Industrial Glossary
Key terms, acronyms, and concepts used in MRO procurement, workplace safety, maintenance operations, and industrial supply chain management.
A
ANSI
Standards & CertificationsAmerican National Standards Institute
A private, non-profit organization that oversees the development of voluntary consensus standards for products, services, and systems in the United States. ANSI standards are widely referenced in industrial safety equipment specifications.
Abrasion Resistance
Materials & ComponentsThe ability of a material to withstand mechanical action such as rubbing, scraping, or erosion that tends to remove material from the surface. Critical specification for gloves, footwear, conveyor belts, and industrial coatings.
Arc Flash
Safety & ComplianceA dangerous electrical explosion that occurs when an electric current flows through an air gap between conductors, creating a bright flash, intense heat (up to 35,000°F), and a pressure wave. Arc-rated PPE is required for workers exposed to arc flash hazards.
B
C
CFM
Tools & EquipmentCubic Feet per Minute
A unit of measurement for the volume of air flow, commonly used to rate air compressors, pneumatic tools, ventilation systems, and dust collection equipment. Matching CFM requirements to tool demands is essential for proper pneumatic system design.
CMMS
Maintenance & OperationsComputerized Maintenance Management System
Software that centralizes maintenance information and facilitates the processes of maintenance operations. CMMS helps organizations manage work orders, schedule preventive maintenance, track spare parts inventory, and generate reports.
D
DDP
Procurement & Supply ChainDelivered Duty Paid
An international trade term (Incoterm) where the seller bears all costs and risks of delivering goods to the buyer's location, including import duties, taxes, and customs clearance. DDP provides the highest level of convenience for the buyer.
Downtime
Maintenance & OperationsA period when a machine, system, or production line is not operational due to equipment failure, maintenance, or other reasons. Unplanned downtime can result in significant production losses and increased costs, making MRO procurement critical.
Durometer
Materials & ComponentsA measurement of the hardness of rubber, elastomer, and polymer materials. Measured on scales such as Shore A (softer) and Shore D (harder). Important specification for O-rings, gaskets, seals, wheels, and vibration dampening products.
F
FOB
Procurement & Supply ChainFree On Board
An international trade term indicating the point at which the seller's responsibility for goods ends and the buyer assumes risk and cost. "FOB Origin" means the buyer takes responsibility once goods leave the seller's facility; "FOB Destination" means the seller bears risk until delivery.
FR
Safety & ComplianceFlame Resistant
A property of materials that resist ignition or self-extinguish when exposed to flame. FR clothing and materials are essential PPE in industries with fire, arc flash, or flash fire hazards such as oil & gas, electrical utilities, and welding.
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I
L
LOTO
Safety & ComplianceLockout/Tagout
A safety procedure used to ensure that dangerous machines and energy sources are properly shut off and not able to be started up again before maintenance or servicing is completed. Required by OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.147.
Lead Time
Procurement & Supply ChainThe total time from placing an order to receiving the goods, including production time, quality inspection, packaging, and shipping transit. Lead time is a critical factor in MRO procurement planning to prevent stockouts and production delays.
M
MOQ
Procurement & Supply ChainMinimum Order Quantity
The lowest quantity of a product that a supplier is willing to sell in a single order. MOQs are common in B2B industrial procurement and can vary significantly between standard catalog items and custom-manufactured products.
MRO
Maintenance & OperationsMaintenance, Repair, and Operations
The category of supplies, equipment, and activities required to keep a facility, plant, or operation running. MRO encompasses everything from replacement parts and lubricants to cleaning supplies, safety equipment, and hand tools.
MTBF
Maintenance & OperationsMean Time Between Failures
A reliability metric that measures the average time elapsed between inherent failures of a mechanical or electronic system during normal operation. Higher MTBF values indicate more reliable equipment. Commonly used in maintenance planning and equipment procurement.
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O
P
PPE
Safety & CompliancePersonal Protective Equipment
Equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards that cause serious workplace injuries and illnesses. PPE includes items such as hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, respirators, high-visibility clothing, and safety footwear.
Preventive Maintenance
Maintenance & OperationsA proactive maintenance strategy that involves regular, planned maintenance activities performed on equipment to reduce the likelihood of failure. Includes routine inspections, lubrication, adjustments, cleaning, and parts replacement on a scheduled basis.
R
REACH
Standards & CertificationsRegistration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals
A European Union regulation addressing the production and use of chemical substances and their potential impact on human health and the environment. Manufacturers and importers must register chemicals produced or imported in quantities above one tonne per year.
RFQ
Procurement & Supply ChainRequest for Quotation
A formal document sent to potential suppliers inviting them to submit a price quote for specified products or services. In B2B industrial procurement, RFQs typically include product specifications, quantities, delivery requirements, and payment terms.
RPM
Tools & EquipmentRevolutions Per Minute
A measure of rotational speed indicating the number of complete turns a rotating object makes per minute. RPM is a key specification for motors, power tools, grinding wheels, drill bits, and rotating machinery. Proper RPM matching prevents tool damage and ensures optimal performance.
RoHS
Standards & CertificationsRestriction of Hazardous Substances
An EU directive that restricts the use of specific hazardous materials (lead, mercury, cadmium, etc.) found in electrical and electronic products. RoHS compliance is mandatory for products sold in the European Union.
S
SDS
Safety & ComplianceSafety Data Sheet
A document that provides detailed information about a chemical product, including its properties, hazards, safe handling procedures, storage requirements, and emergency measures. Required under OSHA Hazard Communication Standard (HCS).
SKU
Procurement & Supply ChainStock Keeping Unit
A unique alphanumeric identifier assigned to a product for inventory management and tracking purposes. Each distinct product (including variations in size, color, or packaging) receives its own SKU to enable accurate stock control and order fulfillment.
T
Tensile Strength
Materials & ComponentsThe maximum stress a material can withstand while being stretched or pulled before breaking, typically measured in PSI or MPa. A key specification for lifting slings, wire rope, chains, bolts, and structural components.
Torque
Tools & EquipmentA rotational force applied to an object, measured in units such as Newton-meters (Nm), foot-pounds (ft-lb), or inch-pounds (in-lb). Torque specifications are critical for proper fastener tightening, power tool selection, and motor sizing in industrial applications.
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