Ball transfer table - Another form of gravity conveyor that utilizes balls rotating in sockets over which the load is passed and thereby easing effort of movement. Another form of gravity conveyor that utilizes balls rotating in sockets over which the load is passed and thereby easing effort of movement.

Bar code (or barcoding) - Utilizes a system of printed bars that are able to be scanned and enables the user to identify a part or parcel. Used in conjunction with a laser scanner and serves to increase accuracy and speed of product identification.

Bar code reader - A device used to identify and read a bar code symbol.

Batch pick - The combining of a group of order requirements by SKU into a single picking activity to optimize productivity by allowing one picker to select all the ordered merchandise within a predetermined group with one trip through the pick path. Batch picking requires subsequent mechanical or manual sorting of the merchandise to reestablish order integrity before shipping.

Belt conveyor - A conveyor that utilizes endless belts, made from fabric, rubber, plastic, leather, or metal, energized by drives and operating over those drives, tail ends, bend terminals, belt idlers or slider bed. Handles bulk materials, packages and any object placed directly on the belt.

Bin pallet - A four-sided superstructure that is mounted on a pallet base, with or without a cover. Also known as a box or container bin pallet.

Bins - A box, frame, crib or enclosed container used to store or ship goods.
Block pallet - A pallet designed with blocks of material between the pallet decks or beneath the top deck that serve as strengtheners and posts.

Box girder crane - An overhead traveling crane that utilizes a "box" configuration in fabricating the bridge girder. This box girder design incorporates a four-sided box with a running surface plate for the hoist trolley attached to the bottom of the box. The advantage of the box girder is that it possesses greater loading capabilities and is able to span greater bridge distances. Generally utilized in pairs with the hoisting mechanism operating on rails attached to the top of each box girder.

Bridge Crane - A lifting and horizontal movement device mounted on a "bridge" of one or more horizontal girders (bridge girders) which are supported at either end by trucks (end trucks). These trucks are attached at right angles to the girders and move on runways which are attached to a building's columns, overhead trusses, frames, or via a free standing system of columns.

Buffering - The process of storing "back-up" or reserve stock/inventory to absorb expected variations in usage between the time reorder action is initiated and the first part of new orders is received in stock.

Bulk bin - Plastic or metal bins that are designed to handle larger or "bulk" quantities of materials or merchandise. Bulk bins tend to large in size, relative to other types of bins, and are generally designed to be higher capacity in terms of load capabilities.

Bulk storage - The process of housing or storing materials and packages in larger quantities, generally using the original packaging or shipping containers or boxes.