THE DOT | REFERENCE
Glossary of Terms

Print Terms

Offset Printing
Offset printing is a high-volume print method where ink is transferred from a plate to a rubber blanket and then onto paper. It's ideal for large print runs requiring consistent color, sharp detail, and cost-efficiency at scale.
Digital Printing
Digital printing uses toner or inkjet technology to print directly from a digital file. It's perfect for shorter runs, faster turnarounds, and personalized printing like variable data.
Variable Data Printing (VDP)
Variable Data Printing is a digital technique that allows text, images, or graphics to change from one printed piece to the next, ideal for personalized mailers, names, addresses, offers, or QR codes.
CMYK
CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black, the four ink colors used in full-color (process) printing. These colors combine to produce a wide range of printed hues.
Pantone (PMS) Colors
Pantone Matching System (PMS) colors are standardized ink colors used in branding and printing to ensure color consistency across different materials and devices.
Bindery
Bindery refers to the finishing processes applied after printing, including folding, cutting, stitching, gluing, and binding. These steps turn printed sheets into polished final products.
Saddle Stitching
Saddle stitching is a common bookbinding method that uses staples along the spine of folded sheets. It's typically used for booklets, catalogs, and small magazines.
Perfect Binding
Perfect binding is a method where the pages and cover are glued together at the spine. It's used for thicker books, reports, or magazines with a professional, clean finish.
Die-Cutting
Die-cutting is a finishing process that uses a metal die to cut printed materials into custom shapes, like rounded corners, windows, or promotional packaging designs.
Bleed
A bleed is the area beyond the trim edge of a printed piece. Designs are extended past this edge to ensure no white borders appear after cutting.
Safe Zone (or Margin)
The safe zone is the area inside the trim line where all critical design elements, like text and logos, should be placed to avoid being cut off.
Substrate
Substrate refers to the material being printed on, such as paper, vinyl, fabric, plastic, or board. Choosing the right substrate is crucial for durability, finish, and application.
Paper Weight
Paper weight indicates the thickness or heaviness of paper, usually measured in pounds (text or cover weight) or GSM (grams per square meter). It affects feel, durability, and mailing costs.
Coating
Coating refers to the finish applied to a printed piece, such as gloss, matte, satin, or UV. Coatings can protect the surface and enhance the visual appearance.
Aqueous Coating
A water-based coating applied during printing to protect against smudging and provide a soft sheen, often used on brochures, postcards, and folders.
UV Coating
UV coating is a high-gloss, durable finish that's cured using ultraviolet light. It adds shine and protection to business cards, covers, and marketing materials.
Spot UV
Spot UV is a technique where UV coating is applied only to specific areas of a design, such as logos or titles, to add contrast and visual interest.
Large Format Printing
Large format printing refers to printing oversized graphics such as banners, signs, posters, and window decals. It's commonly used for events, retail, and tradeshow displays.
G7 Certification
G7 Certification is a color management standard that ensures color accuracy across different printing devices and materials. A G7 printer like The Dot ensures visual consistency from proof to press.
FSC Certified Paper
FSC Certified Paper comes from responsibly managed forests. Choosing FSC-certified materials supports sustainability and environmentally conscious printing practices.
Print-Ready File
A print-ready file is a digital design file formatted with correct resolution, color mode (CMYK), bleed, and fonts embedded, ready to go straight to press without additional edits.

Fulfillment Terms

Fulfillment
Fulfillment is the complete process of receiving, storing, packing, and shipping products to customers. At The Dot, we offer scalable fulfillment services tailored for eCommerce, retail, and healthcare clients.
WMS (Warehouse Management System)
A Warehouse Management System is specialized software that manages and optimizes daily warehouse operations. It tracks inventory locations, guides picking and packing, manages stock rotation, and improves order accuracy. At The Dot, our WMS provides real-time visibility into product movement, helping clients reduce errors and increase efficiency.
3PL (Third-Party Logistics)
A 3PL provider manages outsourced logistics services, including warehousing, order processing, and shipping. Partnering with a 3PL like The Dot allows companies to streamline operations and scale without managing their own distribution network.
Pick and Pack
Pick and pack is the process of selecting individual items from inventory and packaging them for shipment. It's a core function of eCommerce and direct-to-consumer fulfillment.
Kitting
Kitting refers to assembling multiple items into a single packaged unit, commonly used for subscription boxes, gift sets, or medical procedure kits. Each kit is prepped, packed, and shipped as a single order.
Assembly Services
Assembly services involve combining or preparing components, like folding boxes, inserting literature, or bundling products before they are packed or kitted.
Inventory Management
Inventory management is the tracking and control of product quantities across storage locations. It ensures accurate stock levels, reduces shrinkage, and supports real-time order fulfillment.
OMS (Order Management System)
An Order Management System is software that handles the flow of customer orders from placement through delivery. It tracks order status, inventory, shipping, and returns.
Lead Time
Lead time refers to the amount of time it takes to process and ship an order once it's received. Keeping lead times low is essential for customer satisfaction and efficient operations.
Backorder
A backorder occurs when an item is temporarily out of stock but still available for purchase. Backordered items are fulfilled as soon as inventory is replenished.
SKU (Stock Keeping Unit)
A SKU is a unique identifier assigned to a product to track inventory. Each product variant (size, color, etc.) typically has its own SKU.
Lot Tracking
Lot tracking is the ability to trace specific groups of inventories by production batch. It's often used in healthcare, food, and regulated industries to ensure traceability and recall accuracy.
Real-Time Inventory
Real-time inventory systems provide up-to-the-minute visibility into product availability, helping prevent overselling and stockouts across sales channels.
Returns Processing (Reverse Logistics)
Returns processing includes receiving, inspecting, restocking, or disposing of returned products. A good returns process helps protect brand reputation and customer satisfaction.
Shipping Zones
Shipping zones are geographic regions defined by carriers like UPS or USPS. The zone affects shipping speed and cost, especially for ground services.
Dimensional Weight (DIM Weight)
Dimensional weight is a pricing method used by carriers based on package volume rather than weight. Efficient packing helps reduce shipping costs under DIM pricing.
Freight Forwarding
Freight forwarding is the coordination of long-distance shipments (often international) via trucking, air, or sea. It involves scheduling, documentation, and carrier selection.
Cross-Docking
Cross-docking is a logistics method where inbound shipments are directly transferred to outbound trucks with little or no storage time, speeding up the supply chain.
Cycle Counting
Cycle counting is an inventory auditing method where a small portion of inventory is counted on a rotating schedule to ensure accuracy without shutting down operations.

Promo Terms

Promotional Products
Promotional products are branded items, like drinkware, apparel, notebooks, bags, and tech accessories, used to promote a brand, event, or message. They're often distributed as giveaways or gifts to boost awareness and engagement.
Swag
Swag is a casual term for promotional merchandise, typically given away at events, conferences, or as part of employee or client gifting campaigns. Think "Stuff We All Get."
Kitting (Promo)
Promo kitting is the process of assembling multiple branded items into a themed or custom-designed kit. It's perfect for welcome boxes, influencer mailers, client gifts, and event takeaways.
On-Demand Store
An on-demand store is a custom eCommerce platform where employees, clients, or partners can order branded merchandise. These stores are often used for company uniforms, incentive programs, or marketing materials.
Company Store
A company store is a curated catalog of pre-approved branded items available through a private online portal. The Dot can manage product sourcing, inventory, ordering, and fulfillment.
Decoration Methods
Decoration methods refer to the techniques used to brand promotional items. Common methods include screen printing, embroidery, laser engraving, debossing, sublimation, and heat transfer.
Screen Printing
Screen printing is a popular decoration method where ink is pressed through a mesh screen onto a product's surface. It's commonly used on apparel and tote bags.
Embroidery
Embroidery is the process of stitching a design or logo onto fabric using thread. It gives branded apparel a polished, professional look.
Laser Engraving
Laser engraving uses a laser to etch a design onto the surface of a product, like metal or wood. It creates a durable, high-end finish ideal for drinkware and executive gifts.
Debossing
Debossing is a technique that presses a design into the surface of a material, creating a subtle, indented logo. It's often used on leather, journals, and packaging.
Sublimation Printing
Sublimation is a digital printing process that uses heat to transfer dye into fabric or coated surfaces. It's great for full-color designs on apparel, mugs, and lanyards.
Heat Transfer
Heat transfer printing involves applying a design onto a product using heat and pressure. It's commonly used on performance fabrics and smaller print runs.
Drop Shipping (Promo)
Drop shipping allows branded products to be sent directly from the supplier to the recipient without going through a central warehouse. It's ideal for custom gifts and remote teams.
MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity)
MOQ refers to the smallest number of units required to place a custom order. MOQs vary depending on the product and decoration method.
Proof
A proof is a mock-up of how your logo or artwork will appear on a product. It's provided for review and approval before production begins.
Setup Fee
A setup fee is a one-time charge to prepare artwork and equipment for printing or decorating a custom product.
Vector File
A vector file is a type of graphic file (such as .AI, .EPS, or .SVG) that can be scaled to any size without losing quality. It's required for most promotional product artwork.
Pantone (PMS) Matching
Pantone Matching ensures that a printed logo or design uses the exact same color every time, across different products and print methods.
Fulfillment (Promo)
Fulfillment in promo refers to the storage, assembly, packaging, and shipping of branded merchandise. The Dot offers full-service promo fulfillment, including inventory tracking and kitting.

Direct Mail Terms

Direct Mail
Direct mail is a marketing strategy that delivers printed materials, like postcards, letters, self-mailers, or catalogs directly to a recipient's mailbox. It remains one of the most effective ways to engage audiences with a physical, tangible touchpoint.
EDDM (Every Door Direct Mail)
Every Door Direct Mail is a USPS program that allows businesses to target entire neighborhoods without a specific mailing list. It's ideal for local promotions, service-area marketing, and retail outreach.
Presorting
Presorting is the process of organizing mail by ZIP code or delivery route before it's handed off to USPS. It helps qualify mail for discounted postage rates and faster delivery.
First-Class Mail
First-Class Mail is a fast, reliable USPS service typically used for letters, postcards, and smaller mailers. It includes forwarding and return services and is ideal for personalized or time-sensitive mail.
Marketing Mail (Standard Mail)
Marketing Mail is a USPS service for bulk mailings of promotional materials. It's more cost-effective than First-Class but has a longer delivery window and fewer forwarding services.
Mail List Acquisition
Mail list acquisition is the process of obtaining a targeted mailing list based on specific demographics, geography, or behaviors to reach the right audience for your campaign.
Mail List Hygiene
Mail list hygiene refers to cleaning and updating mailing lists to remove duplicates, fix formatting, and eliminate undeliverable addresses, improving deliverability and campaign ROI.
CASS Certification
CASS (Coding Accuracy Support System) Certification validates and corrects addresses to meet USPS standards, reducing returned mail and ensuring accurate delivery.
NCOA (National Change of Address)
NCOA is a USPS database used to update mailing lists with new addresses when recipients move. Regular NCOA processing keeps lists current and mailable.
Variable Data Printing (VDP)
Variable Data Printing allows each piece in a print run to include personalized elements, like the recipient's name, address, or a tailored offer, boosting engagement and response rates.
Personalization
Personalization in direct mail refers to customizing content based on the recipient's name, preferences, or behavior. It makes mail more relevant and impactful.
Self-Mailer
A self-mailer is a folded, sealed piece that doesn't require an envelope. It's commonly used for promotions, announcements, or coupons.
Postcard Mailer
A postcard mailer is a single flat card, often used for quick-hit promotions, event invites, or real estate updates. It's cost-effective and easy to produce.
Inserting
Inserting is the process of placing printed materials like letters, brochures, or reply cards into envelopes for mailing.
Indicia
An indicia is a preprinted marking in place of a stamp, used to show that postage has been paid via a bulk mailing permit.
Mail Permit
A mail permit is a USPS authorization that allows a company to send bulk mail at discounted rates. The Dot uses its own permits to help streamline mailings for clients.
Drop Date
A drop date is the date mail is handed off to USPS for processing. It's critical for planning time-sensitive campaigns or coordinating with digital efforts.
House List
A house list is a mailing list composed of a company's own customers, leads, or subscribers. It typically yields higher response rates than purchased lists.
Response Rate
Response rate refers to the percentage of recipients who take a desired action, like making a purchase or visiting a website after receiving your mailer.
Omnichannel Marketing
Omnichannel marketing refers to campaigns that integrate multiple channels (direct mail, email, social, digital ads) to create a cohesive customer experience. Direct mail is often the tactile anchor.

Creative Services Terms

Creative Services
Creative services refer to the design and branding support offered by a team of designers or marketers. At The Dot, our creative team develops everything from print-ready layouts to full brand packages.
Graphic Design
Graphic design is the art and practice of visual communication using typography, imagery, color, and layout. It's used to create marketing materials, packaging, signage, digital assets, and more.
Branding
Branding is the process of creating a distinct identity for a business through visuals, messaging, and strategy. It includes your logo, color palette, typography, and voice.
Brand Guidelines
Brand guidelines are a set of rules that define how your brand should be used across all media. They include logo usage, colors, fonts, tone of voice, and visual styles.
Logo Design
Logo design is the creation of a visual mark or symbol that represents a brand. It's often the first and most recognizable part of your visual identity.
Typography
Typography refers to the style and arrangement of text in design. It includes typeface selection, font size, spacing, alignment, and hierarchy.
Layout Design
Layout design is the organization of visual elements on a page or screen. It's critical in creating brochures, flyers, postcards, and digital assets that are both attractive and functional.
Vector File
A vector file (like .AI, .EPS, or .SVG) is a scalable graphic file that doesn't lose quality when resized. It's the preferred format for logos and print design.
Raster File
A raster file (like .JPG, .PNG, or .TIFF) is made of pixels and can lose quality when enlarged. It's commonly used for photographs and web images.
Print-Ready File
A print-ready file is a final design file prepared with proper resolution (300 DPI), bleed, crop marks, embedded fonts, and CMYK color mode—ready to go to press without edits.
Color Mode
Color mode refers to how colors are displayed or printed. CMYK is used for print, while RGB is used for screens.
CMYK
CMYK stands for Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Black—the four primary ink colors used in full-color printing.
RGB
RGB stands for Red, Green, and Blue, the color model used for digital screens. RGB must be converted to CMYK before printing to ensure accurate color reproduction.
Bleed
Bleed is the area beyond the trim edge of a design. It ensures there are no white edges after cutting.
Safe Zone
The safe zone is the margin within the design where all critical elements like logos or text should be placed to avoid being trimmed off.
Mockup
A mockup is a visual preview of how a design will look on a final product, such as a sign, brochure, or t-shirt. It helps clients visualize the end result before production.
Proof
A proof is a sample or digital preview of a design provided for client review before final production. It ensures accuracy and approval.
Revisions
Revisions are edits or changes made to a design based on feedback. The number of revisions allowed is often outlined at the start of a creative project.
Design Brief
A design brief is a document that outlines a client's goals, preferences, target audience, and project details. It serves as a roadmap for the creative team.
Creative Direction
Creative direction is the high-level guidance behind a visual project. It includes the mood, style, messaging, and execution strategy to keep all assets cohesive and on-brand.

IT Integrations, API & Software Terms

IT Integrations
IT integrations are the connections between different software systems that allow data to move seamlessly. At The Dot, integrations help link storefronts, inventory systems, order platforms, and more.
API (Application Programming Interface)
An API is a set of protocols that allows different software systems to communicate with each other. APIs let platforms like your eCommerce store "talk to" our fulfillment system automatically.
EDI (Electronic Data Interchange)
EDI is a standardized method for transferring business documents like purchase orders and invoices between systems electronically. It's widely used in logistics, retail, and healthcare.
Middleware
Middleware is software that acts as a bridge between two systems, helping them share data even if they weren't originally built to connect. It's useful for custom workflows or legacy systems.
Client Portal
A client portal is a secure, login-based platform where customers can place orders, access reports, view inventory, and manage projects. The Dot offers custom portals tailored to each client's needs.
Order Management System (OMS)
An OMS is software that manages the order process from start to finish, tracking everything from placement to fulfillment to delivery.
Inventory Management System (IMS)
An IMS tracks product availability, stock levels, and location across multiple warehouses. It supports real-time updates and prevents overselling.
API Integration
API integration connects your system (like Shopify, Salesforce, or Netsuite) with ours, syncing data in real time and reducing manual entry.
Web-to-Print
Web-to-print is an online platform that allows clients to customize and order print materials from a digital storefront. It simplifies ordering and ensures brand consistency.
Storefront (Custom eCommerce Platform)
A storefront is a branded online platform built for internal teams or external customers to browse, customize, and order products linked directly to The Dot for fulfillment.
Automation
Automation is the use of technology to perform tasks with minimal human intervention. In fulfillment, automation powers order routing, inventory updates, and shipping notifications.
Data Mapping
Data mapping ensures that information from one system is correctly translated to another, for example, mapping a field labeled "Customer Name" in one system to match "Client Name" in another.
Single Sign-On (SSO)
SSO is an authentication method that allows users to log in to multiple systems with one set of credentials improving security and user experience.
Custom Workflow
A custom workflow is a set of automated or semi-automated processes built to match a client's unique needs, for example, approval chains, order triggers, or tracking updates.
System Integration Testing
System integration testing ensures all connected platforms work together correctly before going live. It's essential for reliability and error prevention.
Scalable Architecture
Scalable architecture means your system is built to grow, whether you're adding more users, expanding SKUs, or increasing order volume.
API Token
An API token is a secure key used to authenticate and authorize API access between systems. It helps protect your data while enabling communication.

Healthcare Logistics & Medical Kitting Terms

Healthcare Fulfillment
Healthcare fulfillment is the specialized storage, handling, assembly, and shipping of medical and non-medical products. It requires strict regulatory compliance and precise tracking.
Medical Kitting
Medical kitting is the process of assembling multiple medical components like instruments, disposables, and instructions into a ready-to-use kit for surgery centers, diagnostics, or patient use.
GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices)
GMP is a system of regulations enforced by the FDA to ensure products are consistently produced and controlled according to quality standards. It applies to handling, assembly, and packaging of healthcare items.
ISO 13485
ISO 13485 is an international quality management standard for medical devices. Certification confirms that a company consistently meets regulatory and customer requirements for the safe production and delivery of medical products.
FDA Registered Facility
An FDA-registered facility has been reviewed and listed with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, allowing it to handle, package, or distribute medical devices and products.
HITRUST CSF Certification
HITRUST CSF Certification confirms a high level of data security and compliance with regulations like HIPAA. It's especially important for managing sensitive healthcare data and communications.
HIPAA Compliance
HIPAA compliance ensures that systems and processes protect the privacy and security of personal health information (PHI). It's critical when handling patient-related data or communications.
UDI (Unique Device Identifier)
A UDI is a unique code assigned to medical devices for identification and tracking throughout the supply chain. It supports traceability, recall management, and regulatory compliance.
GTIN (Global Trade Item Number)
GTIN is a globally recognized identifier used to track medical products across systems. It enhances supply chain visibility and is often paired with UDI requirements.
Lot Control
Lot control is the ability to track and trace batches of products based on their manufacturing lot number. It's essential for compliance, recall readiness, and product traceability.
Temperature-Controlled Storage
Temperature-controlled storage refers to climate-managed warehouse zones that preserve product integrity for temperature-sensitive items like biologics, samples, or pharmaceuticals.
Cold Chain Logistics
Cold chain logistics is the process of storing and transporting temperature-sensitive products within a defined range (typically refrigerated or frozen), from facility to final destination.
Chain of Custody
Chain of custody refers to the documented handling and transfer of a product through every stage of the fulfillment process ensuring accountability and traceability.
Tamper-Evident Packaging
Tamper-evident packaging shows visible signs if opened or altered. It helps ensure product integrity and is often required for healthcare and regulated items.
Regulated Medical Device
A regulated medical device is any product classified and monitored by the FDA based on risk level. Handling and distribution must follow strict guidelines.
Compliance Labeling
Compliance labeling includes the necessary regulatory markings, barcodes, expiration dates, and handling instructions required for medical shipments.
Serialized Inventory
Serialized inventory assigns a unique serial number to each item for detailed tracking, especially useful for high-value or regulated medical products.
Validation Testing
Validation testing ensures that medical packaging, assembly processes, and systems meet regulatory requirements for consistency, safety, and quality.
Procedure Pack
A procedure pack is a pre-assembled set of medical tools and supplies used for specific healthcare procedures. These kits are tailored to clinical needs and reduce prep time.
Product Recall Readiness
Product recall readiness refers to the systems and protocols in place to quickly trace, identify, and remove affected products from the field in the event of a recall.