Red Seal Parts Technician study materials
Red Seal Parts Technician study resources

Red Seal Parts Technician key terms

Red Seal Parts Technician · Get comfortable with the vocabulary.

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

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.

Related: Safety Data Sheet (SDS), Lockout/tagout
Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

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.

Related: Personal protective equipment (PPE), Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
Lockout/tagout

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.

Related: Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)

Canada's workplace hazard communication system. It requires labelled hazardous products and accessible Safety Data Sheets so workers understand risks and safe handling.

Related: Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
Work order

A document authorizing a specific repair or service job. It records the customer, vehicle or equipment, requested work, parts used, labour and completion status.

Related: Purchase order (PO)
Parts catalogue

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.

Related: Vehicle identification number (VIN), Interchangeability
Vehicle identification number (VIN)

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.

Related: Parts catalogue
Interchangeability

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.

Related: Supersession, Aftermarket part
Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) 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.

Related: Aftermarket part
Aftermarket part

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.

Related: Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) part, Interchangeability
Supersession

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.

Related: Interchangeability
Unit of measure (UOM)

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.

Related: Reorder point
Safety stock

Extra inventory held above expected demand to cover delays, shortages or sudden spikes. It protects service levels but ties up capital and space.

Related: Reorder point, Lead time
Reorder point

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.

Related: Safety stock, Lead time
Cycle count

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.

Related: Physical inventory count, Shrinkage
Physical inventory count

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.

Related: Cycle count, Shrinkage
Shrinkage

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.

Related: Cycle count, Physical inventory count
Inventory turnover

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.

Related: Obsolescence
Obsolescence

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.

Related: Inventory turnover, First in, first out (FIFO)
Purchase order (PO)

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.

Related: Request for quotation (RFQ), Receiving report
Request for quotation (RFQ)

A buyer's request asking suppliers to state price, availability and terms for specified items. Responses are compared before a purchase order is issued.

Related: Purchase order (PO)
Lead time

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.

Related: Reorder point, Safety stock
Backorder

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.

Related: Lead time
Core charge

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.

Related: Warranty claim
Warranty claim

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.

Related: Core charge, Return merchandise authorization (RMA)
Return merchandise authorization (RMA)

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.

Related: Warranty claim
Bin location

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.

Related: Put-away, Picking
Receiving report

A record noting what was actually delivered, including quantity, condition, date and discrepancies against the purchase order. It supports inventory updates and payment approval.

Related: Packing slip, Purchase order (PO)
Packing slip

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.

Related: Receiving report, Bill of lading
Bill of lading

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.

Related: Packing slip
Put-away

The process of moving received stock to its assigned storage location and recording the move. Correct put-away keeps inventory findable and prevents mispicks.

Related: Bin location, Picking
Picking

Selecting and collecting the items listed on an order from their storage locations. Accurate picking depends on clear labels, correct quantities and good housekeeping.

Related: Bin location, Put-away
First in, first out (FIFO)

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.

Related: Obsolescence
Counter sale

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.

Related: Quotation
Quotation

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.

Related: Counter sale
Merchandising

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.

Related: Counter sale