Buzzwords, Begone!

Term

Simple Definition (Logistics Lens)

🤖 Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Software that performs tasks (decision‑making, pattern spotting) that normally require human judgment—think instant lane comparisons instead of spreadsheet wrestling.

📊 Machine Learning (ML)

A subset of AI where the system “learns” from historical data—like predicting when a railcar will reach the dock from thousands of prior moves.

📝 Large Language Model (LLM)

A powerful text engine (e.g., ChatGPT) that drafts emails, tariff explanations, or SOPs in seconds using your own playbooks.

💬 Natural Language Processing (NLP)

Technology that lets computers read or write human language—turning Bills of Lading into searchable, structured tags automatically.

🛰️ Digital Twin

A live, virtual replica of your yard, terminal, or DC that updates in real time so planners can test “what‑if” scenarios without moving a single box.

🔮 Predictive Analytics

Forecasts future events (dwell, demand spikes) from past patterns so you can stage assets before the crunch hits.

👁️ Computer Vision

Cameras + AI that “see” like humans—spotting damaged pallets or verifying seal integrity as freight passes a portal.

🤖💼 Robotic Process Automation (RPA)

Software bots that click, copy, and paste: perfect for nightly EDI uploads, carrier portal entries, and invoice validation.

⚡ Edge Computing

Running AI right where data is generated (a crane, forklift, or sensor) for split‑second decisions without waiting on the cloud.

🌐 Internet of Things (IoT)

Everyday equipment fitted with sensors—temperature, vibration, GPS—feeding real‑time data to your AI dashboards.

💾 Data Lake

A centralized store that keeps raw spreadsheets, PDFs, and sensor feeds together so AI tools can drink from one well.

🔌 API

Digital “pipes” that let separate systems (TMS, WMS, ERP) share data automatically—no swivel‑chairing required.

🛠️ Prompt Engineering

Crafting questions or instructions so an LLM gives you the answer you need (e.g., “Write a customer email summarizing detention charges in 3 bullets”).

🚗 Autonomous Mobile Robot (AMR)

Self‑navigating carts or tuggers that move parcels and parts around the warehouse, guided by on‑board AI.

🔧 Predictive Maintenance

Algorithms that signal “service this forklift in 10 hours” before it fails—slashing downtime and overtime costs.