DICTIONARIES
Logistics Data Standardisation with Dictionaries
Different input values. One consistent output.
Logichainge Dictionaries standardise logistics order data by translating different incoming values into the exact values or codes expected by your operational systems. A dictionary can be linked to a specific data field, allowing variations in customer terminology to be converted automatically into one consistent output format. Moreover, a dictionary can retrieve data for a field based on data in some other fields.
This allows Logichainge to accept the way different clients describe their logistics data without requiring your TMS, ERP or other connected systems to understand every possible variation.
What is a dictionary?
A Dictionary is a configurable set of relationships between incoming values and the output values expected by your systems. Dictionaries are linked to individual data fields and are used to convert variations in terminology, descriptions or codes into a consistent output value.
For example, different clients may describe the same cargo unit as “Euro pallet”, “Europallet”, “EUR pallet” or “EPAL”. If your system expects one specific value, the dictionary can map those variations to that required output automatically.
Alternatively, dictionaries can serve as lookup tables for if-this-then-that scenarios. For example, if the loading city is Venlo, use "One-way pallet".
Finally, a dictionary can be set up to limit the possible input values for a field. For example, limit incoterms to only allow DAP, DDP or EXW.
What can be configured?
Input variations
Define the different values that may represent the same logistics concept.
Standard output values
Define the exact value or code that should be delivered to the customer's operational system.
If-this-then-that-relations
Link multiple fields to a multi-column dictionary and combine mixed input and output.
Limited output options
Define a list of allowed values for the system to choose from.
Why does logistics data need to be standardised?
Logistics companies often receive the same information in many different formats. Different clients may use their own descriptions, abbreviations, codes or naming conventions even when they are referring to exactly the same operational value.
That variation becomes a problem when the receiving TMS, ERP or other system expects one specific code or format. Without standardisation, employees may need to interpret and correct these values manually before an order can continue through the process.
Dictionaries allow Logichainge to accept these different input values while still producing consistent data for the customer's systems.
What do dictionaries improve?
Consistent logistics data
Convert different descriptions and codes into one standard representation before data reaches downstream systems.
Fewer manual corrections
Reduce the need for employees to repeatedly translate customer terminology into internal system values.
Easier multi-client processing
Accept different terminology from different clients while maintaining one consistent output format.
Better system compatibility
Deliver order data using the values and codes expected by your existing TMS, ERP, WMS or other connected systems.
Dictionaries allow customer-facing flexibility on the input side while maintaining strict consistency on the output side.