]) caught or held
two other amounts, often as a way of reaching an in a position so that you cannot move. The courier’s truck
agreement. You say 10% and I say 20%, so why don’t we got stuck in the mud.
split the difference and call it 15%?
subcontractor /ˌsʌbkənˈtræktə(r)/ (noun [countable]) tentative /ˈtentətɪv/ (adjective) not definite, or not certain.
someone who has a job doing part of the work that This is only a tentative schedule, so let us know if you think
another person or company has agreed to do for we need to make any changes.
someone else. We want a subcontractor that will take an terms /tɜː(r)mz/ (noun [plural]) the conditions of a
environmentally friendly approach to the work. legal, business, or financial agreement that the people
suffice to say /səˈfaɪs tə ˌseɪ/ (phrase) used for saying involved accept. He had little choice but to accept their
that the statement that you are making contains your terms.
main idea, although you could say more about it. Suffice textiles /ˈtekstaɪlz/ (noun [plural]) the art or industry of
to say that working with Kelvin was not a very pleasant making cloth. He works in textiles.
experience.
third-party /ˌθɜː(r)d ˈpɑː(r)ti/ (adjective) relating to a
summarize /ˈsʌməraɪz/ (verb [intransitive/transitive]) to person or organization that is not one of the two main
provide a short account of the most important facts people or organizations involved in a legal agreement
or features of something. After summarizing the main or case. No personal information is shared with third-party
arguments, she asked us to vote. companies.
supplier /səˈplaɪə(r)/ (noun [countable]) a company, threat /θret/ (noun [countable]) an occasion when
organization, or country that supplies or sells a product someone says that they will cause you harm or
or a service. Colombia is our main supplier of coffee beans. problems, especially if you do not do what they tell you
supply /səˈplaɪ/ (verb [transitive]) to provide someone or to do. He would not make threats he wasn’t prepared to
something with something that they need or want. The carry out.
company that supplies our stationery has raised their prices. tied up /ˌtaɪd ˈʌp/ (adjective) if someone is tied up, they
surplus /ˈsɜː(r)pləs/ (noun [countable/uncountable]) are very busy. Can I call you back? I’m a bit tied up at the
an amount of money or goods that is left because a moment.
country or business has more than it needs. We were tied up /ˌtaɪd ˈʌp/ (adjective) if your money is tied up
able to export the surplus to France. in something, it is being used for that thing and you
sustainable /səˈsteɪnəb(ə)l/ (adjective) using methods that cannot use it for anything else. A lot of their money is tied
do not harm the environment. It’s encouraging to see a up in property.
rise in sustainable agriculture in the region. timely /ˈtaɪmli/ (adjective) happening at the most suitable
sustainable development /səˈsteɪnəb(ə)l dɪˌveləpmənt/ time. Thanks to the UN’s timely intervention, a crisis was
(noun [countable]) an approach to development that avoided.
takes into account the need to preserve the planet for TMS /tiː em ˈes/ (noun [countable]) transport management
future generations. This sustainable development is in system: a software system that manages transport
keeping with our reputation as an environmentally aware operations. Several trucks turned up at the same time
company. because our TMS was down.
sweetener /ˈswiːt(ə)nə(r)/ (noun [countable]) something toxin /ˈtɒksɪn/ (noun [countable]) a poisonous substance
that you offer someone in order to persuade them to that causes disease. These toxins are polluting the air.
do something. They offered 10% off our next purchase as a
track /træk/ (verb [transitive]) to follow the course of a
sweetener.
moving object such as a ship or aircraft using special
tackle /ˈtæk(ə)l/ (verb [transitive]) to make an organized equipment. Our new app allows you to track the progress
and determined attempt to deal with a problem, often of your delivery as it makes its way to you.
a social problem such as crime or unemployment.
track record /ˈtræk ˌrekɔː(r)d/ (noun [countable]) your
Successive governments have failed to tackle the question of
reputation, based on the things that you have done. This
homelessness.
company has a long track record of providing poor customer
take into account /teɪk ˌɪntuː əˈkaʊnt/ (phrase) to consider service.
something when you are trying to make a decision. If
tracking /ˈtrækɪŋ/ (noun [uncountable]) the act of
you take inflation into account, we actually spend less now.
following the movement of a shipment remotely using
target /ˈtɑː(r)ɡɪt/ (verb [transitive]) to direct your special equipment. With our new tracking system, we
attention and effort at a particular person or thing. We know where a shipment is every step of the way.
decided to target the market for economical models.
traffic /ˈtræfɪk/ (verb [intransitive/transitive]) to buy and
tariff /ˈtærɪf/ (noun [countable]) a tax that a government sell things such as drugs or weapons illegally. They were
charges on goods that enter or leave their country. arrested for trafficking guns for the rebels.
The Commerce Department announced that it will impose
trailer /ˈtreɪlə(r)/ (noun [countable]) a long container that
tariffs of between 13% and 26% on Chinese imports.
can be fixed to a vehicle and used for moving heavy
technical /ˈteknɪk(ə)l/ (adjective [only before noun]) objects or large animals. They used a trailer to transport
relating to the way in which a machine or system works. the shelters and other equipment.
The implementation of the new system has been plagued by
transit /ˈtrænzɪt/ (noun [uncountable]) the activity or
technical hitches.
process of moving someone or something from one
place to another. The shipment was damaged in transit.
transport /trænsˈpɔː(r)t/ (verb [transitive]) to move people video conferencing /ˌvɪdiəʊ ˈkɒnf(ə)rənsɪŋ/ (noun
or things from one place to another, usually in a vehicle. [uncountable]) the act of meeting people in different
We’ll need a bigger truck to transport all the boxes. places using audio and video technology so that you can
trust /trʌst/ (noun [uncountable]) a feeling of confidence see and hear one another. The use of video conferencing
in someone that shows you believe they are honest, fair, has massively reduced the number of business trips that we
and reliable. Trust is an important issue between teenagers need to make.
and their parents. virtual warehouse /ˈvɜː(r)tʃʊəl ˌweə(r)haʊs/ (noun
ultimatum /ˌʌltɪˈmeɪtəm/ (noun [countable]) a statement [countable]) a big building that holds a supplier’s stock
that orders someone to do something and threatens to in a location that is close to the customer. Setting up
punish or attack them if they do not. The management the virtual warehouse has dramatically reduced their lead
yesterday issued an ultimatum to the workforce. times.
underestimate /ˌʌndərˈestɪˌmeɪt/ (verb [transitive]) voicemail /ˈvɔɪsmeɪl/ (noun [countable]) an electronic
to think or guess that something is smaller, less system that records and stores spoken messages from
important, etc than it really is. We had seriously people. There was no answer, so I left him a voicemail.
underestimated the cost of installing the new system. volume /ˈvɒljuːm/ (noun [countable/uncountable]) an
underlying /ˌʌndə(r)ˈlaɪɪŋ/ (adjective [only before noun]) amount of something. The total volume of trade has
underlying causes, facts, ideas, etc are the real or basic reached £800 million.
ones, although they are not obvious or directly stated. walk on thin ice /ˌwɔːk ɒn θɪn ˈaɪs/ (phrase) to be in a
The underlying causes of employee dissatisfaction have been situation where there is the possibility of something
ignored. bad happening. With so many unknowns, you’re really
undertake /ˌʌndə(r)ˈteɪk/ (verb [transitive]) to promise to walking on thin ice.
do something. The government has undertaken to tackle wardrobing /ˈwɔː(r)drəʊbɪŋ/ (noun [uncountable]) When
unemployment as a priority. a customer buys a product, uses it for a period of time
unsaleable /ʌnˈseɪləb(ə)l/ (noun [countable]) a product and then returns it (claiming it to be unused). They came
that cannot be sold. Unsaleables are having a negative up with some ingenious ways to discourage wardrobing,
impact on our bottom line. such as by putting very visible tags on their clothing.
unscheduled /ʌnˈʃedjuːld/ (adjective) not planned, or done warehouse /ˈweə(r)ˌhaʊs/ (noun [countable]) a big
at a time that was not expected. Engine problems forced building where large amounts of goods are stored. All
us to make an unscheduled stop in Athens. the stock is held in our main warehouse.
unstable /ʌnˈsteɪb(ə)l/ (adjective) an unstable system, WMS /ˌdʌb(ə)ljuː em ˈes/ (noun [countable]) warehouse
situation, or relationship often has serious problems. management system: software that allows a company
We’re facing an unstable economic situation. to keep track of inventory levels and stock locations in
a warehouse. Our operation has become far more efficient
unwise /ʌnˈwaɪz/ (adjective) not sensible. It would be
since we started using the WMS.
unwise at this stage to be too optimistic.
workflow /ˈwɜː(r)kˌfləʊ/ (noun [countable]) the stages
upstream /ʌpˈstriːm/ (adjective) relating to or happening
in the process that a task goes through from start to
at an earlier stage in a process. As part of our review of
finish. Let’s look at the workflow and see if we can find
the upstream side of our supply chain, we need to assess
where we can make improvements.
whether we need to change where we are getting our raw
materials from. workshop /ˈwɜː(r)kˌʃɒp/ (noun [countable]) a room
or building where things are made using tools and
urge /ɜː(r)dʒ/ (verb [transitive]) to advise someone very
machines. All the tools are kept in the workshop.
strongly about what action or attitude they should take.
The UN has urged them to honour the peace treaty. worldwide /ˌwɜː(r)ldˈwaɪd/ (adjective, adverb) happening
or existing all over the world. Our company employs
used /juːzd/ (adjective) owned by someone else before
1,500 staff worldwide.
you. It’s cheaper to buy used equipment.
worn out /ˌwɔː(r)n ˈaʊt/ (adjective) too old or damaged to
vague /veɪɡ/ (adjective) not clearly or fully explained.
use any longer. There’s nothing we can do with it once the
Witnesses gave only a vague description of the driver.
engine is so worn out.
vial /ˈvaɪəl/ (noun [countable]) a small bottle for storing
zero-emission /ˌzɪərəʊ ɪˈmɪʃ(ə)n/ (adjective) referring
medicine or perfume. Each box contains 24 vials of the
to a vehicle that does not release anything harmful
vaccine.
to the environment when it is in operation.
video conference /ˈvɪdiəʊ ˌkɒnfərəns/ (noun [countable]) These zero-emission vans mean that we can describe
a meeting between people in different places who are ourselves as an environmentally friendly operation.
able to see and hear one another using audio and video
technology. A video conference using Skype can take the
place of a business trip.

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SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT

In Company 3.0 ESP Supply Chain Management:

background /ˈbækˌɡraʊnd/ (noun [singular/uncountable]) brainstorm /ˈbreɪnˌstɔː(r)m/ (verb [intransitive/transitive])

conflict /ˈkɒnflɪkt/ (noun [countable/uncountable]) contractor /kənˈtræktə(r)/ (noun [countable]) a person or

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