Warehouse Management & Equipment Glossary of Terms: M

Machine Vision  - A system which takes pictures of objects and codes and sends the pictures to a computer for interpretation.      

Magnetic Belt Conveyor  - A steel belt and either a magnetic slider bed or magnetic pulley is used to transport ferrous materials vertically, upside down, and around corners. Abel Womack can recom...click for the full definition

Magnetic Placard  - Placard system made of magnetic material and used on metal racks and other metal surfaces. To see other options for rack and shelving, click here.

Magnetic Stripe  - Information storage medium on the back of cards such as credit cards, read by contact.      

Maintenance Diagnostics  - A process by which the frequency, amount and cost of maintenance to buildings and machines is evaluated on an on-going basis.  Such a process ensures that the building...click for the full definition

Manifesting  - The act of creating a statement which describes and/or lists the load on a vehicle in transit. Abel Womack maintains our own fleet of delivery trucks operated by our own industry t...click for the full definition

Manipulator  - A stationary (does not mean that nothing moves) movement assist device that is often equipped with end effectors for handling different types of loads. End effectors include all for...click for the full definition

Manual Handling  - The handling of materials by hand or by using devices that are non-powered. See the Raymond lift trucks page for non-powered devices or look at our online catalog.

Manual Hoist  - A suspended machinery unit that, by use of manual operation, is used for lifting and lowering of a freely suspended (unguided) load. Hoists generally uses a chain (roller or link) as ...click for the full definition

Manually Handled Container  - Containers designed to be handled by hand and not by machine.      

Manufacturing Resource Planning  - A fully-integrated planning and control system, providing coordination and communication among finance, marketing, and production departments. Manufacturing Res...click for the full definition

Masked Out  - The design of an inductive loop sensor so that certain objects are not detected.      

Master Carton  - Utilized as a  larger uniform shipping carton for smaller packages or carton, the master carton serves to lessen material handling time and adds protection during shipping to the sm...click for the full definition

Master Pack  - A large box that is used to pack a number of smaller boxes or containers. The box assists in protecting the smaller cartons or packages and reduces the number of cartons to be handled ...click for the full definition

Material Flow  - The function of maintaining a constantly available supply of materials needed for production.  Such materials may include raw materials, purchased items, or assembled items.  A...click for the full definition

Material Handling  - Material Handling is the movement, storage, control and protection of materials, goods and products throughout the process of manufacturing, distribution, consumption and disposa...click for the full definition

Mechanical Lifter  - A lifter composed of two or more rigid parts that move with respect to each other to attach the load to the hoisting device.  All movements of this grab as it attaches t...click for the full definition

Mesh Container  - Often referred to as a wire mesh container, this material handling device is made from welded metal wire mesh and possesses a substructure to give the container strength and rigidit...click for the full definition

Mesh Size  - The center-to -center spacing of the wire elements on a wire mesh container. For example, a 2x2 = wires on two inch centers in both directions.

Metal Container  - A receptacle (such as a box, enclosure) or a formed or ible covering for the packing or shipment of articles, goods, or commodities. Containers may be constructed of plastic, w...click for the full definition

Metric Container  - A container which has its dimensions and capacities expressed in metric terms.  These containers are often designed to accommodate metric size and weight materials or goods, ...click for the full definition

Mezzanine  - A stand alone structure constructed within an existing building or structure which is designed to maximize clear space under and above the mezzanine. Also referred to as a \"free sta...click for the full definition

Micro-Load AS/RS - A type of automatic storage and retrieval system that handles small items that are typically contained in very small containers, totes or trays, with load weights typically less tha...click for the full definition

Mini-Load AS/RS - A type of automatic storage and retrieval system that handles loads that are typically contained in small containers or totes, with load weights typically falling in the100 to 500 lb...click for the full definition

Minimum Pressure Accumulation Conveyor  - Conveyor minimum pressure accumulation occurs when product is accumulated and the driving force is not removed. It is called minimum pressure because the...click for the full definition

Mobile Equipment  - Material handling equipment that is designed to move within and outside a facility to transport materials, people and maintenance/service supplies.  Such equipment can range from...click for the full definition

Mobile Rack  - A rack with wheels at the base that permit movement of the entire rack structure along tracks. Abel Womack carries an entire line of industrial mobile racking systems. Click here to...click for the full definition

Mobile Shelving  - A shelving system that is mounted on floor or overhead tracks. The self- contained unit may nest or move against other units to facilitate space savings or move away from each ...click for the full definition

Modular Drawer Cabinet  - Modular drawer cabinets make efficient use of storage space by providing secured enclosed storage for small or high value parts.  The operator has a clear view of a...click for the full definition

Modular Drawers In Cabinet  - Mounted integrally into cabinet structures, these modular drawers make effective use of space and can be housed nearby other nearby items to be stored.   &nb...click for the full definition

Modular Drawers In Shelving  - Mounted integrally into shelving arrangements, these modular drawers make effective use of space and can be housed nearby other nearby items to be shelved.  ...click for the full definition

Modular Drawers  - Housed in cabinets (wheeled or stationary), modular drawers offer high density storage and retrieval of parts, tools, supplies instruments and equipment in commercial, industri...click for the full definition

Modular Mezzanine  - A standardized, pre-fabricated mezzanine structure built in \"packaged\"/\"off the shelf\" sizes, loading capacities and spans. Usually limited to lighter PSF (pounds per squ...click for the full definition

Molded Pallet  - A pallet formed  in a mold and made from plastic, wood particles or wood flakes.      

Monorails  - A single run of overhead track on which carriers (trolleys) travel. Click here to see an overhead warehouse monorail system.      

Motor Driven Pusher  - An electric motor driven conveyor sortation device.        

Multi Level Shelving  - More than two levels tiered one on top of the other with each tier serviced from a separate level.      

Multiple Row, Single Face Shelving  - One generally continuous row of units joined together back to back to be serviced from one aisle for long items of considerable weight.

Multiple Trip Pallet  - A pallet designed and built for use in multiple trips and transports.