OpsNinja Glossary

3D Printing, or additive manufacturing, creates three-dimensional objects by layering material according to digital designs. An eCommerce...

The 8D Report is a problem-solving method used to identify, correct, and eliminate recurring problems. In the context of eCommerce, if...

AQL numbers represent specific values that indicate the standard of quality acceptable for a product batch...

An AQL table is a standardized chart that helps determine the sample size and the acceptance or rejection criteria for a product batch...

The Acceptable Quality Level (AQL) is a crucial threshold in quality control, signaling the worst tolerable process average...

Alibaba Trade Assurance is a payment and buyer protection service provided by the Alibaba.com platform...

Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) is a service provided by Amazon that allows sellers to leverage Amazon's logistics network for...

Amazon Standard Identification Number (ASIN) is unique identifiers assigned by Amazon.com for product identification within their online...

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in eCommerce refers to the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, particularly computer...

Businesses holding B Corp Certification meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency...

Barcodes are series of visual patterns that can be scanned to retrieve product information quickly, optimizing the checkout process...

Blockchain technology offers an immutable, decentralized ledger for transactions, ensuring transparency and security across various...

Cradle to Cradle (C2C) Certification ensures products are sustainably produced and designed for a circular economy, emphasizing...

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software significantly enhances the design process by allowing precise, scalable, and flexible product...

Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA) are steps a business takes to eliminate causes of existing or potential defects in its...

Computer Numerical Control (CNC) involves using computer programming to automate control of machining tools for manufacturing...

The Process Capability Index (CPK) is a statistical measure of a process's ability to produce output within specified limits...

The Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) Certification is a voluntary program enhancing supply chain security...

A Certificate of Compliance (CoC) is a document certifying that a product meets the required standards and regulations...

Compliance involves adhering to laws, regulations, standards, and ethical practices within an industry. In eCommerce, compliance could...

Compliance testing ensures products meet regulatory standards before they go to market. For example, a toy sold online must undergo...

Conformance is the fulfillment of a product, service, or system in meeting specified standards, regulations, or customer expectations...

Container loading checks are quality assurance inspections that verify the correct handling and loading of merchandise into shipping...

A Continuous Sampling Plan (CSP) involves ongoing sampling and testing of a product batch during manufacturing to ensure consistent...

A Corrective Action Plan (CAP) is developed to address and remediate issues identified during audits or inspections. An online retailer...

Cosmetic Products include a wide range of personal care items available for online purchase, from skincare to makeup. Quality control...

A Critical Defect in a product poses a potential threat to user safety or significantly impacts product performance, necessitating...

Customer Lifetime Value (CLV) is a prediction of the net profit attributed to the entire future relationship with a customer...

A defect refers to any non-conformity in a product's quality, performance, or appearance against the specified standards. An electronics...

Defect Classifications categorize defects by their severity, from critical safety issues to minor cosmetic flaws. For online apparel...

Design for Assembly (DFA) principles focus on simplifying product assemblies, reducing the number of parts and assembly time...

Design for Inventory (DFI) strategies optimize product design to minimize inventory costs and complexity. A company selling seasonal...

Design for Manufacturing (DFM) aims at reducing production costs and complexities by designing products that are easy to manufacture...

Digital Value Twin (DVT) technology creates virtual replicas of physical assets to monitor performance and anticipate maintenance needs...

Dropshipping is a retail fulfillment method where a store doesn't keep the products it sells in stock. Instead, when a store sells...

eCommerce Analytics involves the data-driven approach to analyzing online shop performance, understanding customer behavior, and...

The European Article Number (EAN) is a barcode standard used globally to identify products uniquely. For a multinational eCommerce...

An Environmental Audit assesses a company's adherence to environmental regulations and standards. An online retailer conducting an...

Event Visibility and Tracking (EVT) technology provides real-time updates on shipments, important for eCommerce businesses to monitor...

Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit (FNSKU) is an Amazon-specific identifier used to track products and manage inventory within...

A Factory Audit evaluates a manufacturer's production capabilities and quality control processes. eCommerce businesses sourcing goods...

Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) is a systematic approach to identifying potential failure points within a design or...

First Article Inspection (FAI) involves detailed verification of the first product unit manufactured to ensure it meets all design...

Fulfillment Services refer to third-party companies that handle the packing, shipping, and returns of products for eCommerce businesses...

Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) provides a precise way to define and communicate engineering tolerances. For online sales...

Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) Codes classify traded products for determining tariffs and compliance with import/export regulations...

Hardline Products include durable goods such as electronics, appliances, and furniture, requiring strict quality control and efficient...

In-line Inspection involves quality checks integrated into the production process, enabling immediate detection and correction of defects...

Inspection Levels guide the extent of product inspections, determining the sample size and criteria for evaluating a batch of products...

An Inspection Report documents the findings from a product inspection, providing detailed information on quality, defects, and compliance...

Inspection Types vary depending on the stage of production and the nature of the goods, including pre-production, during production...

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) develops global standards for quality, safety, and efficiency. eCommerce...

The International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is a unique identifier for books, crucial for publishers and online booksellers for...

An Inventory Audit involves verifying the accuracy of physical stock against inventory records. Regular inventory audits help eCommerce...

Inventory Count, or stocktaking, entails physically counting all items on hand to verify inventory records. For an eCommerce store...

Lean Manufacturing aims at maximizing efficiency by minimizing waste without sacrificing productivity. eCommerce businesses can adopt...

The Master Production Schedule (MPS) outlines the planned production activities, quantities, and timing. For eCommerce businesses...

Mobile Commerce (mCommerce) refers to buying and selling goods or services using mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets. An...

Multi-channel Retailing involves selling products through multiple online and offline channels, offering customers a seamless shopping...

Non-Conformance refers to a deviation from specified standards, regulations, or customer expectations. In eCommerce, addressing...

Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) involves evaluating the properties of materials or components without causing damage. For eCommerce...

Operational Qualification (OQ) is part of the validation process for equipment or systems, ensuring they function according to...

A Payment Gateway is an online service that processes credit card payments for eCommerce sites and traditional brick and mortar stores...

Performance Qualification (PQ) is the process of demonstrating that a system consistently produces outcomes meeting predetermined...

Performance Testing evaluates a product's performance under various conditions to ensure reliability and customer satisfaction...

Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) is a quality control check conducted before goods are shipped to the buyer, ensuring they meet purchase...

Process Quality Control (PQC) involves monitoring and controlling production processes to ensure quality standards are consistently met...

Product Classification involves categorizing products for various purposes, including inventory management, marketing, and compliance...

Product Inspections are crucial for assessing the quality and safety of items before they are shipped or sold. Regular inspections enable...

Product Testing verifies that products perform as intended, are safe for use, and comply with relevant standards. By conducting thorough...

The Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) is a standardized process in the automotive and manufacturing industries that ensures...

Production, Vendor, and Transportation (PVT) evaluations assess the capacity and capability of suppliers and logistics providers. An...

A Purchase Order (PO) is a formal document issued by a buyer to a seller, specifying the types, quantities, and prices of products or...

Purchase Price Reduction (PPR) strategies involve negotiating lower prices with suppliers to reduce procurement costs. An eCommerce store...

Quality Assurance (QA) encompasses the processes and procedures taken to ensure products meet specific quality standards and customer...

Quality Control (QC) refers to the operational techniques and activities used to fulfill quality requirements for products or services...

Quality Control Documentation consists of records and reports detailing the quality control processes, inspection results, and corrective...

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology uses electromagnetic fields to automatically identify and track tags attached to...

Reliability Testing assesses how well a product performs over time, under normal operating conditions. eCommerce businesses can use...

A Request for Quotation (RFQ) is a document that an organization sends to potential suppliers asking for detailed pricing for products...

Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) is a process by which customers return defective or unsatisfactory products to the seller for...

Root Cause Analysis (RCA) is a method of problem-solving used to identify the underlying reasons for defects or failures. eCommerce...

A Stock Keeping Unit (SKU) is a unique identifier for each distinct product and service that can be purchased. eCommerce businesses use...

Sampling in quality control involves selecting a portion of products from a batch to inspect, reducing the time and cost associated with...

A Social Audit is a formal review of a company's initiatives and performance in areas of social responsibility. An eCommerce company...

Softline Products include items that are literally soft to the touch, such as clothing, accessories, bedding, and towels. These products...

A Supplier Audit evaluates a supplier's ability to meet contractual agreements, quality standards, and compliance requirements. eCommerce...

A Supplier Capacity Audit assesses whether a supplier has the necessary resources and systems to meet the buyer's demands. For an...

A Supplier GMP/Process Audit involves evaluating suppliers' adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and assessing their...

Supplier Sourcing is the process of identifying, evaluating, and selecting suppliers for goods and services. For an eCommerce startup...

Supply Chain Management (SCM) in eCommerce involves overseeing and managing the flow of goods from suppliers to end customers. Effective...

Third-Party Inspectors are independent entities hired to evaluate and verify product quality, safety, and compliance on behalf of an...

Tolerance refers to the permissible limit of variation in a physical dimension or measurement. An eCommerce business selling precision...

The Universal Product Code (UPC) is a barcode symbol that retailers use for tracking trade items in stores. For an online grocery store...