Glossary of Terms

You may find some unfamiliar terms from the world of manufacturing*, workforce development or labor relations in the case studies or in your exploration of manufacturing partnerships in unionized settings.  This glossary defines some of the most common of these terms.

MANUFACTURING TERMS

agile manufacturing.  The application of flexible automation of production systems.

auditor.  A trained, independent person or team that performs a quality audit.

benchmarking.  The process of identifying, sharing, and using the performance of industry leaders to measure improvement.

bottleneck.  The point at which the production rate restricts the flow of materials.

capacity.  The maximum rate at which inputs can be transformed to create outputs during a process.

composite.  The combination of two or more distinct types of materials to create a new, superior material that has properties the original materials do not have.

computer numerical control (CNC).  A system that can program a power tool to operate without the need for a person to perform every operation.

die.  A device used to shape metals into a certain form.  The metal is forced into dies using high pressure.

discrete manufacturing.  The process of shaping materials into individual finished products or into parts of other products.  Also called parts manufacturing.

downstream.  Those workstations closer to the end of the production process.

empowerment.  Increasing workers’ responsibility for operational decision-making.  Unions often demand that this be accompanied by an increase in the ratio of union members to managerial and supervisory staff.

ergonomics.  The science of designing and arranging tools people use to avoid injury through repetition.

ferrous metals.  Metals containing iron.

flow chart.  A visual representation of a process in a step-by-step format.

forecast.  A projection of future demand for a product.

frontline workers.  All of the people who work to produce a product or whose work supports production.

high-performance manufacturing.  Combines a highly skilled and empowered workforce, advanced technology, and new ways of working to achieve superior levels of quality, customer satisfaction, and efficiency

hot work.  Any process that creates sparks or involves heat or open flame.

industrial chemicals.  Chemicals produced in large volume in chemical processing plants and used for making plastics, solvents, and other products.

inspection.  An assessment activity that compares the quality of a specific product with a standard value; taking a measurement and comparing it to a standard.

inventory.  Materials in storage.

job safety analysis (JSA).  A process of planning the best methods of integrating safety into the way a job is done.

just-in-time (JIT) production.  A manufacturing practice that uses a pull system to bring material to a workstation just as work is completed on the previous batch of material.

kaizen.  The Japanese term meaning “continuous improvement.”

kanban.  A signal that indicates that material is needed at the next workstation.  Kanban is the Japanese word for “card.”

lead time.  The time between the sending of an order to the supplier and the receipt of the product.

lean manufacturing.  A system that identifies and eliminates all activities that do not add value to the product (i.e., waste) during the manufacturing process, from customer order to delivery.

logistics.  The movement of materials and products, both within a plant and into and out of the plant.

maintenance repair and operations (MRO) inventory.  Machine parts and tools related to keep the production system working.

manufacturing.  The process of changing raw or processed materials into products people can use.

manufacturing resources planning (MRP II).  A planning tool that expands MRP to include other departments in planning production.

mass production.  The process of manufacturing huge numbers of the same product at a relatively low cost.

nanotechnology.  A branch of engineering that designs and creates machines and materials at the molecular level.

net-shape manufacturing.  Forming a part or product with only one process.

non-ferrous metals.  Metals that contain little or no iron.

Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA).  The primary government agency devoted to workplace safety.  OSHA‘s mission is to ensure the safety and health of America’s workers by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; and encouraging continual improvement of workplace safety and health.

outsourcing.  This term describes an arrangement in which one company provides services and/or products for another company that could be, or historically have been, provided in house. 

onshore outsourcing or domestic outsourcing.  This term refers to a business obtaining services and/or products from outside the company but within the same country.

offshore outsourcing or offshoring. This term describes the practice of obtaining services from people or companies outside the country. 

nearshore outsourcing. A form of offshoring, this term is used to refer to the practice of getting work done or services performed by people in neighboring countries (e.g. Canada, Mexico) rather than in your own country.

packaging.  The process of using materials to contain, protect and display a product during handling, storage and shipping.

parts manufacturing. The process of shaping materials into individual finished products or into parts of other products.  Also called discrete manufacturing.

plastics.  Manufactured polymer substances that are liquid or moldable during processing but are solid as a final material.

poka yoke.  Japanese term for “mistake proofing.”

pressing.  A process in which a heavy weight is lowered onto a material to squeeze out the liquid.

preventative maintenance (PM).  The planned maintenance of equipment that is designed to improve equipment life and avoid any unplanned interruptions of production.

process manufacturing.  Changing the nature of ingredients by applying heat or pressure, or by mixing, separating, or chemical reactions.

production.  All of the activities involved in the making, assembling, packaging and distribution of manufactured goods.

production process.  Any operation or technique used to transform materials into products.

product life cycle (PLC).  The change in demand for a particular product over time.

productivity.  The measure of how efficiently goods are produced.

project team.  A team that focuses on a single major issue of concern to the plant, such as plant safety, production quality, or new product design.

prototype.  A full-scale, functioning model of a product.

quality.  A product meets or exceeds the expectations and the needs of the customer.

quality assessment.  A company-wide review of the status of quality.

quality audit.  An independent review that compares some aspect of quality performance with the standard for that performance.

quality control.  A process that measures process output and compares it with a standard.  It then corrects deviations from that standard.

quality management system.  A plan that focuses the efforts of an organization on the quality of their products and meeting customer needs.

quality planning.  Designing a process that is capable of meeting quality standards.

quality team.  A project team that brings together people from various parts of a process to implement improvements.

secondary processing.  Turning materials into products people can use.

Six Sigma.  A set of quality management tools that uses a statistical data approach to reduce defects and improve and maintain quality.

specialty chemicals.  Chemicals produced in much smaller quantities for use in making pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and other products that are used in small volumes.  They are often made in laboratories and other small plant facilities.

standard operating procedure (SOP).  The step-by-step instructions for carrying out a specific process; a document that provides a complete set of instructions to perform a certain task and a written description of the procedure.

statistical process control (SPC).  An evaluation of process data, using statistical methods, to determine whether a process is in control.

suppliers.  Companies that make and sell the parts, materials and machines to the manufacturer that are used to make consumer goods.  Also called vendors.

supply chain.  The sequence of suppliers and processes that result in providing the product to the final customer.

supply chain management.  The coordination of supply chain elements to maximize efficiency and cut costs.

team.  A group of people who work together toward a common goal, to complete a specific task within a specific timeframe.

technical manual.  A document, usually prepared by the equipment manufacturer, that includes operating and maintenance information.

total quality management (TQM).  A quality management system built around an effort to improve quality, involve everyone in the organization, and most importantly, ensure customer satisfaction.

tool.  A hand or power device used by one person to perform one operation at a time.

torsion strength.  The measurement of how well a material can resist twisting.

upstream.  Those workstations close to the beginning of the production process.

welding.  A process that uses heat, and sometimes pressure, to melt metal to form joints that hold parts together.

wheel chock.  A block placed in front of the back wheels of a truck or trailer to prevent the vehicle from moving away from the dock during loading and unloading.

work flow.  The movement of materials through the production process.

work-in-process (WIP) inventory.  The materials and assemblies being worked on or awaiting processing within the operations area.

workstation.  A place where a specific task is done.

work team.  A group of workers responsible for a product or a stage of the manufacturing process.

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT TERMS

accredited.  Officially recognized as maintaining standards that qualify students for more education or for work in a certain profession.

apprenticeship.  A training program that combines classroom instruction with actual work experience under the guidance of a skilled worker. See also Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee.

assessment.   Multiple tools for documenting a person's existing knowledge and skills and/or determining additional training needs.  Assessments may be written, standardized tests or online examinations for academic or occupational knowledge and skills.  In the manufacturing arena, assessments may also be in the form of simulations or hands-on demonstration of occupational knowledge and skills.

certification.  The process of demonstrating that you are qualified to work in a certain field, because you have fulfilled the requirements of that field.

Community-Based Organization (CBO).  A term used to describe private nonprofit organizations that are representative of a community or a specific segment of it.

customized training.  The workforce system’s definition of company-specific training where the half of the cost of training can be funded by the public system.
e-learning (electronic learning). Term covering a wide set of applications and processes, such as Web-based learning, computer-based learning, virtual classrooms, and digital collaboration. It includes the delivery of content via Internet, intranet/extranet, audio- and videotape, satellite broadcast, interactive TV, CD-ROM, and more.

Employment and Training Administration (ETA).  The agency within the United States Department of Labor that governs the workforce system, apprenticeship, and foreign labor certifications.

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).  Training delivered to non-native English speakers designed to improve their proficiency and command of the English language.

Faith-Based Organization (FBO).  A community-based organization with a specific religious affiliation. 

Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC or JAC).  The governing entity for a training program, comprised of equal representatives of employers and labor, usually referred to as trustees, particularly in a formal Taft-Hartley trust fund.

Individual Training Account (ITA).  The voucher given to a worker (after an eligibility determination has been made) in the workforce system that is redeemable for intensive and training services from providers on an approved list.

journeyman or journeyperson.  Workers in a traditional craft who have gone through an apprenticeship and mastered the type of work involved in the craft (e.g., journeyman electrician).

limited English proficiency (LEP).  Training targeted at improving a trainee’s ability to use the English language, usually intended for speakers of other languages.

on-the-job training (OJT).  The opportunity to learn relevant skills while working. The “earn while you learn” system of training.  Under some circumstances, the public workforce system will pay half a worker’s salary for six months during OJT training.

skill standards.  Standards that describe the knowledge, skills and performance needed for success in the workplace

training matrix.  A tool used to place workers with jobs.

training needs assessment.  A process undertaken to identify gaps between what is supposed to happen and what actually happens.

vocational English for speakers of other languages (VESOL).  An alternative term for ESL that refers to English language instruction in a vocational context, generally designed to support a worker’s entry or progress in the workforce.

Workforce Investment Act (WIA).  The 1998 legislation that governs the nation’s public system of job-related training.

LABOR AND LABOR RELATIONS TERMS

AFL-CIO.  Name of the voluntary federation of 53 national and international unions created in 1955 by the merger of the American Federation of Labor and the Congress of Industrial Organizations.

arbitration.  A contractually agreed to conflict resolution process in which a third party makes a binding and final decision about how to resolve the problem. 

bumping.  Exercise of seniority rights by longer-service workers to displace junior employees, usually in the case of layoffs.  

business representative (Business Rep or BR).  A local union officer who handles business matters; monitors and negotiates contracts; enrolls new members; investigates complaints of members; negotiates with employers; and generally administers the union's affairs. May be either elected or appointed.

Central Labor Council (CLC).  The local federation of labor, chartered by the national AFL-CIO, where local unions voluntarily coalesce to advocate for workers at the municipal, county, or regional level.

collective bargaining.  A negotiating process – regulated by national and/or state or local laws –used by workers and employers to determine wages, hours and employment conditions.

cost of living adjustment (COLA).  Raising or lowering wages or salaries in accordance with changes in the cost of living as measured by a designated index; in collective bargaining agreements, usually Consumer Price Index (CPI).

exclusive bargaining rights.Right of the union designated as bargaining representative by a majority of the employees in the appropriate bargaining unit to bargain collectively for all employees in the unit.

grievance.  A dispute or a difference between the company and the union, usually a violation of the union contract, although sometimes the parties agree that a violation of a law affecting labor, and/or unjust, unequal treatment of a worker by management, can also be considered a grievance.

health and welfare plan.  Plan providing health and sometimes dental and/or vision insurance.

hiring hall.  Headquarters from which employer requests for workers are filled in those circumstances where the union takes responsibility for providing workers for one or more employers.  A hiring hall is typically operated by a union alone but it may also be operated jointly by an employer and union. Manufacturing unions do not typically operate hiring halls.

International union.  Many unions in the United States represent workers in Canada as well.  They therefore consider themselves international unions.

jurisdictional dispute.  A conflict involving a dispute between two unions as to which should represent a group of employees, or as to which union's members shall perform a certain type of work.

Labor Management Relations Act of 1947 (Taft-Hartley Act). Federal law that: amends the National Labor Relations Act to regulate some union activities; authorizes lawsuits for collective bargaining violations and certain strikes and boycotts; and establishes procedures for trying to settle national emergency strikes.

Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 (Landrum-Griffin Act).  Federal statute that imposes controls on unions to protect rights of individual members; requires the filing of reports by unions, employers, and labor relations consultants; and amends the National Labor Relations Act to impose tighter restrictions on strikes, picketing and boycotts.

local union.  The basic unit in most union organizations. In national or international unions, the local union adopts its own constitution and bylaws and elects its own officers, but is chartered by the international or national union with which it is affiliated.  Many manufacturing employers have more than one union local representing its employees; they may be more than one local of the same national union, or local unions of different national unions. 

mediation.  A non-binding conflict resolution process in which a neutral third party listens to both parties and makes suggestions for solving the problem.

National Labor Relations Act (NLRA).  Primary federal labor law, enacted in 1935 and originally known as the Wagner Act, that guarantees workers in industries affecting interstate commerce the right to organize a union, to bargain collectively, and to engage in concerted (collective) activities.

National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).   Board established by National Labor Relations Act to govern and enforce elements of the Act, to conduct union representation elections and hearings, and to determine unfair labor practice charges arising under the statute.

National Mediation Board (NMB).  The NMB, created by amendments in the 1930s to the National Railway Act, is an independent agency that plays a key role in mediating dispute resolution processes and promoting harmonious labor relations in two key transportation sectors of the economy: railroads and airlines.

proprietary information.  Information that legally belongs to a company.

reopener clause.  Clause in a collective bargaining agreement providing for reopening negotiations on just some specific provisions – usually (but not exclusively) on wages, during the term of the agreement.

safety committee.  An officially recognized group of frontline workers (sometimes jointly with managers) charged with the responsibility of enforcing safety standards or with suggesting new safety precautions and procedures.

seniority.  The status of an employee relative to other employees in regard to their length of service.  Unions and employers negotiate over the rights and benefits that will be affected by seniority.  They may agree that seniority will affect order for layoffs, consideration for promotions, vacation scheduling, etc.  .
 
workers compensation.  Financial assistance employers must provide by law to workers who are injured on the job.  If includes medical expenses and lost wages if the worker cannot work.