Transportation and Logistics Database Software Key Terms

Learn the terminology used in transportation and logistics database software

Transportation and logistics database software can help to increase productivity and streamline operations for transportation and manufacturing companies. Some functions of the software programs include ensuring compliance with government regulations, assistance with finding carriers or loads, creating routing schedules, managing loads and preparing invoices. Get to know key terminology used in transportation and logistics database software as well as general database terms to compare the various solutions that are available.

Carrier compliance monitoring

Carrier compliance monitoring is a feature of many transportation and logistics database software solutions. It allows companies to investigate carriers before hiring them and monitor current carriers. This reduces legal risk and saves time on finding and validating carriers.

ACE compliance

The Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) is a commercial trade processing system under development by the Department of Homeland Security. ACE will require carriers to submit electronic manifests to United States Customs at specific deadlines before shipments arrive.

Load boards

Load board sites contain databases of manufacturers and direct shippers that have loads available for trucking companies and individual operators. Users can view companies sorted by features such as type of load, location and number of employees. Many load board sites are free, while others require paid membership.

Relational Database Management Systems (RDBMS)

Most transportation and logistics database software uses a relational database management system (RDBMS). RDBMS is a program that allows users to access a relational database. Some popular RDBMS systems include Microsoft SQL server and Oracle.

Client-server architecture

Client-server architecture is a foundation of many database programs. Databases reside on a server in a client-server environment. Computers or workstations normally provide the processing power to open database applications and access the data that is stored on the server. A database software solution that is based on client-server architecture will require a server with enough hard drive capacity to hold the data.

ODBC

Microsoft Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) is an interface that allows external applications, like word processing or spreadsheet programs, to easily access information from various database systems.

Copyright © 2013 Business.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

---