Bill of materials (BOM)

This comprehensive list of raw materials and parts outlines the full range of items needed for creating specific products.

Bill of Resources

A listing of resources required for an activity. Resource attributes could include cost and volumes.

Bin

An inventory location, which is typically a box or tray, is used to hold quantities of smaller parts.

Binary

A computer term referring to a system of numerical notation that assumes only two possible states or values: zero (0) and one (1). Computer systems use a binary technique where an individual bit or 'Binary Digit' of data can be 'on' or 'off' (1 or 0). Multiple bits are combined into a 'Byte', which represents a character or number.

Bitmap Image (BMP)

The standard image format on Windows-compatible computers is bitmap. Bitmap images can be saved for Windows or OS/2 systems and support 24-bit color.

Blanket Order

A blanket order is defined as an order that the customer makes with its supplier, which contains multiple delivery dates scheduled over a period of time, sometimes at predetermined prices. It is normally used when there is a recurring need for expendable goods. Hence, items are purchased under a single purchase order (PO) rather than processing a separate PO each time supplies are needed. Synonyms: Blanket Order, Standing Order.

Blanket Purchase Order

A blanket order is defined as an order that the customer makes with its supplier, which contains multiple delivery dates scheduled over a period of time, sometimes at predetermined prices. It is normally used when there is a recurring need for expendable goods. Hence, items are purchased under a single purchase order (PO) rather than processing a separate PO each time supplies are needed. Synonyms: Blanket Order, Standing Order.

Blanket Purchasing Agreement (BPA)

A US Government Service Administration buying schedule for buyers and sellers, which denotes not only that prices have already been determined to be fair and reasonable, but goes a step further by determining the terms under which goods and services will be provided and possibly establishing a single source to deliver them over a period of time.

Blanket Rate

A rate that does not increase according to the distance over which the commodity is shipped.

Blanket Release

An authorization, similar to a purchase request, is used to confirm a customer's agreement to produce or deliver products identified in an earlier blanket PO agreement or contract.

Bleeding Edge

An unproven process or technology is so far ahead of its time that it may create a competitive disadvantage.

Block Diagram

A diagram of a system, in which the principal parts or functions are represented by blocks connected by lines that show the relationships of the blocks. The block diagram is typically used for a higher level, less detailed description aimed more at understanding the overall concepts and less at understanding the details of implementation.

Blocking Bug

A defect that prevents further or more detailed analysis or verification of a functional area or feature, or any issue that would prevent the product from shipping.

Block stacking

A storage method that uses no formal racking or shelves to contain the products. Items to be stored (pallets, cases, or cartons) are stacked upwards from the floor surface to whatever height is practical.

Blow Through

An MRP process which uses a 'phantom bill of material' and permits MRP logic to drive requirements straight through the phantom item to its components. The MRP system usually retains its ability to net against any occasional inventories of the item. Also, see Phantom Bill of Material.

Body of Knowledge (BOK)

The prescribed aggregation of knowledge in a particular area that an individual is expected to have mastered to be considered or certified as a practitioner.

BOL

Sometimes abbreviated as B/L, this transport agreement is issued by the carrier. It serves three essential functions: proof of transport, proof of receipt, and title of ownership.

BOM

This comprehensive list of raw materials and parts outlines the full range of items needed for creating specific products.

Bona Fide Need Rule

Requires funds to be used only for needs or services in the year of the appropriation's obligation period.

Bonded Warehouse

Warehouse approved by the Treasury Department and under bond/guarantee for observance of revenue laws, used for storing goods until duty is paid or goods are released in some other proper manner.

Bookings

The sum of the value of all orders received (but not necessarily shipped), net of all discounts, coupons, allowances, and rebates.

Book Inventory

An accounting term used to refer to the value or quantity of inventory shown in the company's accounting 'books', such as an inventory control database or the general ledger. Book inventory is compared to physical inventory during audit processes for validation and to determine any variances.

Bottleneck

A constraint, obstacle, or planned control that limits throughput or the utilization of capacity.

Bottom-up Replanning

A manual technique of resource planning that allows the user to interact with the system at much lower levels of detail using disaggregated demand and supply orders, and tracing the demand of a lower-level component to higher-level assemblies and products.

Bounce Back

The practice of sending another identical (or similar) catalog back to someone who has just ordered something from one of your catalogs.

Boxcar

An enclosed railcar typically 40 to 50 feet long is used for packaged freight and some bulk commodities.

Box-Jenkins Model

In time series analysis, the Box-Jenkins methodology applies autoregressive moving average models to find the best fit of a time series to past values of this time series in order to make forecasts (see Forecast).

BPM

Business Performance Measurement

BPO

Business Process Outsourcing

BPR

Business Process Reengineering

Bracing

Securing a shipment inside a carrier's vehicle to prevent damage.

Bracketed Recall

A method of performing product recalls is to expand the range of known lot numbers on the front and back end in order to capture any risk.

Branding

The act of assigning a name or image to a product in such a way that consumers will associate one with the other.

Breadman

A specific application of Kanban is used in coordinating vendor replenishment activities.

Break-Bulk

The separation of a single consolidated bulk load into smaller individual shipments for delivery to the ultimate consignees.

Break-Even Chart

A graphical tool used to chart the 'break-even point' – the point where the total sales revenue axis line intersects with the total cost axis line.

Break-Even Point

A chart that graphically represents the point at which costs or expenses and revenue are equal.

Bricks and Mortar

The act of selling through a physical location.

Broadband

A high-speed, high-capacity transmission channel.

Broken Case

An Open Case

Broker

An intermediary between the shipper and the carrier.

Brokered Systems

Independent computer systems, owned by independent organizations or entities, are linked in a manner that allows one system to retrieve information from another.

Browser

A utility that allows an internet user to browse through collections of things.

BRs

Business Reviews

BTS

Balance to Ship

Bucket-Brigade Picking

A way of organizing workers on a pick line so that the line balances itself.

Bucketed System

A technique used in requirements planning where available resources are represented in buckets – typically weekly or monthly periods.

Bucketless System

A technique used in requirements planning, where available resources are calculated on demand.