Red Seal Parts Technician key terms
Red Seal Parts Technician · Get comfortable with the vocabulary.
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Related: Safety Data Sheet (SDS), Lockout/tagout
Equipment such as gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection and steel-toed boots worn to reduce exposure to workplace hazards. Parts technicians use it when handling batteries, chemicals, sharp components or heavy stock.
- Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
- Related: Personal protective equipment (PPE), Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
A standardized document supplied by a manufacturer that lists a product's hazards, safe handling, first-aid measures and spill response. Workers consult it before using or storing chemicals such as cleaners, solvents or refrigerants.
- Lockout/tagout
- Related: Personal protective equipment (PPE)
A safety procedure that isolates energy sources and applies locks and warning tags before maintenance or repair. It prevents equipment from being started while a technician is working on it.
- Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
- Related: Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Canada's workplace hazard communication system. It requires labelled hazardous products and accessible Safety Data Sheets so workers understand risks and safe handling.
- Work order
- Related: Purchase order (PO)
A document authorizing a specific repair or service job. It records the customer, vehicle or equipment, requested work, parts used, labour and completion status.
- Parts catalogue
- Related: Vehicle identification number (VIN), Interchangeability
A reference, printed or electronic, that lists parts by application with descriptions, illustrations and identifying numbers. Technicians use it to find the correct replacement component for a specific vehicle or machine.
- Vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Related: Parts catalogue
A unique 17-character code assigned to a vehicle that identifies make, model, model year, engine and production details. It helps confirm the correct parts before ordering.
- Interchangeability
- Related: Supersession, Aftermarket part
The condition in which one part can replace another and function correctly without modification. Interchange lists cross-reference original and alternate numbers so counter staff can offer a suitable substitute.
- Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) part
- Related: Aftermarket part
A component manufactured or approved by the original equipment manufacturer and sold under its brand. It is designed to match factory specifications for fit and performance.
- Aftermarket part
- Related: Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) part, Interchangeability
A component produced by a company other than the original equipment manufacturer. Quality and fit vary, so technicians compare specifications and warranty terms before substituting it.
- Supersession
- Related: Interchangeability
A manufacturer's replacement of an old part number with a new one, often because the original design changed or was discontinued. Catalogues show the current number so orders are not rejected.
- Unit of measure (UOM)
- Related: Reorder point
The standard quantity in which an item is stocked, priced or sold, such as each, litre, metre, box or case. Matching the UOM prevents ordering or billing errors.
- Safety stock
- Related: Reorder point, Lead time
Extra inventory held above expected demand to cover delays, shortages or sudden spikes. It protects service levels but ties up capital and space.
- Reorder point
- Related: Safety stock, Lead time
The stock level that triggers a new order. It is set so that normal demand during supplier lead time is covered before the replenishment arrives.
- Cycle count
- Related: Physical inventory count, Shrinkage
A scheduled count of selected items or locations during normal operations rather than a full shutdown. Frequent small counts find errors early and reduce disruption.
- Physical inventory count
- Related: Cycle count, Shrinkage
A complete manual count of all stock on hand at a specific date. Results are compared with records to correct errors and value the inventory.
- Shrinkage
- Related: Cycle count, Physical inventory count
The difference between recorded inventory and actual stock, caused by theft, damage, misplacement, paperwork errors or supplier short-shipments. It reduces profit and must be investigated.
- Inventory turnover
- Related: Obsolescence
A measure of how often stock is sold and replaced over a period, usually cost of goods sold divided by average inventory. Higher turnover generally means fresher stock and less tied-up cash.
- Obsolescence
- Related: Inventory turnover, First in, first out (FIFO)
Stock that can no longer be sold or used because designs changed, demand disappeared or the item expired. It should be identified, discounted, returned or written off.
- Purchase order (PO)
- Related: Request for quotation (RFQ), Receiving report
A formal buyer document that authorizes a supplier to supply specified goods at agreed prices, quantities and terms. It becomes a legal record for receiving and payment.
- Request for quotation (RFQ)
- Related: Purchase order (PO)
A buyer's request asking suppliers to state price, availability and terms for specified items. Responses are compared before a purchase order is issued.
- Lead time
- Related: Reorder point, Safety stock
The total time from placing an order to receiving the goods. It includes supplier processing, manufacturing, transit and receiving, and drives reorder points and customer promises.
- Backorder
- Related: Lead time
An order for an item that is temporarily out of stock and will be supplied when replenishment arrives. The customer must be told the expected date and any partial shipment.
- Core charge
- Related: Warranty claim
A refundable deposit added to the price of a rebuilt part and returned when the old unit is sent back. It encourages recycling and ensures rebuildable cores are available.
- Warranty claim
- Related: Core charge, Return merchandise authorization (RMA)
A request to a supplier or manufacturer to repair, replace or credit a part that failed within the stated warranty period. Documentation of purchase date, installation and failure is required.
- Return merchandise authorization (RMA)
- Related: Warranty claim
A supplier-issued approval number or document required before returning goods. It identifies the reason, quantity and credit terms and helps the supplier process the return.
- Bin location
- Related: Put-away, Picking
A labeled storage position, such as aisle, rack and shelf, where a specific part is kept. Accurate locations speed picking and make cycle counts easier.
- Receiving report
- Related: Packing slip, Purchase order (PO)
A record noting what was actually delivered, including quantity, condition, date and discrepancies against the purchase order. It supports inventory updates and payment approval.
- Packing slip
- Related: Receiving report, Bill of lading
A supplier document inside the shipment listing items and quantities sent. It is checked against the purchase order and receiving report but is not a freight contract.
- Bill of lading
- Related: Packing slip
A shipping document that acts as a receipt from the carrier and describes the goods, origin, destination and freight terms. It is important for claims and tracking.
- Put-away
- Related: Bin location, Picking
The process of moving received stock to its assigned storage location and recording the move. Correct put-away keeps inventory findable and prevents mispicks.
- Picking
- Related: Bin location, Put-away
Selecting and collecting the items listed on an order from their storage locations. Accurate picking depends on clear labels, correct quantities and good housekeeping.
- First in, first out (FIFO)
- Related: Obsolescence
A stock rotation rule in which the oldest inventory is sold or used first. It reduces spoilage, obsolescence and warranty risk for dated or superseded parts.
- Counter sale
- Related: Quotation
A transaction completed in person at the parts counter, often involving immediate payment and carry-out. Staff must confirm application, price and warranty before finalizing.
- Quotation
- Related: Counter sale
A written or verbal offer stating price, availability and terms for goods, usually valid for a limited period. It is not a confirmed order until the customer accepts.
- Merchandising
- Related: Counter sale
The way products are arranged, labeled and promoted in a store to attract customers and increase sales. Clear displays help buyers find parts and compare options.