Supply Chain Ontology
type: Ontology
abstract: The IOF Supply Chain Ontology aims to represent the generic constructs (including classes and properties) related to the domain of supply chain and logistics. The Supply Chain Ontology uses BFO as the top-level ontology and IOF Core as the mid-level ontology. The purpose of the ontology is to serve as a foundation for ensuring consistency and interoperability across various supply chain and logistics ontologies that use IOF reference ontologies.
contributor: Ali Hasanzadeh, Arizona State University
contributor: Arkopaul Sarkar, National Institute of Standards and Technology
contributor: Boonserm Kulvatanyou, NIST
contributor: Dusan Sormaz, Ohio University
contributor: Evan Wallace, NIST
contributor: Farhad Ameri, Arizona State University
contributor: Jim Logan, Ontogenesis
contributor: Milos Drobnjakovic, NIST
creator: IOF Supply Chain Working Group
license: http://opensource.org/licenses/MIT
publisher: Industrial Ontology Foundry
title: Industrial Ontology Foundry (IOF) Supply Chain Ontology
imports: Core
version IRI: SupplyChain
change note: The https://spec.industrialontologies.org/ontology/202401/supplychain/SupplyChain/ version of this ontology was modified to deprecate four constructs, namely, Gain of Role, Loss of Role, Group of Persons, and Artifact Function. These constructs are moved to the IOF Core ontology (https://spec.industrialontologies.org/ontology/202401/core/Core/). The deprecated constructs are linked to the IOF Core equivalent constructs using owl:equivalentClass.
acronym: SCO
copyright: Copyright (c) 2023 Open Applications Group
maturity: Released

airway
type: Class
subclass of: BFO_0000028
example: Airway #B9 (Blue 9) that connects the Southern Florida mainland to Marathon Key
explanatory note: a series of abstract GPS points that create designated routes which aeroplanes fly to aid in navigation and help with separation to avoid accidents An airway is based on a centerline that extends from one navigation aid or intersection to another navigation aid (or through several navigation aids or intersections); used to establish a known route for en route procedures between terminal areas [Federal Aviation Administration - FAA] a control area or portion thereof established in the form of a corridor equipped with radio navigation aids [EUROCONTROL EATM Glossary of Terms] Airways are defined with segments within a specific altitude block, corridor width, and between fixed geographic coordinates for satellites navigation system, or between ground-based radio transmitter navigational aids (navaids; such as VORs or NDBs) or the intersection of specific radials of two navaids (Wikipedia)
first order logic axiom: Airway(x) → ThreeDimensionalSpatialRegion (x)
is primitive: true
natural language definition: three-dimensional spatial region that connects one specified location (navigation point) to another at a specified altitude, along which an aircraft may be flown
primitive rationale: The required constructs for creation of a formal definition are not available in this release.
semi formal natural language axiom: if x is an 'airway' then x is a 'three-dimensional spatial region'
synonym: air route

appraisal process
type: Class
subclass of: MeasurementProcess
example: a food critic rating the quality of a restaurant's ambiance, service, and food;a mechanic assessing whether a damaged vehicle is repairable; an insurance agent appraising the financial value of a building
adapted from: CCO
first order logic axiom: AppraisalProcess(x) → MeasurementProcess(x)
is primitive: true
natural language definition: measurement process that involves evaluating, assessing, estimating, or judging the nature, value, importance, condition, or quality of some entity
primitive rationale: The required constructs for creation of a formal definition are not available in this release.
semi formal natural language axiom: if x is an 'appraisal process' then x is a 'measurement process'

arrival process
type: Class
subclass of: MaterialLocationChangeProcess
subclass of: Restriction
  on property: BFO_0000132
  some values from: Class
    union of: transport process
    union of: travel process
subclass of: Restriction
  on property: BFO_0000199
  some values from: Restriction
    on property: BFO_0000117
    some values from: Restriction
      on property: BFO_0000223
      some values from: Restriction
        some values from: Class
example: the process during which a truck enters the facility of the receiver
first order logic axiom: ArrivalProcess(x) → MaterialLocationChangeProcess(x) ∧ ∃y(TravelProcess(y) ∨ TransportProcess(y)) ∧ occurrentPartOf(x,y) ∧ ∃z∃z1∃t(TemporalRegion(z) ∧ TemporalRegion(z1) ∧ TemporalInstant(t)) ∧ occupiesTemporalRegion(x,z) ∧ occupiesTemporalRegion(y,z1) ∧ lastInstantOf(t,z1) ∧ occupiesTemporalRegion(x,t)
is primitive: true
natural language definition: material location change process that consists of the participating entity reaching its destination such that the travel or transport process which it is a part of is completed
primitive rationale: To provide the necessary and sufficient conditions, the relationships representing Allen's Interval Algebra elements are needed.
semi formal natural language axiom: if x is an 'arrival process' then x is a 'material location change process' that is 'occurent part of' some 'transport process' or 'travel process' y and that 'occupies temporal region' some 'temporal region' z which has 'last instant of' the temporal region of y as occurent part

bill of lading
type: Class
subclass of: CommercialServiceAgreement
example: Bill of Lading related to transportation of 2200 gallons of antifreeze from a shipper's location to a receiver/consignee's location by a carrier.
acronym: BOL
explanatory note: A carrier’s contract and receipt for goods the carrier agrees to transport from one place to another and to deliver to a designated person. In case of loss, damage, or delay, the bill of lading is the basis for filing freight claims [APICS]. A transportation document that is the contract of carriage containing the terms and conditions between the shipper and carrier [CSCMP].
first order logic axiom: CommercialServiceAgreement (x) ∧ ∃c∃y∃z(ConsigningProcess(c) ∧ ConsignorRole(y) ∧ CarrierRole(z) ∧ isAbout(x,c) ∧ prescribes(x,y) ∧ prescribes(x,z)) → BillofLading(x)
is primitive: true
natural language definition: agreement between a shipper and a carrier that prescribes some consigning process
primitive rationale: See the general discussion and rationale provided for informational entities under 'information content entity'.
semi formal natural language axiom: If x is an 'commercial service agreement' that 'is about' some 'consigning process' and that 'prescribes' some 'consignor role' and some 'carrier role' then x is a 'bill of lading'

cargo
type: Class
subclass of: BFO_0000040
equivalent class: Class
  intersection of: BFO_0000040
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: hasRole
    some values from: cargo role
example: All articles, goods, materials, merchandise, or wares carried onboard an aircraft, ship, train, or truck, and for which an air waybill, or bill of lading, or other receipt is issued by the carrier
explanatory note: 1- A product shipped in an aircraft, railroad car, ship, barge, or truck [APICS]. 2- Subject of a shipment. The materials being carried [CSCMP].
first order logic definition: Cargo(x) ↔ MaterialEntity(x) ∧ ∃r(CargoRole(r) ∧ hasRole(x,r))
natural language definition: material entity that is transported using a transport equipment by a carrier
semi formal natural language definition: every instance of 'cargo' is defined as exactly an instance of 'material entity' that 'has role' some 'cargo role'

cargo role
type: Class
subclass of: BFO_0000023
subclass of: Restriction
  on property: roleOf
  some values from: Class
    intersection of: BFO_0000040
    intersection of: Restriction
      on property: BFO_0000056
      some values from: Class
        intersection of: transport process
        intersection of: Restriction
example: role of pallets of aluminum ingots when they are being transported on a train
first order logic axiom: CargoRole(x) → Role(x) ∧ ∃m∃p∃c(MaterialEntity(m) ∧ TransportProcess(p) ∧ Carrier(c) ∧ participatesInAtSomeTime(m,p) ∧ agentIn(c,p) ∧ roleOf (x,m))
is primitive: true
natural language definition: role held by a material entity when it is being transported or is planned to be transported by a carrier
primitive rationale: The required constructs for providing necessary and sufficient conditions are not available in this release.
semi formal natural language axiom: if x is a 'cargo role' then x is a 'role' that is a 'role of' some 'material entity' that 'participates in at some time' some 'transport process' that 'has agent' some 'carrier'

carrier
type: Class
subclass of: Supplier
equivalent class: Class
  intersection of: Class
    union of: BusinessOrganization
    union of: Person
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: hasRole
    some values from: transportation service provider role
example: Trucking Companies, Airlines
explanatory note: A company that provides air, sea, or land transportation services [APICS]. The party that provides freight transportation services or a physical or electronic mechanism that carries business information [GS1]. A firm which transports goods or people via land, sea or air [CSCMP].
explanatory note: See the expanded definition under the corresponding role class. The term is formalized here as a defined class by referring to its corresponding role class and exists primarily for ontological modeling and implementation convenience.
first order logic definition: Carrier(x) ↔ (BusinessOrganization(x) ∨ Person(x)) ∧ ∃r(TransportationServiceProviderRole (r) ∧ hasRole (x,r))
natural language definition: person or business organization who provides transportation services
semi formal natural language definition: every instance of 'carrier' is defined as exactly an instance of 'person' or 'business organization' that 'has role' some 'transportation service provider role'
synonym: Transportation Service Provider

change
type: Class
subclass of: BFO_0000015
example: the process of change in the color of an object, the process of gaining a new student role when a person enrolls for the first time in university courses
direct source: CCO
explanatory note: candidate IOF Core construct
first order logic axiom: Change(x) → Process(x)
is primitive: true
natural language definition: process in which some independent continuant endures and 1) one or more of the dependent entities it bears increase or decrease in intensity, 2) the entity begins to bear some dependent entity or 3) the entity ceases to bear some dependent entity
primitive rationale: The intention is to keep this term as a primitive.
primitive rationale: The required constructs for creation of a formal definition are not available in this release.
semi formal natural language axiom: if x is a 'change' then x is a 'process'

consignee
type: Class
subclass of: Agent
equivalent class: Class
  intersection of: Class
    union of: BusinessOrganization
    union of: Person
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: hasRole
    some values from: consignee role
example: A Walmart warehouse is a consignee when it receives a shipment
explanatory note: See the expanded definition under the corresponding role class. The term is formalized here as a defined class by referring to its corresponding role class and exists primarily for ontological modeling and implementation convenience.
explanatory note: The organisation (party) which has the intention to receive the goods [GS1]. The party by whom the goods, cargo or containers are meant to be received. The actual physical receipt can take place by another party [GS1]. The party to whom goods are shipped and delivered [CSCMP].
explanatory note: The ultimate owner of the product is the consignee, so it is important to keep in mind that shipments destined for a 3rd party logistics company would not list the 3PL as the consignee.
first order logic definition: Consignee (x) ↔ (BusinessOrganization(x) ∨ Person(x)) ∧ ∃r(ConsigneeRole (r) ∧ hasRole (x,r))
natural language definition: person or business organization that receives some shipment
semi formal natural language definition: every instance of 'consignee' is defined as exactly an instance of a 'person' or 'business organization' that 'has role' some 'consignee role'
synonym: receiver

consignee role
type: Class
subclass of: AgentRole
subclass of: Class
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: BFO_0000056
    some values from: Class
      intersection of: receiving process
      intersection of: Restriction
        on property: BFO_0000057
        some values from: carrier
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: roleOf
    some values from: Class
      union of: BusinessOrganization
      union of: Person
example: Discount Tire has a consignee role when it receives a shipment of 200 tires from Pirelli
first order logic axiom: ConsigneeRole(x) → Role(x) ∧ ∃y∃p((BusinessOrganization(y) ∨ Person(y)) ∧ ReceivingProcess(p) ∧ participatesInAtSomeTime(y,p) ∧ roleOf(x,y))
is primitive: true
natural language definition: role held by a person or business organization when it receives a shipment from a carrier and owns the shipment after the receipt
primitive rationale: The required constructs for creation of a formal definition are not available in this release.
semi formal natural language axiom: if x is a 'consignee role' then x is an 'agent role' that is the 'role of' a 'business organization' or 'person' when it 'participates in at some time' some 'receiving process' that 'has participant at some time' some 'carrier'

consigning process
type: Class
subclass of: BusinessProcess
example: a mobile retailer signing a contract with Apple and Samsung to receive sample mobile devices to be use for display purpose only while they are still owned by Apple and Samsung
explanatory note: The act of placing goods in the possession of another, but retaining ownership until the goods are sold [CSCMP]
first order logic axiom: ConsigningProcess(x) → BusinessProcess(x)
is primitive: true
natural language definition: business process that results in placing a material entity in the possession of some agent without changing the ownership until the material entity is sold
primitive rationale: The required construct for creation of a formal definition are not available in this release. In particular, possesion and ownership are nor fully formalized in IOF ontologies yet.
semi formal natural language axiom: if x is a 'consigning process' then x is a 'business process'

consignor role
type: Class
subclass of: AgentRole
subclass of: Restriction
  on property: roleOf
  some values from: Class
    intersection of: Class
      union of: BusinessOrganization
      union of: Person
    intersection of: Restriction
      on property: owns
      some values from: Class
        intersection of: shipment
        intersection of: Restriction
subclass of: Restriction
  on property: roleOf
  some values from: Class
    intersection of: Class
      union of: BusinessOrganization
      union of: Person
    intersection of: Restriction
      on property: agent in
      some values from: consigning process
    intersection of: Restriction
      on property: agent in
      some values from: shipment preparation process
example: Pirelli has a consignor role when it prepares and initiates a shipment of 200 tires to a bracnch of Discount Tire in Ann Arbor, MI
first order logic axiom: LA1:ConsignorRole(x) → Role(x) ∧ ∃y∃p∃s((BusinessOrganization(y) ∨ Person(y)) ∧ ShipmentPreparationProcess(p) ∧ Shipment(s) ∧ agentIn(y,p) ∧ isSpecifiedOutputOf(s,p) ∧ owns(y,s) ∧ roleOf(x,y))
first order logic axiom: LA2:ConsignorRole(x) → Role(x) ∧ ∃y∃p((BusinessOrganization(y) ∨ Person(y)) ∧ ShipmentPreparationProcess(p) ∧ agentIn(y,p) ∧ roleOf(x,y))
is primitive: true
natural language definition: role held by a business organization or person when it prepares, initiates, and consigns a shipment it owns
primitive rationale: The required constructs for providing necessary and sufficient conditions are not available in this release.
semi formal natural language axiom: LA1:if x is a 'consignor role' then x is an 'agent role' that is the 'role of' a 'business organization' or 'person' when it is 'agent in' some 'shipment preparation process' p that 'has specified output' some 'shipment' s and y 'owns' s.
semi formal natural language axiom: LA2:if x is a Consignor Role then x is an Agent Role that is the 'role of' a Business Organization or Person y when it 'agent in' some Shipment Preparation Process p

container
type: Class
subclass of: MaterialArtifact
example: tank container, ISO 20-foot container, ISO 40-foot container, high cube container, refrigerated container (reefer), open-top container, flat rack container, tank container, dry cargo container, bulk container, pallet-wide container, double-door container, ventilated container, insulated container
explanatory note: Shipping Container (for transport): article of transport equipment, strong enough to be suitable for repeated use and specially designed to facilitate the carriage of goods by one or more means of transport without breakage of load [ISO 21067-1: Packaging — Vocabulary].
first order logic axiom: Container (x) → MaterialArtifact(x)
is primitive: true
natural language definition: material artifact designed to hold, protect, and facilitate the transport of goods across one or more modes of transportation
primitive rationale: There are insufficient constructs in the ontology to provide necessary and sufficient conditions
semi formal natural language axiom: if x is a 'container' then x is a 'material artifcat'

departure process
type: Class
subclass of: MaterialLocationChangeProcess
subclass of: Restriction
  on property: BFO_0000132
  some values from: Class
    union of: transport process
    union of: travel process
subclass of: Restriction
  on property: BFO_0000199
  some values from: Restriction
    on property: BFO_0000117
    some values from: Restriction
      on property: BFO_0000221
      some values from: Restriction
        some values from: Class
example: the process during which a truck (loaded with a shipment) leaves the warehouse site of the shipper
first order logic axiom: DepartureProcess(x) → MaterialLocationChangeProcess(x) ∧ ∃y(TravelProcess(y) ∨ TransportProcess(y)) ∧ occurrentPartOf(x,y) ∧ ∃z∃z1∃t(TemporalRegion(z) ∧ TemporalRegion(z1) ∧ TempotalInstance(t)) ∧ occupiesTemporalRegion(x,z) ∧ occupiesTemporalRegion(y,z1) ∧ firstInstanceOf(t,z1) ∧ occupiesTemporalRegion(x,t)
is primitive: true
natural language definition: material location change process that consists of the participating entity leaving its starting location such that the travel or transport process it is a part of is initiated
primitive rationale: To provide the necessary and sufficient conditions, the relationships representing Allen's Interval Algebra elements are needed.
semi formal natural language axiom: if x is a 'departure process' then x is a 'location change process' that is 'occurent part of' some 'transport process' or 'travel process' y and that 'occupies temporal region' some 'temporal region' which has 'first instant of' the temporal region of y as 'occurent part'

distribution center
type: Class
subclass of: storage facility
example: Costco Distribution Center in Salt Lake City, UT
explanatory note: The warehouse facility which holds inventory from manufacturing pending distribution to the appropriate stores [CSCMP]
first order logic axiom: DistributionCenter(x) → StorageFacility(x)
is primitive: true
natural language definition: storage facility designed to store manufactured products that are to be distributed to resellers and wholesalers
primitive rationale: The required constructs for providing necessary and sufficient conditions are not available in this release. In particular, the notions related to 'distribution' function and process are missing.
semi formal natural language axiom: if x is a 'distribution center' then x is a 'storage facility'

distributor
type: Class
subclass of: Agent
equivalent class: Class
  intersection of: Class
    union of: BusinessOrganization
    union of: Person
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: hasRole
    some values from: distributor role
example: Grainger is a distributor when it buys HVAC units and parts from manufacturers and sells them to wholesalers
explanatory note: 1- A business and industry which acts as a third party local representative and distribution point for a manufacturing firm. These firms may perform some light assembly or kitting of goods, but generally provides a buffer for finished goods [CSCMP]. 2- Distributors typically purchase the goods in quantity from the manufacturer and ship to customers in smaller quantities [CSCMP]. 3- A business that does not manufacture its own products, but purchases and resells these products. Such a business usually maintains a finished goods inventory [APICS].
explanatory note: See the expanded definition under the corresponding role class. The term is formalized here as a defined class by referring to its corresponding role class and exists primarily for ontological modeling and implementation convenience.
first order logic definition: Distributor(x) ↔ (BusinessOrganization(x) ∨ Person(x)) ∧ ∃r(DistributorRole(r) ∧ hasRole(x,r))
natural language definition: person or business organization when it purchases products from manufacturers and resells them to wholesalers
semi formal natural language definition: every instance of 'distributor' is defined as exactly an instance of is a 'person' or 'business organization' that 'has role' some 'distributor role'

distributor role
type: Class
subclass of: AgentRole
subclass of: Restriction
  on property: roleOf
  some values from: Class
    intersection of: Class
      union of: BusinessOrganization
      union of: Person
    intersection of: Restriction
      on property: agent in
      some values from: Class
        intersection of: SellingBusinessProcess
        intersection of: Restriction
subclass of: Restriction
  on property: roleOf
  some values from: Class
    intersection of: Class
      union of: BusinessOrganization
      union of: Person
    intersection of: Restriction
      on property: agent in
      some values from: Class
        intersection of: SupplyingBusinessProcess
        intersection of: Restriction
example: Grainger has a distributor role when it sells HVAC units and parts to wholesalers
first order logic axiom: LA1:DistributorRole(x) → AgentRole(x) ∧ ∃y∃p∃r∃m((BusinessOrganization(y) ∨ Person(y)) ∧ roleOf(x,y) ∧ OfferingForSaleBusinessProcess(p) ∧ MaterialProductRole(r) ∧ MaterialEntity(m) ∧ agentIn(y,p) ∧ realizes(p,r) ∧ roleOf(r,m))
first order logic axiom: LA2:DistributorRole(x) → AgentRole(x) ∧ ∃y∃p∃r∃r1∃r2∃m∃d((BusinessOrganization(y) ∨ Person(y)) ∧ roleOf(x,y) ∧ BuyerRole(r) ∧ hasRole(y,r) ∧ BuyingBusinessProcess(p) ∧ hasRealization(r,p) ∧ MaterialProductRole(r1) ∧ SupplierRole(r2) ∧ MaterialEntity(m) ∧ Manufacturer(d) ∧ realizes(p,r1) ∧ roleOf(r1,m) ∧ realizes(p,r2) ∧ roleOf(r2,d))
first order logic axiom: LA3:DistributorRole(x) → AgentRole(x) ∧ ∃y∃p∃r1∃r2∃m∃e((BusinessOrganization(y) ∨ Person(y)) ∧ roleOf(x,y) ∧ SupplyingBusinessProcess(p) ∧ agentIn(y,p) ∧ Wholesaler(w) ∧ BuyerRole(r1) ∧ roleOf(r1,w) ∧ MaterialEntity(m) ∧ MaterialProductRole(r2) ∧ roleOf(r2,m) ∧ realizes(p,r1) ∧ realizes(p,r2))
is primitive: true
natural language definition: role held by a person or business organization when it buys some material products from a manufacturer and resells them to a wholesaler
primitive rationale: The required constructs for providing necessary and sufficient conditions are not available in this release.
semi formal natural language axiom: LA1:if x is a 'distributor role' then x is an 'agent role' that is 'role of' some 'business organization' or 'person' who is 'agent in' some 'offering for sale business process' that 'realizes' some 'material product role' that is 'role of' some 'material entity'
semi formal natural language axiom: LA2:if x is a 'distributor role' then x is an 'agent role' that is 'role of' some 'business organization' or 'person' y who 'has role' some 'buyer role' that 'has realization' some 'buying business process' p that 'realizes' some 'material product role' that is 'role of' some 'material entity' and p 'realizes' some 'supplier role' that is 'role of' some 'manufacturer'
semi formal natural language axiom: LA3:if x is a 'distributor role' then x is an 'agent role' that is 'role of' some 'business organization' y or 'person' y who is 'agent in' some 'supplying business process p and p 'realizes' some 'material product role' that is role of' some 'material entity' and p 'realizes' some 'buyer role' that is 'role of' some 'wholesaler'

facility
type: Class
subclass of: EngineeredSystem
subclass of: Restriction
  on property: BFO_0000082
  some values from: BFO_0000029
example: an oil refinery, a manufacturing plant, an airport
explanatory note: candidate IOF Core construct
explanatory note: this definition applies to stationary facilities that have a fixed geospatial location on the ground (not mobile facilities)
first order logic axiom: Facility(x) → EngineeredSystem(x) ∧ ∃s(Site(s) ∧ locatedInAtAllTimes(x,s))
is primitive: true
natural language definition: engineered system that consists of buildings, structures, roads, machines, and equipment desgined to provide certain capabilities
primitive rationale: The required constructs for providing necessary and sufficient conditions are not available in this release. Namely, the component of a facility such as 'buidling' and 'road' are not formally defined yet.
semi formal natural language axiom: if x is a 'facility' then x is an 'engineered system' that 'is located in at all times' some 'site'

factory
type: Class
subclass of: Class
  intersection of: facility
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: hasCapability
    some values from: production capability
example: aircraft manufacturing factory (factory that is designed for manufacturing aircraft), motor vehicle manufacturing factory (factory that is designed for manufacturing motor vehicles), Frod's plant in Dearborn, MI
explanatory note: candidate IOF Core construct
first order logic axiom: Factory(x) → Facility(x) ∧ ∃c(ProductionCapability(c) ∧ hasCapability(x,c))
is primitive: true
natural language definition: facility that is designed for manufacturing products and includes one or more production systems
primitive rationale: The essential member parts of a factory (such as production systems or manufacturing cells) are not defined in IOF ontologies yet.
semi formal natural language axiom: if x is a 'factory' then x is a 'facility' that 'has capability' some 'production capability'
synonym: manufacturing plant
synonym: plant

freight container
type: Class
subclass of: container
example: an intermodal container, a shipping container, cargo container, multimodal container, or a freight container
explanatory note: According to ISO 668:1995(E): “a shipping container means an article of transport equipment which is: (a) of a permanent character and accordingly strong enough to be suitable for repeated use; (b) specially designed to facilitate the carriage of goods, by one or more mode of transport, without intermediate reloading; (c) fitted with devices permitting its ready handling, particularly its transfer from one mode of transport to another; (d) so designed as to be easy to fill and empty; (e) stackable; and, (f) having an internal volume of 1 cubic metre or mor
first order logic axiom: FreightContainer(x) → Container(x)
is primitive: true
natural language definition: A container that is designed to enclose, protect, and enable the transport of one or more material entities across multiple modes of transportation
primitive rationale: The required constructs for creation of a formal definition are not available in this release. In particular, the semantics of 'containing' is not precisely defined yet.
semi formal natural language axiom: if x is a 'freight container' then x is a 'container'

freight forwarder
type: Class
subclass of: Agent
equivalent class: Class
  intersection of: Class
    union of: BusinessOrganization
    union of: Person
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: hasRole
    some values from: freight forwarder role
example: International Equipment Relocations, TMF Logistics, Landstar, ICAT Logistics Inc.
explanatory note: 1-The party that arranges the carriage of goods including connected services and/or associated formalities on behalf of the shipper (consignor) or consignee [GS1]. 2- A person or firm that arranges to pick up or deliver goods on instructions of a shipper or a consignee from or to a point by various necessary conveyances and common carriers [Random House Dictionary]. 3- Freight forwarder is “middle man” between the carrier and the organization shipping the product. Often combines smaller shipments to take advantage of lower bulk costs [APICS].
explanatory note: See the expanded definition under the corresponding role class. The term is formalized here as a defined class by referring to its corresponding role class and exists primarily for ontological modeling and implementation convenience.
first order logic definition: FreightForwarder (x) ↔ (BusinessOrganization(x) ∨ Person(x)) ∧ ∃r(FreightForwarder(r) ∧ hasRole(x,r))
natural language definition: person or business organization when it arranges the transportation of shipments on behalf of the shipper (consignor) or consignee
semi formal natural language definition: every instance of 'freight forwarder' is defined as exactly an instance of 'business organization' or 'person' that 'has role' some 'freight forwarder role'
synonym: forwarding agent

freight forwarder role
type: Class
equivalent class: Class
  intersection of: logistics service provider role
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: roleOf
    some values from: Class
      intersection of: Class
        union of: BusinessOrganization
        union of: Person
      intersection of: Restriction
        on property: actsOnBehalfOfAtSomeTime
        some values from: Class
      intersection of: Restriction
        on property: agent in
        some values from: freight forwarding service
example: the role of Wagner Forwarders LLC when it picks up shipments from a shipper's warehouse, carries out customs clearance, transports the goods from the destination, and delivers them to the clients
explanatory note: A freight forwarder, or forwarding agent, is a person or company that organizes shipments for individuals or corporations to get goods from the manufacturer or producer to a market, customer or final point of distribution.
first order logic definition: FreightForwarderRole(x) ↔ LogisticsServiceProviderRole(x) ∧ ∃y∃p∃c((BusinessOrganization(y) ∨ Person(y)) ∧ FreightForwardingService(p) ∧ (Consignor(c) ∨ Consignee(c)) ∧ agentIn(y,p) ∧ actsOnBehalfOfAtSomeTime(x,c) ∧ roleOf(x,y))
natural language definition: logistics service provider role held by an agent when it arranges the transportation of shipments on behalf of the shipper (consignor) or consignee
semi formal natural language definition: if x is a 'freight forwarder role' then x is a 'logistics service provider role' that is the 'role of' a 'business organization' or 'person' when it 'agent in' some 'freight forwarding service' and 'acts on behalf of at some time' some 'consignor' or 'consignee'

freight forwarding business function
type: Class
subclass of: BusinessFunction
equivalent class: Class
  intersection of: BusinessFunction
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: BFO_0000054
    some values from: freight forwarding service
example: the function of Wagner Forwarders LLC to pick up shipments from a shipper's warehouse, carries out customs clearance, transports the goods from the destination, and deliver them to the clients
explanatory note: business function that is realized in the process of planning and coordinating the transportation of material products on behalf of a shipper
first order logic definition: FreightForwardingBusinessFunction(x) ↔ BusinessFunction(x) ∧ ∃s(FreightForwardingService (s) ∧ hasRealization(x,s))
natural language definition: business function that is realized in a freight forwarding service
semi formal natural language definition: every instance of 'freight forwarding business function' is defined as exactly an instance of 'business function' that is 'realized in' some 'freight forwarding service'

freight forwarding process
type: Class
subclass of: Class
  intersection of: BusinessProcess
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: BFO_0000057
    some values from: freight forwarder
example: Vermont Tech manufactures electric spare parts in Vermont and exports them to Canada and Mexico. Vermont Tech hired Wagner Forwarders LLC that picks up shipments from Vermont Tech's warehouse, carries out customs clearance, transports the goods from the destination, and delivers them to the clients in Mexico and Canada.
explanatory note: Freight forwarding is the process of organizing shipments for individuals or corporations to get goods from a manufacturer to a market, customer or final point of distribution.
first order logic axiom: FreightForwardingProcess(x) → BusinessProcess(x) ∧ ∃f∃s(FreightForwarder(f) ∧ Shipment(s) ∧ hasParticipantAtSomeTime(x,f) ∧ hasParticipantAtSomeTime(x,s))
is primitive: true
natural language definition: business process of planning and coordinating the transportation of material products on behalf of a shipper
primitive rationale: The required constructs for creation of a formal definition are not available in this release.
semi formal natural language axiom: if x is a 'freight forwarding process' then x is a 'business process' and 'has participant at some time' some 'freight forwarder' and some 'shipment'

freight forwarding service
type: Class
equivalent class: Class
  intersection of: logistics service
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: BFO_0000117
    some values from: freight forwarding process
example: the service provided by Wagner Forwarders LLC when it picks up shipments from a shipper's warehouse, carries out customs clearance, transports the goods from the destination, and delivers them to the clients
explanatory note: Freight forwarding is the act of arranging commercial transportation for the cargo/shipment of other firms.
first order logic definition: FreightForwardingService(x) ↔ LogisticsService(x) ∧ ∃p(FreightForwardingProcess(p) ∧ hasOccurentPart(x,p))
natural language definition: logistics service that consists of at least one freight forwarding process
semi formal natural language definition: every instance of 'freight forwarding service' is defined as exactly an instance of 'logistics service' that 'has occurrent part' some 'freight forwarding process'

geospatial location
type: Class
subclass of: geospatial site
equivalent class: Class
  intersection of: geospatial site
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: hasRole
    some values from: location role
example: the location of Toyota's plant in San Antonio, the location of a shipping dock in warehouse facility, the site of a mixing process, the current location of a moving truck, the site of a truck loading process
explanatory note: candidate IOF Core construct
first order logic definition: GeospatialSite(x) ↔ GeospatialSite(x) ∧ ∃r(LocationRole(r) ∧ hasRole(x,r))
natural language definition: geospatial site that is the location of some material entity at some time or the site of some process
semi formal natural language definition: every istance of 'geospatial location' is defined as exactly an instance of 'geospatial site' that 'has role' some 'location role'

geospatial site
type: Class
subclass of: BFO_0000029
example: the site of a farm, the site of an airport, the site of a factory
adapted from: CCO
explanatory note: candidate IOF Core construct
first order logic axiom: GeospatialSite(x) → Site(x)
is primitive: true
natural language definition: site at or near the surface of the earth
primitive rationale: This term is intended to remain as primitive. The required constructs for creation of a formal definition are not available in this release.
semi formal natural language axiom: if x is a 'geospatial site' then x is a 'site'

global location number
type: Class
subclass of: Class
  intersection of: Identifier
  intersection of: Class
    intersection of: Restriction
      on property: designates
      some values from: Class
        union of: BusinessOrganization
        union of: geospatial location
    intersection of: Restriction
      on property: prescribedBy
      has value: GS1 GLN Specifications
source: http://www.gs1.org/gln
example: Company XYZ Branch 1 GLN:9012345000004, Company XYZ Branch 2 GLN:9012345100001, GLN 5012345000046 = "AWS Region us-west-2 IoT Hub for Facility B", GLN: 5012345000114 -> Warehouse A – Loading Dock 2
abbreviation: GLN
explanatory note: A Global Location Number (GLN) is the GS1 Identification Key used for uniquely identifying parties (legal entities) and phyisical locations that are involved in business transactions in supply chains. Physical locations may be addresses, single buildings, storage sites, single loading platform, etc. GLN is a 13-digit number that comprises a GS1 Company Prefix, Location Reference and Check Digit. The Global Location Number (GLN) is part of the GS1 systems of standards.
explanatory note: GLN can be used for identifying physical locations and digital locations. A digital location is an electronic (non-physical) address that is used for communication between computer systems (such as a network location).
first order logic definition: GlobalLocationNumber(x) → Identifier(x) ∧ ∃y(BusinessOrganization(y) ∨ GeospatialLocation(y)) ∧ designates(x,y) ∧ ∃z(GlobalLocationNumberCodingSystem(z) ∧ prescribedBy(x,z))
natural language definition: identifer that uniquely identifies a business organization or a geospatial location and complies with GS1 GLN coding scheme
semi formal natural language definition: if x is a 'global location number' then x is an 'identifier' that 'designates' a 'business organization' or 'geospatial location' that is 'prescribed by 'GS1 GLN Scheme'

group of suppliers
type: Class
subclass of: OrganizedGroupOfAgents
subclass of: Restriction
  on property: BFO_0000172
  all values from: Class
    intersection of: BusinessOrganization
    intersection of: Restriction
      on property: hasRole
      some values from: Class
        intersection of: SupplierRole
        intersection of: Restriction
example: The companies that are involved in manufacturing of iPhone and its parts
adapted from: GS1
explanatory note: There exist a supply chain link between two interacting agents who are members of the same supplier group related to a specific supply chain system.
first order logic axiom: GroupOfSuppliers(x) → OrganizedGroupOfAgents(x) ∧ ∀y∃r∃s(BusinessOrganization(y) ∧ (SupplierRole(r) ∧ SupplyRelationship(s) ∧ specificallyDependedOnBy(r,s) ∧ ∃p(SupplyChainPlanSpecification(p) ∧ prescribes(p,s)) ∧ hasRole(y,r) ∧ hasMemberPartAtAllTimes(x,y)))
is primitive: true
natural language definition: group of agents involved in trading and other business relationships with one another during the operation of specific supply chains
primitive rationale: The required constructs for providing necessary and sufficient conditions are not available in this release.
semi formal natural language axiom: if x is a 'group of suppliers' then x is an 'organized group of agents' that only 'has member parts at all times' some 'business organization' y that 'has role' some 'supplier role' r such that r is 'specifically depended on by' some 'supply relationship' s and s is 'prescribed by' some 'supply chain plan specification' p
synonym: Supply Network

industrial inventory
type: Class
subclass of: BFO_0000040
equivalent class: Class
  intersection of: Class
    union of: MaterialArtifact
    union of: MaterialComponent
    union of: MaterialProduct
    union of: RawMaterial
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: hasRole
    some values from: industrial inventory role
example: sealed and labeled boxes of ballbearings packaged for shipment
explanatory note: Those stocks or items used to support production (raw materials and work-in-process items), supporting activities (maintenance, repair, and operating supplies), and customer service (finished goods and spare parts) [APICS].
first order logic definition: IndustrialInventory(x) ↔ (MaterialArtifact(x) ∨ MaterialComponent(x) v MaterialProduct(x) v RawMaterial(x)) ∧ ∃r(IndustrialInventoryRole(r) ∧ hasRole(x,r))
natural language definition: material product, material component, raw material, or material artifact that is ready to be sold or used and is stored in a storage facility or on factory floor
semi formal natural language definition: every instance of 'industrial inventory' is defined as exactly an instance of 'raw material' or 'material product' or 'material artifact' or 'material component' that 'has role' some 'industrial inventory role'

industrial inventory role
type: Class
subclass of: MaterialResourceRole
subclass of: Restriction
  on property: roleOf
  some values from: Class
    intersection of: BFO_0000040
    intersection of: Restriction
      on property: BFO_0000056
      some values from: Class
        union of: ProductProductionProcess
        union of: SupplyingBusinessProcess
example: (for a tile manufacturer) role held by the boxes of tile that are ready to sell, the semi-finished stock of tiles that haven’t been packed yet, the tiles set aside for quality checking, and raw materials like silica sand, clay, and pottery stone; role held by the rolls of aluminum a manufacturer stores to be consumed laters on its bottling lines
example: role held by the rolls of aluminum a manufacturer stores to be consumed laters on its bottling lines
first order logic axiom: IndustrialInventoryRole(x) → MaterialResourceRole(x) ∧ ∃m∃p(MaterialEntity(m) ∧ (ProductProductionProcess(p) ∨ SupplyingBusinessProcess(p)) ∧ participatesInAtSomeTime(m,p) ∧ ∃i(InventoryManagementProcess(i) ∧ participatesInAtSomeTime(m,i) ∧ roleOf(x,m)))
is primitive: true
natural language definition: role held by some material entity when it is stored by a bussiness organization and it is intended to be supplied to a customer or to be used or consumed in some product production process
primitive rationale: The required constructs for providing necessary and sufficient conditions are not available in this release.
semi formal natural language axiom: if x is an 'industrial inventory role' then x is an 'material resource role' that is 'role of' some 'material entity' that 'participates in at some time' some 'product production process' or 'supplying business process' and 'participates in at some time' some 'inventory management process'

industry
type: Class
subclass of: GroupOfAgents
subclass of: Class
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: BFO_0000172
    some values from: BusinessOrganization
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: BFO_0000172
    all values from: BusinessOrganization
example: automotive industry, defense industry, oil and gas industry
explanatory note: Group of organizations that participate in similar or related business processes and are intended to realize similar or related primary business functions according to their organizational objectives and plans.
explanatory note: candidate IOF Core construct
first order logic axiom: Industry(x) → GroupofAgents(x) ∧ ∃y(BusinessOrganization(y) ∧ memberPartOfAtAllTimes(y,x)) ∧ ∀z(memberPartOfAtAllTimes(z,x) → BusinessOrganization(z))
is primitive: true
natural language definition: group of organizations that are related based on their primary business activities
primitive rationale: This construct is intended to remain as a primitive. The sub-classes will be non-primitive as they pertain to specific business functions.
semi formal natural language axiom: if x is an Industry then x is a 'group of agents' that only 'has member parts at all times 'business organization'

integrated carrier business organization
type: Class
subclass of: BusinessOrganization
equivalent class: Class
  intersection of: BusinessOrganization
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: hasFunction
    some values from: freight forwarding business function
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: hasFunction
    some values from: transportation business function
example: FedEx, UPS, DHL
explanatory note: A company that offers a blend of transportation services such as land, sea and air carriage, freight forwarding, and ground handling [CSCMP]
first order logic definition: IntegratedCarrierBusinessOrganization(x)→BusinessOrganization(x) ∧ ∃f((FreightForwardingBusinessFunction(f) ∨ TransportationBusinessFunction(f)) ∧hasFunction(x,f))
natural language definition: business organization that is created for the purpose of providing different types of transportation and freight forwarding services
semi formal natural language definition: every instance of 'integrated carrier business organization' is defined as exactly an instance of 'business organization' that 'has function' some 'transportation business function' and 'has function' some 'freight forwarding business function'

inventory management process
type: Class
subclass of: BusinessProcess
example: A collection of tasked carried out in IKEA that ensures optimal inventory levels of raw material and finished products at all times.
explanatory note: 1- The process of ensuring the availability of products through inventory administration [CSCMP] 2-The branch of business management concerned with planning and controlling inventories [APICS]
first order logic axiom: InventoryManagementProcess(x) → BusinessProcess(x)
is primitive: true
natural language definition: business process that consists of the activities required for controlling, tracking, recording, and planning inventories
primitive rationale: The required constructs for creation of a formal definition are not available in this release.
semi formal natural language axiom: if x is an 'inventory management process' then x is a 'business process'

load
type: Class
equivalent class: Class
  intersection of: BFO_0000040
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: hasRole
    some values from: load role
example: a portion of grain loaded on a truck and transported from a grain elevator to a food processing facility
explanatory note: collection of material entites transported or transferred together
first order logic definition: Load(x) ↔ MaterialEntity(x) ∧ ∃r(LoadRole(r) ∧ hasRole(x,r))
natural language definition: collection of material entities which share the same transportation and transfer history
semi formal natural language definition: every instance of 'load' is defined as exactly an instane of 'material entity' that 'has role' some 'load role'

load role
type: Class
subclass of: traceable resource unit role
subclass of: Restriction
  on property: roleOf
  some values from: Class
    intersection of: BFO_0000040
    intersection of: Restriction
      on property: BFO_0000056
      some values from: MaterialLocationChangeProcess
example: role of 200 pounds of wheat when it is transfered from one container to another container
first order logic axiom: LoadRole(x) → TraceableResouceUnitRole(x) ∧ ∃m∃p(MaterialEntity(m) ∧ MaterialLocationChangeProcess(p) ∧ participatesInAtSomeTime(m,p) ∧ ∃i(Identifier(i) ∧ designates(i,m)) ∧ roleOf(x,m))
is primitive: true
natural language definition: traceable resource unit role held by a number of material entities that have been transferred or transported together
primitive rationale: The required constructs for creation of a formal definition are not available in this release.
semi formal natural language axiom: if x is a 'load role' then x is a 'traceable resource unit role' that is the 'role of' some 'material entity' m that 'participates in at some time' some 'material location change process' and m is 'designated by' some 'identifier'

location identification scheme
type: Class
subclass of: InformationContentEntity
example: GS1 specifications related to creating global location numbers (GLN) for physical and digital locations
first order logic axiom: InformationcontEntentity(x) ∧ ∃i(Identifier(i) ∧ prescribes(x,i)) ∧ ∃g(GeospatialLocation (i) ∧ designates(i,g)) → LocationIdentificationScheme(x)
is primitive: true
natural language definition: identification scheme that prescribes how unique identifiers of physical locations are formulated
primitive rationale: See the general discussion and rationale provided for informational entities under 'information content entity'.
semi formal natural language axiom: if x is an 'information content entity' that 'prescribes' some 'identifier' that designates some 'geospatial location' then x is a 'location identification scheme'

location role
type: Class
subclass of: BFO_0000023
equivalent class: Class
  intersection of: BFO_0000023
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: roleOf
    some values from: Class
      intersection of: geospatial site
      intersection of: Class
        union of: Restriction
example: role held by the site of a piece of land when it is the landing location for a SpaceX rocket; role of the site of a parking lot when it is used as a drop off location during a receiving process
explanatory note: candidate IOF Core construct
first order logic definition: LocationRolel(x) ↔ Role(x) ∧ ∃g(GeospatialSite(g) ∧ roleOf(x,g)) ∧ ∃m∃p(Process(p) ∧ MaterialEntity(m) ∧ locationOfAtSometime(g,m) ∨ isSiteOf(g,p))
natural language definition: role held by a geospatial site when it is the location of some material entity at some time or the site of some process
semi formal natural language definition: every instance of 'location role' is defined as exactly an instance of 'role' that is the 'role of' some 'geospatial site' that is 'location of at some time' some 'material entity' or 'is site of' some 'process'

logistic unit
type: Class
equivalent class: Class
  intersection of: BFO_0000040
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: designatedBy
    some values from: Identifier
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: hasRole
    some values from: logistic unit role
example: a case, pallet or parcel
explanatory note: An item of any composition established for transport and/or storage that needs to be managed through the supply chain [GS1].
first order logic definition: LogisticUnit(x) ↔ MaterialEntity(x) ∧ ∃r(LogisticUnitRole(r) ∧ hasRole(x,r))
natural language definition: material entities packaged together for transport or storage
semi formal natural language definition: every instance of 'logistic unit' is defined as exactly an instance of 'material entity' that 'has role' some 'logistic unit role'

logistic unit role
type: Class
subclass of: traceable resource unit role
example: role held by a ballet of softdrinks when it is stored before being shipped to a known location
first order logic axiom: LogisticUnitRole(x) → TraceableResourceUnitRole(x)
is primitive: true
natural language definition: traceable resource unit role held by a number of material entities that are packaged together for transport or storage
primitive rationale: The required constructs for creation of a formal definition are not available in this release.
semi formal natural language axiom: if x is a 'logistic unit role' then x is 'traceable resource unit role'

logistics process
type: Class
subclass of: Class
  intersection of: BusinessProcess
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: BFO_0000117
    some values from: Class
      union of: freight forwarding process
      union of: receiving process
      union of: shipment preparation process
      union of: storage process
      union of: transport process
example: Inbound Raw Material Delivery, Finished Goods Shipment to Distributor, Work-in-Progress (WIP) Transfer Between Production Sites, Third-Party Logistics (3PL) Coordination, Return Logistics (Reverse Supply Chain)
first order logic axiom: LogisticsProcess(x) → BusinessProcess(x) ∧ ∃p((ReceivingProcess(p) ∨ ShipmentPreparationProcess(p) ∨ StorageProcess(p) ∨ FreightForwardingProcess(p) ∨ TransportProcess(p)) ∧ hasOccurrentPart (x,p))
is primitive: true
natural language definition: business process composed of one or more processes such as transport, shipment preparation, storage, or receiving that are coordinated to enable the movement, handling, or distribution of material entities across one or more locations within a supply chain
primitive rationale: The required constructs for creation of a formal definition are not available in this release.
semi formal natural language axiom: if x is a 'logistics process' then x is an 'business process' that 'has occurrent part' some 'receiving process' or 'shipment preparation process' or 'storage process' or 'transport process' or 'freight forwarding process'

logistics service
type: Class
subclass of: CommercialService
subclass of: Restriction
  on property: BFO_0000117
  some values from: Class
    union of: freight forwarding process
    union of: packaging process
    union of: transport process
example: the shipping service provided by a trucking company, the freight forwarding service provided by Logistix Co
explanatory note: The services related to planning, implementing, and controlling procedures for the efficient and effective transportation and storage of goods including services, and related information from the point of origin to the point of consumption for the purpose of conforming to customer requirements.
first order logic axiom: LogisticsService(x) → CommercialService(x) ∧ ∃p((TransportationProcess(p) ∨ FreightForwardingProcess(p) ∨ PackagingProcess(p) ∨ StorageProcess(p)) ∧ hasOccurentPart(x,p))
is primitive: true
natural language definition: commercial service that consists of at least one transport process, packaging process, freight forwarding, or storage process
primitive rationale: There are several other types of logistics services that are not included in the current release.
semi formal natural language axiom: if x is a 'logistics service' then x is a 'commercial service' that 'has occurrent part' some 'transport process', 'packaging process', 'freight forwarding process', or 'storage process'

logistics service provider role
type: Class
subclass of: ServiceProviderRole
subclass of: Restriction
  on property: roleOf
  some values from: Class
    intersection of: Class
      union of: BusinessOrganization
      union of: Person
    intersection of: Restriction
      on property: agent in
      some values from: logistics service
example: role of FedEx when it provides transportation services to its customers
explanatory note: Any business which provides logistics services. Includes those businesses typically referred to as 3PL, 4PL, LLP, etc. Services may include provisioning, transport, warehousing, packaging, etc [CSCMP].
first order logic axiom: LogisticsServiceProviderRole(x) → ServiceProviderRole(x) ∧ ∃y∃p(BusinessOrganization(y) ∨ Person(y) ∧ LogisticsService(p) ∧ agentIn(y,p) ∧ roleOf(x,y))
is primitive: true
natural language definition: service provider role that is held by a business organization or person when it provides a logistics service
primitive rationale: The required constructs for providing necessary and sufficient conditions are not available in this release.
semi formal natural language axiom: if x is a 'logistics service provider role' then x is a 'service provider role' that is 'role of' some 'business organization' or 'person' y when it is 'agent in' some 'logistics service'
synonym: 3PL

lot
type: Class
equivalent class: Class
  intersection of: BFO_0000040
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: designatedBy
    some values from: lot identifier
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: hasRole
    some values from: lot role
example: a batch of waterpump housings manufactured during the morning shift of diecasting plant on a certian machine
adapted from: APICS
explanatory note: A Lot can consist of portion of bulk material
first order logic definition: Lot(x) ↔ MaterialEntity(x) ∧ ∃r(LotRole(r) ∧ hasRole(x,r))
natural language definition: quantity of material entities produced together and sharing the same production history and specifications
semi formal natural language definition: every instannce of 'lot' is defined as exactly an instance of 'material entity' that 'has role' some 'lot role'

lot identifier
type: Class
subclass of: Identifier
equivalent class: Class
  intersection of: Identifier
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: designates
    some values from: lot
example: Lot Number: 180220601 The first two digits (18) is the year of manufacture (2018) The next two digits (02) is the month of manufacture (February) The next two digits (20) is the day of the month of manufacture (20th) The next digit (6) is the plant number The last two digits (01) represents the product batch of that specific day
explanatory note: 1- A unique identification assigned to a homogeneous quantity of material [APICS] 2- A sequence number associated with a specific batch or production run of products and used for tracking purposes [CSCMP]. 3- A Lot can consist of portion of bulk material
explanatory note: it is often used interchangeably with Batch Number
first order logic definition: LotIdentifier(x) ↔ Identifier(x) ∧ ∃y(Lot(y) ∧ designates(x,y))
natural language definition: identifier that uniquely denotes a particular quantity of material entities that have shared production or transformation history
semi formal natural language definition: 'lot number' is a 'code identifier' that 'designates' some 'lot'

lot role
type: Class
subclass of: traceable resource unit role
subclass of: Restriction
  on property: roleOf
  some values from: Class
    intersection of: BFO_0000040
    intersection of: Restriction
      on property: BFO_0000056
      some values from: ManufacturingProcess
    intersection of: Restriction
      on property: designatedBy
      some values from: lot identifier
example: role held by a number of aluminum shafts machined by certain operator on a certain CNC machine during a work shift
first order logic axiom: LotRole(x) → TraceableResouceUnitRole(x) ∧ ∃m∃p(MaterialEntity(m) ∧ ManufacturingProcess(p) ∧ participatesInAtSomeTime(m,p) ∧ ∃i(LotNumber(i) ∧ designates(i,m)) ∧ roleOf(x,m))
is primitive: true
natural language definition: traceable resource unit role held by material entities that have a shared production or transformation history
primitive rationale: The required constructs for creation of a formal definition are not available in this release.
semi formal natural language axiom: if x is a 'lot role' then x is a 'traceable resource unit role' that is the 'role of' some 'material entity' m that 'participates in at some time' some 'manufacturing process' and m is 'designated by' some 'lot number'
synonym: Batch Role

make-to-order production capability
type: Class
subclass of: production capability
example: the capability of BMW to customize their vehicles according to customers' preferences. BMW lets customers select the interior and exterior, the engine, as well as other features; Dell Computers is an example of a business that uses the MTO production strategy, wherein customers can order a fully customized computer online and receive it in a couple of weeks.
acronym: MTO
first order logic axiom: MakeToOrderCapability(x) → ProductionCapability(x)
is primitive: true
natural language definition: production capability to manufacture some material artifact only after a confirmed customer order is received
primitive rationale: Constructs such as 'order' and 'demand forecast' are not available in the current version.
semi formal natural language axiom: if x is a 'make-to-order production capability' then x is a 'production capability'

make-to-stock production capability
type: Class
subclass of: production capability
example: The company that manufactures t-shirts knows that it generally sells more t-shirts in the summer than any other time of year. So it will produce a certain amount of t-shirts in advance and keep them in stock until customers purchase them.
explanatory note: Make-to-stock is the traditional production approach of building up an inventory based on sales forecasts.
first order logic axiom: MakeToStockCapability(x) → ProductionCapability(x)
is primitive: true
natural language definition: production capability to manufacture and store some product to fulfill the expected incoming orders or forcasted demand
primitive rationale: Constructs such as 'order' and 'demand forecast' are not available in the current version.
semi formal natural language axiom: if x is a 'make-to-stock production capability' then x is a 'production capability'

manufacturing service
type: Class
equivalent class: Class
  intersection of: CommercialService
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: BFO_0000117
    some values from: ManufacturingProcess
example: The final assembly service provided by Foxconn to Apple (Foxconn is a contract manufacturing service company that owns and operates factories in China that do the final assembly of iPhones for Apple), The machining services provided by a contract machinist
first order logic definition: ManufacturingService(x) ↔ CommercialService(x) ∧ ∃p(ManufacturingProcess(p) ∧ hasOccurentPart(x,p))
natural language definition: commercial service that consists of at least one manufacturing process
semi formal natural language definition: every instance of 'manufactuirng service' is defined as exactly an instance of 'commercial service' that 'has occurrent part' some 'manufacturing process'

manufacturing service provider role
type: Class
subclass of: ServiceProviderRole
subclass of: Restriction
  on property: roleOf
  some values from: Class
    intersection of: Class
      union of: BusinessOrganization
      union of: Person
    intersection of: Restriction
      on property: agent in
      some values from: manufacturing service
example: a contract machinist who machines parts owned by another company
first order logic axiom: ManufacturingServiceProviderRole(x) → ServiceProviderRole(x) ∧ ∃y∃p((BusinessOrganization(y) ∨ Person(y)) ∧ ManufacturingService(p) ∧ agentIn(y,p) ∧ roleOf(x,y))
is primitive: true
natural language definition: service provider role that is held by a person or business organization when it provides a manufacturing service
primitive rationale: There are insufficient constructs to create necessary and sufficient conditions.
semi formal natural language axiom: Manufacturing Service Provider Role x implies that x is a Service Provider Role that is 'role of' some Business Organization or Person when it is 'agent in' some Manufacturing Service

manufacturing supply chain system
type: Class
subclass of: supply chain system
equivalent class: Class
  intersection of: supply chain system
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: BFO_0000056
    some values from: Class
      intersection of: supply chain process
      intersection of: Restriction
        on property: hasSpecifiedOutput
        some values from: MaterialProduct
example: a supply chian that manufactures and delivers F-150 engines to Ford Motor Company
first order logic definition: ManufacturingSupplyChainSystem(x) ↔ SupplyChainSystem(x) ∧ ∃p(MaterialProduct(p) ∧ hasSpecifiedOutput(x,p))
natural language definition: supply chain system that is formed to manufacture one or more products
semi formal natural language definition: every instance of 'manufacturing supply chain system' defined as exactly an instance of a 'supply chain system' that 'has specified output' some 'material product'

packaging plan specification
type: Class
subclass of: PlanSpecification
example: plan that describes how iPhone 14 is packaged at the item-level and batch-level, plan that prescribes how windows are plastic wrapped and seperated using pads before transportation
first order logic axiom: PlanSpecification(x) ∧ ∃c(PackagingProcess(p) ∧ prescribes(x,p)) → PackagingPlanSpecification(x)
is primitive: true
natural language definition: plan specification that prescribes a packaging process
primitive rationale: See the general discussion and rationale provided for informational entities under 'information content entity'.
semi formal natural language axiom: if x is a 'plan specification' that 'prescribes' some 'packaging process' p and p 'has participant at some time' some 'material product', then x is a 'packaging plan specification'

packaging process
type: Class
subclass of: Class
  intersection of: BusinessProcess
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: BFO_0000057
    some values from: MaterialProduct
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: prescribedBy
    some values from: packaging plan specification
example: fillig aluminum cans with beverage; Boxing an item in an Amazon Fulfillent Center before shipping; Plastic wrappimg office furniture before shipment, putting 12 bottles of soft drink in a case and wrapping the case before transporting to the warehouse
explanatory note: 1- While there are certainly packaging processes for transport or storage, another common and important packaging process prepares something for sale. An actual product that results from this process includes the package and has a different product identifier depending on that package (as with GTINs). In batch industries like beer, the line used to package the material is completely separated from the line used to make it and runs on its own schedule 2- Logistics Packaging Process is the preparation of product or commodity for proper storage and/or transportation. 3- Packaging may entail blocking, bracing, cushioning, marking, sealing, labeling, strapping, weather proofing, wrapping processes.
first order logic axiom: PackagingProcess(x) → BusinessProcess(x) ∧ ∃m∃p(MaterialProduct(m) ∧ PackagingPlanSpecification(p) ∧ hasParticipantAtSomeTime(x,m) ∧ prescribedBy(x,p))
is primitive: true
natural language definition: business process of putting some products or some portion of material into a package according to a packaging plan specification
primitive rationale: The required construct (the notion of package in this case) for creation of a formal definition are not available in this release.
semi formal natural language axiom: if x is a 'packaging process' then x is a 'business process' and 'has participant at some time' some 'material procduct' and x is 'prescribed by' some 'packaging plan specification'

packaging service
type: Class
equivalent class: Class
  intersection of: logistics service
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: BFO_0000117
    some values from: packaging process
example: On-site packing and knitting service provided by ABC company when they bring materials and a crew to the customer site and pack the products that need to be shipped.
first order logic definition: PackagingService(x) ↔ LogisticsService(x) ∧ ∃p(PackagingProcess(p) ∧ hasOccurentPart(x,p))
natural language definition: logistics service that consists of at lest one packaging process
semi formal natural language definition: every instance of 'packaging service' is defined as exactly an instance of 'logistics service' that 'has occurrent part' some 'packaging process'

packaging service provider role
type: Class
equivalent class: Class
  intersection of: logistics service provider role
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: roleOf
    some values from: Class
      intersection of: Class
        union of: BusinessOrganization
        union of: Person
      intersection of: Restriction
        on property: agent in
        some values from: packaging service
example: The role of ABC Co. when they provide on-site packing and knitting service by bringing materials and a crew to the customer site and packing the products that need to be shipped.
first order logic definition: PackagingServiceProviderRole(x) ↔ LogisticsServiceProviderRole(x) ∧ ∃y∃p ((BusinessOrganization(y) ∨ Person(y)) ∧ PackagingService(p) ∧ agentIn(y,p) ∧ roleOf(x, y))
natural language definition: logisitics service provider role held by a business organization or person when it provides a packaging service
semi formal natural language definition: if x is a Packaging Service Provider Role then x is a Logistics Service Provider Role that is the 'role of' a Business Organization or Person y when it is'agent in' some Packaging Service

piece of transport equipment
type: Class
subclass of: PieceOfEquipment
equivalent class: Class
  intersection of: MaterialArtifact
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: hasRole
    some values from: transport equipment role
example: a truck, a trailer, a mobile yard crane, a towing vehicle, an intermodal container
explanatory note: Transport equipment is defined as a piece of high-value equipment used to hold, protect or secure cargo for transportation purposes [GS1].
first order logic axiom: PieceOfTransportEquipment(x) → PieceOfEquipment(x)
is primitive: true
natural language definition: material artifact which has a ransport equipment role
primitive rationale: The required constructs for formal definition, such as holding, protecting, and securing, are not available in this release.
semi formal natural language axiom: every instance of 'piece of transport equipment' is defined as exactly an instance of 'material artifact' that 'has role' some 'transport equipment role'

production capability
type: Class
subclass of: Capability
subclass of: Restriction
  on property: BFO_0000054
  some values from: ProductProductionProcess
subclass of: Restriction
  on property: capabilityOf
  some values from: Class
    union of: Agent
    union of: System
example: the capability of Philips Lighting Co to manufacture 1000 LED lamps per day
first order logic axiom: ProductionCapability(x) → Capability(x) ∧ ∃y(Agent(y) ∨ EngineeredSystem(y) ∧ CapabilityOf(x,y)) ∧ ∃p(ProductProductionProcess(p) ∧ hasRealization(x,p))
is primitive: true
natural language definition: capability of an agent or a system that is realized in a product production process
primitive rationale: The required constructs for providing necessary and sufficient conditions are not available in this release.
semi formal natural language axiom: if x is a 'production capability' then x is a 'capability' that is 'capability of' some agent or system y and that is 'realized in' some 'product production process' p

purchase order
type: Class
subclass of: Agreement
example: A PO issued by Discount Tire (buyer) regarding purchasing 500 tires from Bridgestone company (supplier)
acronym: PO
explanatory note: A PO becomes a legally binding document (contract) between a buyer and a seller once it is approved by the seller.
first order logic axiom: Agreement (x) ∧ ∃p(BuyingBusinessProcess (p) ∧ isAbout(x,p)) ∧ ∃b∃s(BuyerRole(b) ∧ SupplierRole(s) ∧ prescribes(x,b) ∧ prescribes(x,s)) → PurchaseOrder(x)
is primitive: true
natural language definition: agreement between a buyer and a vendor (supplier) that that contains a set of commitments on the buyer and the vendeor
primitive rationale: See the general discussion and rationale provided for informational entities under 'information content entity'.
semi formal natural language axiom: if x is an 'agreement' that 'is about' some 'buying business process' and 'prescribes' some 'buyer role' and some 'supplier role' then x is a 'purchase order'

receiving process
type: Class
subclass of: BusinessProcess
example: the process of receiving and inspecting a shipment at a Walmart warehouse
explanatory note: 1- The function of taking physical receipt of material and performing initial inspection of the incoming shipment for damage and validation with respect to purchase order quantity. Typically includes some initial data recording, but not quality assurance or stocking [CSCMP]. 2- The function encompassing the physical receipt of material, the inspection of the shipment for conformance with the purchase order (quantity and damage), the identification and delivery to destination, and the preparation of receiving reports [APICS].
first order logic axiom: ReceivingProcess(x) → BusinessProcess(x)
is primitive: true
natural language definition: planned process in which an agent receives some material entity from another agent
primitive rationale: To provide the necessary and sufficient conditions, the relationships representing Allen's Interval Algebra elements are needed.
semi formal natural language axiom: if x is a 'receiving process' then x is a 'business process'
synonym: Receipt Process

retailer
type: Class
subclass of: Agent
equivalent class: Class
  intersection of: Class
    union of: BusinessOrganization
    union of: Person
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: hasRole
    some values from: retailer role
example: Target; Discout Tire; your local grocery stroe
explanatory note: 1- a person or business organization that sells goods to the public in relatively small quantities for use or consumption rather than for resale. 2- An individual or organization which purchasers products from a manufacturer or distributor and resells them to the ultimate consumer. This group includes a wide range of businesses from door to door and corner stores to global companies like Walmart, as well as on-line stores like Amazon [CSCMP]. 3-The party that sells directly to the ultimate consumer [GS1]. 4-A business or person that sells goods to the consumer, as opposed to a wholesaler or supplier, who normally sell their goods to another business [GS1].
explanatory note: See the expanded definition under the corresponding role class. The term is formalized here as a defined class by referring to its corresponding role class and exists primarily for ontological modeling and implementation convenience.
first order logic definition: Retailer(x) ↔ (BusinessOrganization(x) ∨ Person(x)) ∧ ∃r(RetailerRole(r) ∧ hasRole(x,r))
natural language definition: person or business organization who buys products from wholesalers and manufacturers and resells them to end users
semi formal natural language definition: every instance of 'retailer' is defined as exactly an instance of 'person' or 'business organization' that 'has role' some 'retailer role'

retailer role
type: Class
subclass of: AgentRole
subclass of: Restriction
  on property: roleOf
  some values from: Class
    intersection of: Class
      union of: BusinessOrganization
      union of: Person
    intersection of: Restriction
      on property: agent in
      some values from: Class
        intersection of: SellingBusinessProcess
        intersection of: Restriction
subclass of: Restriction
  on property: roleOf
  some values from: Class
    intersection of: Class
      union of: BusinessOrganization
      union of: Person
    intersection of: Restriction
      on property: agent in
      some values from: Class
        intersection of: SupplyingBusinessProcess
        intersection of: Restriction
subclass of: Restriction
  on property: roleOf
  some values from: Class
    intersection of: Class
      union of: BusinessOrganization
      union of: Person
    intersection of: Restriction
      on property: hasRole
      some values from: Class
        intersection of: BuyerRole
        intersection of: Restriction
example: Home Depot has a retailer role when it sells construction materials to contarctors
first order logic axiom: LA1: RetailerRole(x) → AgentRole(x) ∧ ∃y∃p∃r∃r1∃r2∃m∃f((BusinessOrganization(y) ∨ Person(y)) ∧ roleOf(x,y) ∧ BuyerRole(r) ∧ hasRole(y,r) ∧ BuyingBusinessProcess(p) ∧ hasRealization(r,p) ∧ MaterialProductRole(r1) ∧ SupplierRole(r2) ∧ MaterialEntity(m) ∧ realizes(p,r1) ∧ roleOf(r1,m) ∧ realizes(p,r2) ∧ roleOf(r2,f) → (Manufacturer(f) ∨ Wholesaler(f)))
first order logic axiom: LA2:RetailerRole(x) → AgentRole(x) ∧ ∃y∃p∃r1∃r2∃m∃e((BusinessOrganization(y) ∨ Person(y)) ∧ roleOf(x,y) ∧ SupplyingBusinessProcess(p) ∧ agentIn(y,p) ∧ Customer(c) ∧ BuyerRole(r1) ∧ roleOf(r1,c) ∧ MaterialEntity(m) ∧ MaterialProductRole(r2) ∧ roleOf(r2,m) ∧ realizes(p,r1) ∧ realizes(p,r2))
first order logic axiom: LA3:RetailerRole(x) → AgentRole(x) ∧ ∃y∃p∃r∃m((BusinessOrganization(y) ∨ Person(y)) ∧ roleOf(x,y) ∧ OfferingForSaleBusinessProcess(p) ∧ agentIn(y,p) ∧ MaterialProductRole(r) ∧ MaterialEntity(m) ∧ realizes(p,r) ∧ roleOf(r,m))
is primitive: true
natural language definition: role held by a person or business organization when it buys products (material product) from manufacturers or wholesalers and offers them for sale to customers who are the end users of the product
primitive rationale: The required constructs for providing necessary and sufficient conditions are not available in this release.
semi formal natural language axiom: LA1: if x is a 'retailer role' then x is an 'agent role' that is 'role of' some 'business organization' or 'person' y that 'has role' some 'buyer role' and 'has realization' some 'buying business process' that 'realizes' some 'material product role' that is 'role of' some 'material entity' and 'realizes' some 'supplier role' that is 'role of' some 'manufacturer' or 'wholesaler'
semi formal natural language axiom: LA2:if x is a 'retailer role' then x is an 'agent role' that is 'role of' some 'business organization' or 'person' y who is 'agent in' some 'supplying business process' p and p 'realizes' some 'material product role' that is 'role of' some 'material entity' and p 'realizes' some 'buyer role' that is 'role of' some 'customer'
semi formal natural language axiom: LA3:if x is a 'retailer role' then x is an 'agent role' that is 'role of' some 'business organization' or 'person' who is 'agent in' some 'offering for sale business process' that 'realizes' some 'material product role' that is 'role of' some 'material entity'

seaway
type: Class
subclass of: BFO_0000028
example: The longest shipping route in the world is the route between Asia and the East Coast of South America with approximately 19,000 nautical miles (35,000 kilometers) and about 45 days to complete.
explanatory note: A specific route that ocean liners take between ports to help traffic flow and to avoid the most dangerous areas of the ocean [APICS].
first order logic axiom: Seaway(x) → ThreeDimensionalSpatialRegion (x)
is primitive: true
natural language definition: three-dimensional spatial region that connects one specified location to another on a body of water along which a watercraft may travel
primitive rationale: The required constructs for creation of a formal definition are not available in this release.
semi formal natural language axiom: if x is a 'seaway' then x is a 'three-dimensional spatial region'
synonym: shipping lane

service consumer role
type: Class
subclass of: CustomerRole
example: An AT&T customer has a service consumer role when she makes a call using a phone plan provided by AT&T
first order logic axiom: ServiceConsumerRole(x) → CustomerRole(x)
is primitive: true
natural language definition: customer role held by a person or business organization when it receives and consumes a service
primitive rationale: The required constructs for providing necessary and sufficient conditions are not available in this release. in particular, the notions related to receiving or consuming services are missing.
semi formal natural language axiom: if x is a 'service consumer role' then x is a 'customer role'

service supply chain system
type: Class
subclass of: supply chain system
equivalent class: Class
  intersection of: supply chain system
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: BFO_0000056
    some values from: CommercialService
example: warranty service supply chian
first order logic definition: ServiceSupplyChainSystem(x) ↔SupplyChainSystem(x) ∧ ∃s(CommercialService(s) ∧ participatesInAtSomeTimes(x,s))
natural language definition: supply chain system that is formed to deliver some commercial services
semi formal natural language definition: every instance of 'service supply chain system' is defined as exactly an instance of a 'supply chain system' that 'participates in at some times' some 'commercial service'

ship from location
type: Class
equivalent class: Class
  intersection of: geospatial site
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: hasRole
    some values from: ship from location role
example: shipping dock, outbound staging area, Amazon FulFillment Center in San Marcos, TX
explanatory note: The location from which material is sent [APICS]
first order logic definition: ShipFromLocation(x) ↔ GeospatialSite(x) ∧ ∃r(ShipFromLocationRole(r) ∧ hasRole (x,r))
natural language definition: geospatial location at which some dispatch process occurs
semi formal natural language definition: every instance of 'ship from location' is defined as exactly an instance of 'geospatial location' that 'has role' some 'ship from location role'
synonym: Dispatch Location
synonym: shipping point

ship from location role
type: Class
subclass of: location role
subclass of: Restriction
  on property: roleOf
  some values from: Class
    intersection of: geospatial site
    intersection of: Restriction
      on property: is site of
      some values from: shipment preparation process
example: role held by the site of a Walmart warehouse when it is the location from which a shipment initiates
first order logic axiom: ShipFromLocationRolel(x) → LocatinRole(x) ∧ ∃g∃p∃b(GeospatialSite(g) ∧ ShipmentPreparationProcess(p) ∧ BillOfLading(b) ∧ isSiteOf(g,p) ∧ isPrescribedBy(p,b) ∧ roleOf(x,g))
is primitive: true
natural language definition: location role held by a geospatial site when it is the location at which some dispatch process occures
primitive rationale: The required constructs for providing necessary and sufficient conditions are not available in this release.
semi formal natural language axiom: if x is a 'ship from location role' then x is a 'role' that is the 'role of' some 'geospatial site' and 'is site of' some 'shipment preparation process'

ship to location
type: Class
equivalent class: Class
  intersection of: geospatial site
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: hasRole
    some values from: ship to location role
example: my home's locations when it is used as the delivery point of an Amazon shipment; A Boeing manufactuing facility in WA when it is used as the delivery point for a shipment of jet engines
explanatory note: 1-The physical location to which goods for transport are finally delivered [GS1] 2- The location to which material is being shipped [APICS]
first order logic definition: ShipToLocation(x) ↔ GespatialSite(x) ∧ ∃r(ShipToLocationRole(r) ∧ hasRole(x,r))
natural language definition: geospatial location in which some receiving process occurs
semi formal natural language definition: every instance of 'ship from location' is defined as exactly an instance of 'geospatial location' that 'has role' some 'ship to location role'
synonym: receiving point

ship to location role
type: Class
subclass of: location role
subclass of: Restriction
  on property: roleOf
  some values from: Class
    intersection of: geospatial site
    intersection of: Restriction
      on property: is site of
      some values from: receiving process
example: role held by the site of a Ford dealership when it is the delivery location for a shipment of cars from Ford
first order logic axiom: ShipToLocationRolel(x) → LocatinRole(x) ∧ ∃g∃p∃b(GeospatialSite(g) ∧ ReceivingProcess(p) ∧ isSiteOf(g,p) ∧ roleOf(x,g))
is primitive: true
natural language definition: location role held by a geospatial site when it is the location at which some receiving process occures
primitive rationale: The required constructs for providing necessary and sufficient conditions are not available in this release.
semi formal natural language axiom: if x is a 'ship to location role' then x is a 'role' that is the 'role of' some 'geospatial site' and 'is site of' some 'receiving process'

shipment
type: Class
equivalent class: Class
  intersection of: BFO_0000040
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: hasRole
    some values from: shipment role
example: Examples include truckload, vessel, 10 pallets of various items.
explanatory note: 1- A grouping of logistic and transport units assembled and identified by the seller (sender) of the goods travelling under one dispatch advice and/or Bill of Lading to one customer (recipient) [GS1] 2- An item or group of items delivered to one party’s location at one moment in time that have undergone the same dispatch and receipt processes [GS1]
explanatory note: 1. a shipment may contain one or more logistic units 2. A shipment is prepared as prescribed according to some shipment plan and is intended to be transported by some carrier and delivered to some receiver.
first order logic definition: Shipment(x) ↔ MaterialEntity(x) ∧ ∃r(ShipmentRole(r) ∧ hasRole(x,r))
natural language definition: collection of material entities delivered to a receiver's location that have undergone the same dispatch and receipt processes
semi formal natural language definition: every instance of 'shipment' is defined as exactly an instance of 'material entity' that 'has role' some 'shipment role'

shipment plan specification
type: Class
subclass of: PlanSpecification
example: a shipping plan that specifies the schedule for picking up a shipment of 1000 smartphones from a certain pick up location and transporting to a certain destination and also provides details of the shipping method (sea freight for example)
first order logic axiom: PlanSpecification(x) ∧ ∃p(ShipmentPreparationProcess(p) ∧ prescribes(x,p)) → ShipmentPlanSpecification(x)
is primitive: true
natural language definition: plan specification that prescribes a shipment preparation process and a transportation process
primitive rationale: See the general discussion and rationale provided for informational entities under 'information content entity'.
semi formal natural language axiom: if x is a 'plan specification that 'prescribes' some 'shipment preparation process' then x is a 'shipment plan specification'

shipment preparation process
type: Class
subclass of: Class
  intersection of: BusinessProcess
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: BFO_0000057
    some values from: MaterialProduct
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: BFO_0000057
    some values from: consignor
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: hasSpecifiedOutput
    some values from: shipment
example: A tile manufacturer's warehouse receives several order and generates a picking list for each order. Then the warehouse workers pick the tile boxes from the assigned inventory location. Warehouse workers then pack, label, and sort the products by carrier before moving them to the loading dock for shipping.
explanatory note: The activities related to preparation of outgoing shipment for transport. Shipment preparation process (shipping) often includes at least one picking, internal movement, packaging, marking, labeling, weighing, or loading process.
first order logic axiom: ShipmentPreparationProcess(x) → BusinessProcess(x) ∧ ∃c∃m∃s(Consignor(c) ∧ MaterialProduct(m) ∧ Shipment(s) ∧ hasParticipantAtSomeTime(x,c) ∧ hasParticipantAtSomeTime(x,m) ∧ hasSpecifiedOutput(x,s))
is primitive: true
natural language definition: business process in which some material entities are prepared to be transported together to a receiver’s location.
primitive rationale: The required constructs for creation of a formal definition are not available in this release.
semi formal natural language axiom: if x is a 'shipment preparation process' then x is a business process' and 'has participant at some time' some 'consignor' and 'has participant at some time' some 'material product' and 'has specified output' some 'shipment'
synonym: dispatch process

shipment role
type: Class
subclass of: traceable resource unit role
subclass of: Restriction
  on property: BFO_0000054
  all values from: transport process
subclass of: Restriction
  on property: roleOf
  some values from: Class
    intersection of: BFO_0000040
    intersection of: Restriction
      on property: isOutputOf
      some values from: shipment preparation process
example: role held by a shipment of 5 Toyota Rav4s on an auto transport trailer that are intended to be delivered to a Toyota dealership
first order logic axiom: ShipmentRole(x) → TraceableResouceUnitRole(x) ∧ ∃m∃p(MaterialEntity(m) ∧ ShipmentPreparationProcess(p)) ∧ outputOf(m,p) ∧ roleOf(x,m) ∧ ∀y(hasRealization(x,y) → TransportProcess(y))
is primitive: true
natural language definition: traceable resource unit role held by material entities when they undergo the same dispatch and receipt processes as prescribed by a bill of lading
primitive rationale: The required constructs for creation of a formal definition are not available in this release.
semi formal natural language axiom: if x is a 'shipment role' then x is a 'traceable resource unit role' that is the 'role of' some 'material entity' that is the 'output of' some 'shipment preparation process' and whenever x 'has realization' y that y must be a 'transpot process'

shipment state
type: Class
subclass of: MaterialState
example: delayed state, in-transit state, delivered state
first order logic axiom: ShipmentState(x) → MaterialState(x)
is primitive: true
natural language definition: material state in which a shipment that participates in the state has a condition that remains unchanged
primitive rationale: There are insufficient constructs to create necessary and sufficient conditions. Namely, constructs to formalize XYZ are still lacking.
semi formal natural language axiom: if x is a 'shapment state' then x is a 'material state'

consignor
type: Class
subclass of: Agent
equivalent class: Class
  intersection of: Class
    union of: BusinessOrganization
    union of: Person
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: hasRole
    some values from: consignor role
example: an Amazon FulFillment Center when it prepares an ordered item for shipping
explanatory note: 1-The originator of a shipment of freight [APICS]. 2-The party who originates a shipment of goods (shipper). The sender of a freight shipment, usually the seller [CSCMP]. 3-The consignor is the company shipping the product. A consignor can be a factory, distribution center or drop ship origin location. When shipping internationally, the consignor is the exporter of record.
explanatory note: See the expanded definition under the corresponding role class. The term is formalized here as a defined class by referring to its corresponding role class and exists primarily for ontological modeling and implementation convenience.
first order logic definition: Consignor(x) ↔ (BusinessOrganization(x) ∨ Person(x)) ∧ ∃r(ConsignorRole(r) ∧ hasRole(x,r))
natural language definition: person or business organization that prepares and sends shipments for transport
semi formal natural language definition: every instance of 'consignor' is defined as exactly an instance of a 'person' or 'business organization' that 'has role' some 'consignor role'
synonym: Shipper

shipping route
type: Class
subclass of: BFO_0000028
example: the path along which an Amazon delivery truck drives to deliver a shipment
explanatory note: A path along which some shipment travels during some transport process.
first order logic axiom: ShippingRoute(x) → ThreeDimensionalSpatialRegion(x)
is primitive: true
natural language definition: way (three-dimensional spatial region) that connects two or more supply chain nodes along which some shipment travels during a transport process
primitive rationale: The required constructs for creation of a formal definition are not available in this release.
semi formal natural language axiom: if x is a 'shipping route' then x is a 'three-dimensional spatial region'

storage capability
type: Class
subclass of: Capability
subclass of: Restriction
  on property: BFO_0000054
  some values from: storage process
subclass of: Restriction
  on property: capabilityOf
  some values from: Class
    union of: Agent
    union of: System
example: Caterpilar's capability to store its manufactured trucks up to a certain number
first order logic axiom: StorageCapability(x)→Capability(x) ∧ ∃y(Agent(y) ∨ EngineeredSystem(y) ∧ CapabilityOf(x,y)) ∧ ∃p(StorageProcess(p) ∧ hasRealization(x,p))
is primitive: true
natural language definition: capability of an agent or a system that is realized in a storage process
primitive rationale: The required constructs for providing necessary and sufficient conditions are not available in this release.
semi formal natural language axiom: if x is a 'storage capability' then x is a 'capability' that is 'capability of' some agent or system y and that 'realized in' some 'storage process' p

storage facility
type: Class
subclass of: facility
subclass of: Restriction
  on property: hasCapability
  some values from: storage capability
example: Costco's Warehouse, Self-storage facility
first order logic axiom: StorageFacility(x) → Facility(x) ∧ ∃c(StorageCapability(c) ∧ hasCapability(x,c))
is primitive: true
natural language definition: facility that is designed to store materials or goods
primitive rationale: The required constructs for providing necessary and sufficient conditions are not available in this release.
semi formal natural language axiom: if x is a 'storage facility' then x is a 'facility' and x and 'has capability' some 'storage capability'

storage process
type: Class
subclass of: PlannedProcess
example: the process of storing cutting tools in a tool cabinet for future use, the process of storing dishes in my kitchen cabinet, the process of storing products by a retailer for selling them in the future
explanatory note: this class refers to the storage process in a generic sense and it is not necessarily limited to industrial storage in a factory warehouse for example.
first order logic axiom: StorageProcess(x) → PlannedProcess(x)
is primitive: true
natural language definition: planned process of putting and keeping material entities in a specified location for future use
primitive rationale: The required constructs for creation of a formal definition are not available in this release.
semi formal natural language axiom: if x is a 'storage process' then x is a 'planned process'

storage service
type: Class
equivalent class: Class
  intersection of: logistics service
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: BFO_0000117
    some values from: storage process
example: 72 hour free storage service provided by Maersk for cargo before being transferred to trailers for onward distribution
explanatory note: logistics service in which an agent keeps a number of material artifacts in a specified location to meet the storage needs of another agent.
first order logic definition: StorageService(x) ↔ LogisticsService(x) ∧ ∃p(StorageProcess(p) ∧ hasOccurentPart(x,p))
natural language definition: logistics service that consists of at least one storage process
semi formal natural language definition: every instance of 'storage service' is defined as exactly an instance of 'logistics service' that 'has occurrent part' some 'storage process'

storage service provider role
type: Class
equivalent class: Class
  intersection of: logistics service provider role
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: roleOf
    some values from: Class
      intersection of: Class
        union of: BusinessOrganization
        union of: Person
      intersection of: Restriction
        on property: agent in
        some values from: storage service
example: DHL has a storage service provider role when it provides industrial warehousing and inventory management services to manufacturers
first order logic definition: StorageServiceProviderRole(x) ↔ LogisticsServiceProviderRole(x) ∧ ∃y∃p((BusinessOrganization(y) ∨ Person(y)) ∧ StorageService(p) ∧ agentIn(y,p) ∧ roleOf(x,y))
natural language definition: logisitics service provider role that is held by a person or business organization when it provides a storage service
semi formal natural language definition: if x is a Storage Service Provider Role then x is a Service Provider Role that is the 'role of' a Business Organization or Person y when it 'agent in' some Storage Service p

supplier evaluation process
type: Class
subclass of: Class
  intersection of: appraisal process
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: BFO_0000057
    some values from: Supplier
example: Tesla evaluating the capabilities of a manufacturer of some battery component
first order logic axiom: SupplierEvaluationProcess(x) → AppraisalProcess(x) ∧ ∃s(Suppier(s) ∧ hasParticipantAtSomeTime(x,s))
is primitive: true
natural language definition: apprasial process that involves evaluating, assessing, estimating, or judging the capabilities of a person or organization that is intended to become a member of a supply chain
primitive rationale: The required constructs for creation of a formal definition are not available in this release.
semi formal natural language axiom: if x is a 'supplier evaluation process' then x is an 'appraisal process' that 'has participant at some time' some 'supplier'

supply chain agent
type: Class
subclass of: Agent
equivalent class: Class
  intersection of: Class
    union of: BusinessOrganization
    union of: Person
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: hasRole
    some values from: supply chain agent role
example: a manufacturer in a supply chain; a carrier in a supply chain; a contractor who is responsible for on-site inspection of batches produced by a supplier of ventilator components
first order logic definition: SupplyChainAgent(x) ↔ (BusinessOrganization(x) ∨ Person(x)) ∧ ∃r(SupplyChainAgentRole(r) ∧ hasRole(x,r))
natural language definition: person or business organization who supplies material products or commercial services to other agents in a supply chain
semi formal natural language definition: every instance of 'supply chain agent' is defined as exactly an instance of 'person' or 'business organization' that 'has role' some 'supply chain role'

supply chain agent role
type: Class
equivalent class: Class
  intersection of: AgentRole
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: BFO_0000054
    some values from: supply chain process
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: roleOf
    some values from: Class
      intersection of: Agent
      intersection of: Restriction
        on property: BFO_0000129
        some values from: group of suppliers
example: role held by a manufacturer in a supply chain; role held by a carrier in a supply chain; roe held by a contractor who is responsible for on-site inspection of batches produced by a supplier of ventilator components
first order logic definition: SupplyChainAgentRolel(x) ↔ AgentRole(x) ∧ ∃a∃s∃p(Agent(a) ∧ SupplyChainProcess(p) ∧ GroupOfSuppliers(p) ∧ hasRelization(x,p) ∧ memberPartAtSomeTime(a,s) ∧ roleOf(x,a))
natural language definition: role held by an agent that is a part of a supply chain system when it supplies material products or commercial services to other agents in the supply chain system
semi formal natural language definition: if x is a 'supply chain agent role' then x is a 'role' that is the 'role of' some 'agent' a that is 'member part of at some time' some 'group of suppliers' and that 'has realization' in some 'supply chain process'

supply chain node
type: Class
equivalent class: Class
  intersection of: geospatial site
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: hasRole
    some values from: supply chain node role
example: The location of a plant in which airbags are manufactured for Tesla cars, The location of a warehouse in which car axels are stored before being shipped to the assembly plant
first order logic definition: SupplyChainNode(x) ↔ GeospatialSite(x) ∧ ∃r(SupplyChainNodeRole(r) ∧ hasRole(x,r))
natural language definition: geospatial location that is the site of some supply chain process
semi formal natural language definition: every instance of 'supply chain node' is defined as exactly an instance of 'geospatial location' that 'has role' some 'supply chain node role'

supply chain node role
type: Class
equivalent class: Class
  intersection of: location role
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: roleOf
    some values from: Class
      intersection of: geospatial site
      intersection of: Restriction
        on property: is site of
        some values from: supply chain process
example: role of the site of a factory operated by a supplier of Tesla, role of the site of a storage facility where airbag packages are stored before being shipped to a Ford assembly plant
first order logic definition: SupplyChainNodeRolel(x) ↔ LocatinRole(x) ∧ ∃g∃p(GeospatialSite(g) ∧ SupplyChainProcess(p) ∧ isSiteOf(g,p) ∧ roleOf(x,g))
natural language definition: location role held by a geospatial site when it is the site some supply chain process
semi formal natural language definition: every instance of 'supply chain node role' is defined as exactly an instance of 'location role' that is 'role of' some 'geospatial site' when 'is site of' some 'supply chain process'

supply chain objective specification
type: Class
subclass of: ObjectiveSpecification
example: an objective of a supply chain for manufacturing water pumps is to manufacture and deliver a batch of 100 water pumps per day in a given timeframe
first order logic axiom: InformationContentEntity(x) ∧ ∃c∃p(Continuant(c) ∧ SupplyChainProcess(p) ∧ isOutputOf(c,p) ∧ prescribes(x,c)) → SupplyChainObjectiveSpecification(x)
is primitive: true
natural language definition: objective specification that prescribes what the outcome of a supply chain process should be
primitive rationale: See the general discussion and rationale provided for informational entities under 'information content entity'.
semi formal natural language axiom: if x is an 'objective specification' that 'is about' some 'supply chain process' p and that 'prescribes' some 'process characteristic' which is a 'process characteristic of' p or 'capability' that is 'realized in' p or 'continuant' c that is 'output of' p then x is an 'supply chain objective specification'

supply chain plan specification
type: Class
subclass of: PlanSpecification
subclass of: Restriction
  on property: BFO_0000110
  some values from: supply chain objective specification
example: plan that describes the production volume and schedule for the supply chain created for production of Dell desktop computers
first order logic axiom: LA1:SupplyChainPlanSpecification(x) → PlanSpecification(x) ∧ ∃o(SupplyChainObjectiveSpecification(o) ∧ hasContinuantPartAtAllTimes(x,o))
first order logic axiom: LA2:PlanSpecification(x) ∧ ∃c(SupplyChainProcess(p) ∧ prescribes(x,p)) → SupplyChainPlanSpecification(x)
is primitive: true
natural language definition: plan specification that has one or more supply chain objective specifications as parts and that prescribes a supply chain process
primitive rationale: There are insufficient constructs to create necessary and sufficient conditions.
semi formal natural language axiom: LA1:if x is 'supply chain plan specification' then x is a 'plan specification' that 'has continuant part at all times' some 'supply chain objective specification' o
semi formal natural language axiom: LA2:x if x is a 'plan specification' and x 'prescribes' some 'supply chain process' then x is a 'supply chain plan specification'

supply chain process
type: Class
subclass of: BusinessProcess
equivalent class: Class
  intersection of: BusinessProcess
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: BFO_0000057
    some values from: supply chain agent
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: BFO_0000059
    some values from: Class
      intersection of: supply chain plan specification
      intersection of: Restriction
        on property: BFO_0000084
        some values from: supply chain agent
example: shipment of a batch of semi-finished assemblies from a tier-2 supplier to a tier-1 supplier, inspection of a batch of parts before being shipped to the OEM, heat treatment of a batch of gears to be used in a transmission assembly by a BMW supplier
example: the process of transporting good from supplier 1 to supplier 2, the product production process related to fulfillment of an order received from a tier-1 supplier
first order logic definition: SupplyChainProcess(x) ↔ BusinessProcess(x) ∧ ∃s∃p(SupplyChainAgent(s) ∧ SupplyChainPlanSpecification(p)) ∧ (hasParticipantAtSomeTime (x,s) ∧ concretizesAtSomeTime (x,p) ∧ genericallyDependsOnAtSomeTime (p,s))
natural language definition: planned process in which a supply chain plan specification is realized by a number of supply chain agents
semi formal natural language definition: every instance of 'supply chain process' is defined as exactly an instance of 'business process' that 'has participant at some time' some 'supply chain agent' and 'concretizes at some time' some 'supply chain plan specification' that 'generically depends on at some time' supply chain agent'

supply chain system
type: Class
subclass of: EngineeredSystem
equivalent class: Class
  intersection of: EngineeredSystem
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: BFO_0000056
    some values from: Class
      union of: CommercialService
      union of: ProductProductionProcess
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: BFO_0000172
    some values from: group of suppliers
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: prescribedBy
    some values from: supply chain plan specification
example: the suppliers Ford Motor Company and their equipment, facilities, software systems, production systems, logistics systems that are collectively used and coordinated for production of a Ford F-150's engine
explanatory note: A related notion is Supply Chain Infrastrucutre.
explanatory note: A supply chain is a system of organizations and business procsses that are involved in manufacture, distribution, and maintenance of a product or asset [GS1]. An Engineered System comprising all agents, equipment, facilities, software systems, production systems, logistics systems, and other systems and resources, governed by a set of rules, designed and deployed with the function of delivering a product or a service to some customer [APICS].
first order logic definition: SupplyChainSystem(x) ↔ EngineeredSystem(x) ∧ ∃s((CommercialService(s) ∨ ProductProductionProcess(s)) ∧ (participatesInAtSomeTime(x,s))) ∧ ∃g(GroupofSuppliers(g) ∧ hasMemberPartAtAllTime(x,g)) ∧ ∃p(SupplyChainPlanSpecification(p) ∧ prescribes(p,x))
natural language definition: engineered system composed of agents, facilties, machines, and information systems that is designed to deliver products and services to end customers through an engineered flow of information, material, and cash
semi formal natural language definition: every instance of 'supply chain system' is defined as exactly an instance of an 'engineered system' that 'has member part at all times' some 'group of suppliers' that 'participates in at some time' some 'product production process' or 'commercial service' and 'is prescribed by' some 'supply chain plan specification'
synonym: Supply Chain

supply chain transport process
type: Class
equivalent class: Class
  intersection of: supply chain process
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: BFO_0000117
    some values from: Class
      intersection of: transport process
      intersection of: Restriction
        on property: ends at
        some values from: supply chain node
      intersection of: Restriction
        on property: starts at
        some values from: supply chain node
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: BFO_0000167
    some values from: shipment
example: transporting semi-finished assemblies from one supplier to another
first order logic definition: SupplyingChainTransportProcess(x) ↔ SupplyChainProcess(x) ∧ ∃p(TransportProcess(p) ∧ hasOccurrentPart(x,p)) ∧ ∃n1∃n2(SupplyChainNode(n1) ∧ SupplyChainNode(n2) ∧ startsAt(x,n1) ∧ endsAt(x,n2)) ∧ ∃s(Shipment(s) ∧ hasParticipantAtSomeTime (x,s))
natural language definition: transport process which involves movement of goods between sending trading party’s location and receiving trading party’s locations over the public logistics pathway/infrastructure
semi formal natural language definition: every instance of 'supply chain transport process' is defined as exactly an instance of a 'supply chain process' that 'has occurrent part' some 'transport process' that 'starts at' and 'ends at' some 'supply chain node' and 'has participant at some time' some 'shipment'

supply relationship
type: Class
subclass of: BFO_0000020
subclass of: Class
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: BFO_0000195
    some values from: CustomerRole
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: BFO_0000195
    some values from: SupplierRole
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: prescribedBy
    some values from: Agreement
example: the relationship between Continental and Ford Motor Company based on which Continental agrees to sell powertrain assemblies to Ford in certain volumes per year
first order logic axiom: SupplyRelationship(x) → SpecificallyDependentContinuant(x) ∧ ∃r1∃r2∃c(CustomerRole(r1) ∧ SupplierRole(r2) ∧ Agreement(c) ∧ specificallyDependsOn(x,r1) ∧ specificallyDependsOn(x,r2) ∧ prescribedBy(x,c))
is primitive: true
natural language definition: relationship that exists between two agents when one agent supplies a product or service to another agent and that is prescribed by an agreement
primitive rationale: The required constructs for creation of a formal definition are not available in this release.
semi formal natural language axiom: if x is a 'supply relationship' then x is a 'specifically dependant continuant' and x 'specifically depends on' some 'supplier role' and some 'customer role' and x is 'prescribed by' some 'agreement'

system capability
type: Class
subclass of: Capability
equivalent class: Class
  intersection of: Capability
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: capabilityOf
    some values from: System
example: the capability of machine cell to manufacture precision parts with complex geometries; the capability of food traceability system to identify the origin of the materials used in a food product
explanatory note: The ability of a system to execute a particular course of action or achieve a desired effect, under a specified set of conditions.
explanatory note: candidate IOF Core construct
first order logic definition: SystemCapability(x) ↔ Capability(x) ∧ ∃s(System(s)∧ capabilityOf(x,s))
natural language definition: capability that inheres in a system to the extent of the system's capacity to realize it in some processes
semi formal natural language definition: if x is a 'system capability' then x is a 'capability' that is 'capability of' some System s

traceability
type: Class
subclass of: system capability
example: the ability of Land O'Lakes ERP system to identify the milk suppliers for specific batches of butter
direct source: ISO 9001:2015
first order logic axiom: Traceability(x) → SystemCapability(x)
is primitive: true
natural language definition: capability of a system to trace the history, application or location of an object
primitive rationale: The required constructs for providing necessary and sufficient conditions are not available in this release. Namely, trace and track processes are not formailized yet.
semi formal natural language axiom: if x is a 'traceability' then x is a 'system capability'

traceable resource unit
type: Class
subclass of: BFO_0000040
equivalent class: Class
  intersection of: BFO_0000040
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: hasRole
    some values from: traceable resource unit role
example: Examples of traceable objects include products (e.g., consumer goods, medicines, electronic devices), logistic units (e.g., palletised goods, parcels) and assets (e.g., trucks, vessels, trains, fork lifts).
direct source: GS1
explanatory note: Traceable Resource Unit (TRU) is “the unit that the company wants to trace” or “the unit that the company records information on in the traceability system”.
first order logic definition: TraceableResourceUnit(x) ↔ MaterialEntity(x) ∧ ∃r(TraceableResourceUnitRole(r) ∧ hasRole(x,r))
natural language definition: material entity that is uniquely identified and there may be a need to retrieve information about its history, application, or location as it moves through a supply chain
semi formal natural language definition: every instance of 'traceable resource unit' is defined as exactly an instance of 'material entity' that 'has role' some 'traceable resource unit role'
synonym: trace unit

traceable resource unit role
type: Class
subclass of: BFO_0000023
example: role of a shipment of corn when it is tracked by its producer
first order logic axiom: TraceableResouceUnitRole(x) → Role(x) ∧ ∃m∃p1∃p2∃d(MaterialEntity(m) ∧ (ProductProductionProcess(p1) ∨ SupplyChainProcess(p1)) ∧ ObservingProcess(p2) ∧ CodeIdentifier(d) ∧ participatesInAtSomeTime(m,p1) ∧ participatesInAtSomeTime(m,p2) ∧ designatedBy(x,d) ∧ roleOf(x,m))
is primitive: true
natural language definition: role held by a number of uniquely identified material entities when they participate in some supply chain processes or production processes while some agent observes them and collects information about them for future retrieval
primitive rationale: The required constructs for creation of a formal definition are not available in this release.
semi formal natural language axiom: if x is a 'traceable resource unit role' then x is a 'role' that is a 'role of' some 'material entity' that is 'designated by' some 'code identifier' and 'participates in at some time' some 'supply chain process' or 'product production process' and 'observing process'

tracking event
type: Class
subclass of: Class
  intersection of: Event
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: BFO_0000057
    some values from: traceable resource unit
example: a transport event during which materials are moved from one location to another, a sampling event during which a sample is taken from a portion of raw material for quality tests
explanatory note: An occurrence where information is captured representing history relevant to a product’s genealogy. This includes occurrences to product or material, as well as occurrences involving equipment with which product or material came into contact. Tracking event records are used to reconstruct material history later during analysis.
first order logic axiom: TrackingEvent(x) → Event(x)
is primitive: true
natural language definition: event that has at least one traceable resource unit or equipment (with which TRU comes into contact with) or operator (that runs an equipment with which TRU comes into contact with at some time) as participant .
primitive rationale: The required constructs for creation of a formal definition are not available in this release.
semi formal natural language axiom: if x is a 'tracking event' then x is an 'event'

trailer
type: Class
subclass of: container
example: a carry-on trailer used at a farm
first order logic axiom: Trailer(x) → PieceOfTransportEquipment(x)
is primitive: true
natural language definition: container that is unpowered and is pulled by a powered vehicle
primitive rationale: The required constructs for creation of a formal definition are not available in this release.
semi formal natural language axiom: if x is a 'trailer' then x is a 'container'

transport equipment role
type: Class
subclass of: EquipmentRole
example: role of my car that is used to transport goods to the buyer, role of a mobile robot that navigates factory floors independently to transport materials
first order logic axiom: TransportEquipmentRole(x) → Role(x) ∧ ∃m∃p(MaterialEntity(m) ∧ TransportProcess(p) ∧ participatesInAtSomeTime(m,p) ∧ roleOf (x,m))
is primitive: true
natural language definition: equipment role held by a material artifact when it is planned to be involved in or is involved in carrying out some part of a transport process
primitive rationale: There are insufficient constructs to define necessary and sufficient conditions.
semi formal natural language axiom: if x is a 'transport equipment role' then x is a 'role' that is a 'role of' some 'material entity' that 'participates in at some time' some 'transport process'

transport process
type: Class
subclass of: MaterialLocationChangeProcess
subclass of: Restriction
  on property: BFO_0000057
  some values from: piece of transport equipment
example: the process during with a truck transports shipments from a shipper's location to a rceiver's location
first order logic axiom: TransportProcess(x) → MaterialLocationChangeProcess(x) ∧ ∃e(PieceOfTransportEquipment(e) ∧ hasParticipantAtSomeTime(x,e))
is primitive: true
natural language definition: material location change process involving the movement of material entities from one location to another as part of a planned logistics process
primitive rationale: The required constructs for creation of a formal definition are not available in this release.
primitive rationale: There are insufficient constructs to create necessary and sufficient conditions.
semi formal natural language axiom: if x is a 'transport process' then x is a 'material location change process' that 'has participant at some time' some 'piece of transport equipment'
synonym: act of shipping

transportation business function
type: Class
equivalent class: Class
  intersection of: BusinessFunction
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: BFO_0000054
    some values from: transportation service
example: the function of Maersk to provide transportation service
explanatory note: business function that is realized in a location change process involving the movement of material entities by some piece of transport equipment
first order logic definition: TransportationBusinessFunction(x) ↔ BusinessFunction(x) ∧ ∃s(TransportationService(s) ∧ hasRealization(x,s))
natural language definition: business function that is realized in a transportation service
semi formal natural language definition: every instance of 'transportation business function' is defined as exactly an instance of a 'business function' that 'has realization' some 'transportation service'

transportation service
type: Class
equivalent class: Class
  intersection of: logistics service
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: BFO_0000117
    some values from: transport process
example: rail freight shipping service; fluid handling and hauling services for water, polluted water, or oil
explanatory note: logistics service in which an agent changes the location of some material entities to satisfy the transportation needs of another agent
first order logic definition: TransportationService(x) ↔ LogisticsService(x) ∧ ∃p (TransportProcess(p) ∧ hasOccurentPart(x,p))
natural language definition: logistics service that consists of at least one transport process
semi formal natural language definition: every instance of 'transportation service' is defined as exactly an instance of 'logistic service' that 'has occurrent part' some 'transport process'

transportation service provider role
type: Class
equivalent class: Class
  intersection of: logistics service provider role
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: roleOf
    some values from: Class
      intersection of: Class
        union of: BusinessOrganization
        union of: Person
      intersection of: Restriction
        on property: agent in
        some values from: transportation service
example: role of Jack when he uses his personal vehicle to deliver Amazon packages; role of IKEA when it uses its own trucks to deliver furniture to customers
first order logic definition: TransportationServiceServiceProviderRole(x) ↔ LogisticsServiceProviderRole(x) ∧ ∃y∃p((BusinessOrganization(y) ∨ Person(y)) ∧ TransportationService(p) ∧ agentIn(y,p) ∧ roleOf(x,y))
natural language definition: logisitics service provider role that is held by a business organization or person when it provides a transportation service
semi formal natural language definition: if x is a 'transportation service provider role' then x is a 'service provider role' that is the 'role of' a 'business organization' or 'person' y when it is 'agent in' some 'transportation service'
synonym: Carrier Role

travel process
type: Class
subclass of: MaterialLocationChangeProcess
example: the process of travelling from New York to Philadelphia by train
adapted from: http://www.ontologyrepository.com/CommonCoreOntologies/Mid/EventOntology
first order logic axiom: TravelProcess(x) → MaterialLocationChangeProcess(x) ∧ ∃y∃t∃t1∃t2∃s∃s1∃z∃z1((Person(y) ∨ GroupOfPersons(y)) ∧ TemporalInstant(t) ∧ TemporalInstant(t1) ∧ TemporalRegion(t2) ∧ IndependentContinuant(s) ∧ IndependentContinuant(s1) ∧ Site(z) ∧ Site(z1) ∧ hasParticipantAtSomeTime(x,y) ∧ firstInstantOf(t,t2) ∧ lastInstantOf(t1,t2) ∧ occupiesTemporalRegion(x,t2) ∧ existsAt(s,t) ∧ existsAt(s1,t1) ∧ locatedInAtalltimes(s,z) ∧ locatedInAtAlltimes(s1,z1) ∧ locationOfAtAlltimes(s,y) ∧ locationOfAtAllTimes(s1,y))
is primitive: true
natural language definition: material location change process wherein one or more persons move between geographical locations
primitive rationale: The required constructs for creation of a formal definition are not available in this release.
semi formal natural language axiom: if x is a 'material location change process' then x is a 'planned process' in which a 'person' or a 'group of persons' is moved from one 'site' to another

wagon
type: Class
subclass of: container
example: freight wagons, freight cars
first order logic axiom: Wagon(x) → PieceOfTransportEquipment(x)
is primitive: true
natural language definition: container in a rail transport system used for carrying cargo or passengers
primitive rationale: The required constructs for creation of a formal definition are not available in this release.
semi formal natural language axiom: if x is a 'wagon' then x is a 'piece of transport equipment'

warehousing plan specification
type: Class
subclass of: PlanSpecification
example: plan that describes the receiving, counting, storage, picking, packing, and shipping procedure at the Amazon Fulfillment Center in San Marcos, TX
explanatory note: a warehousing plan may include plans for flow of material, handling and transportation method and equipment, inventory management, and environmental condition,
first order logic axiom: PlanSpecification(x) ∧ ∃c(WarehousingProcess(p) ∧ prescribes(x,p)) → WarehousingPlanSpecification(x)
is primitive: true
natural language definition: plan specification that prescribes a warehousing process
primitive rationale: See the general discussion and rationale provided for informational entities under 'information content entity'.
semi formal natural language axiom: if x is a 'plan specification that 'prescribes' some 'warehousing process' then x is a 'warehousing plan specification'

warehousing process
type: Class
equivalent class: Class
  intersection of: BusinessProcess
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: BFO_0000066
    some values from: storage facility
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: BFO_0000117
    some values from: storage process
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: prescribedBy
    some values from: warehousing plan specification
example: the process of counting and storing a shipment of external hard drives at an Amazon Fulfillment Center
first order logic definition: WarehousingProcess(x) ↔ BusinessProcess(x) ∧ ∃p∃w∃f((StorageProcess(p) ∧ WarehousingPlanSpecification(w) ∧ StorageFacility(f)) ∧ occursIn (x,f) ∧ hasOccurrentPart(x,p) ∧ prescribedBy (x,w))
natural language definition: business process of storing products (material products) in a storage facility for future use
semi formal natural language definition: every instance of 'warehousing process' is defined as exactly an instance of 'business process' that 'occurs in' some 'storage facility' and 'has occurrent part' some 'storage process' and is 'prescribed by' some 'warehousing plan specification'

wholesaler
type: Class
subclass of: Agent
equivalent class: Class
  intersection of: Agent
  intersection of: Restriction
    on property: hasRole
    some values from: wholesaler role
example: Sysco (The biggest wholesale company in America), Alibaba
explanatory note: A distributor that sells products to a retailer. A wholesaler will sell his product in bulk quantities to retailers, allowing the retailer to take advantage of a lower price than if he were to buy single items.
explanatory note: See the expanded definition under the corresponding role class. The term is formalized here as a defined class by referring to its corresponding role class and exists primarily for ontological modeling and implementation convenience.
first order logic definition: Wholesaler(x) ↔ (BusinessOrganization(x) ∨ Person(x)) ∧ ∃r(WholesalerRole(r) ∧ hasRole(x,r))
natural language definition: person or business organization that buys products from distributors and resells them to retailers or other business organizations
semi formal natural language definition: every instance of 'wholesaler' defined as exactly an instance of 'person' or 'business organization' that 'has role' some 'wholesaler role'

wholesaler role
type: Class
subclass of: AgentRole
subclass of: Restriction
  on property: roleOf
  some values from: Class
    intersection of: Class
      union of: BusinessOrganization
      union of: Person
    intersection of: Restriction
      on property: agent in
      some values from: Class
        intersection of: SellingBusinessProcess
        intersection of: Restriction
subclass of: Restriction
  on property: roleOf
  some values from: Class
    intersection of: Class
      union of: BusinessOrganization
      union of: Person
    intersection of: Restriction
      on property: agent in
      some values from: Class
        intersection of: SupplyingBusinessProcess
        intersection of: Restriction
subclass of: Restriction
  on property: roleOf
  some values from: Class
    intersection of: Class
      union of: BusinessOrganization
      union of: Person
    intersection of: Restriction
      on property: hasRole
      some values from: Class
        intersection of: BuyerRole
        intersection of: Restriction
example: role of Sysco when it sells food products in large quantities to out-of-home dining businesses
first order logic axiom: LA1:WholesalerRole(x) → AgentRole(x) ∧ ∃y∃p∃r∃m((BusinessOrganization(y) ∨ Person(y)) ∧ roleOf(x,y) ∧ OfferingForSaleBusinessProcess(p) ∧ MaterialProductRole(r) ∧ MaterialEntity(m) ∧ agentIn(y,p) ∧ realizes(p,r) ∧ roleOf(r,m))
first order logic axiom: LA2:WholesalerRole(x) → AgentRole(x) ∧ ∃y∃p∃r1∃r2∃m∃e((BusinessOrganization(y) ∨ Person(y)) ∧ roleOf (x,y) ∧ SupplyingBusinessProcess(p) ∧ agentIn(y,p) ∧ Retailer(e) ∧ BuyerRole(r1) ∧ roleOf(r1,e) ∧ MaterialEntity(m) ∧ MaterialProductRole(r2) ∧ roleOf(r2,m) ∧ realizes(p,r1) ∧ realizes(p,r2))
first order logic axiom: LA3:WholesalerRole(x) → AgentRole(x) ∧ ∃y∃p∃r∃r1∃r2∃m∃d((BusinessOrganization(y) ∨ Person(y)) ∧ roleOf (x,y) ∧ BuyerRole(r) ∧ hasRole(y,r) ∧ BuyingBusinessProcess(p) ∧ hasRealization(r,p) ∧ MaterialProductRole(r1) ∧ SupplierRole(r2) ∧ MaterialEntity(m) ∧ Distributor(d) ∧ realizes(p,r1) ∧ roleOf(r1,m) ∧ realizes(p,r2) ∧ roleOf(r2,d))
is primitive: true
natural language definition: role held by a person or business organization when it buys some product from a distributor and resells them to retailers
primitive rationale: The required constructs for providing necessary and sufficient conditions are not available in this release.
semi formal natural language axiom: LA1:if x is a 'wholesaler role' then x is an 'agent role' that is 'role of' some 'business organization' or 'person' that is 'agent in' some 'offering for sale business process' that 'realizes' some 'material product role' that is 'role of' some 'material entity'
semi formal natural language axiom: LA2:if x is a 'wholesaler role' then x is an 'agent role' that is 'role of' some 'business organization' or 'person' who is 'agent in' some 'supplying business process' p and p 'realizes' some 'material product role' that is role of' some 'material entity' and p 'realizes' some 'buyer role' that is 'role of' some 'retailer'
semi formal natural language axiom: LA3:if x is a 'wholesaler role' then x is an 'agent role' that is 'role of' some 'business organization' or 'person' y who 'has role' some 'buyer role' and 'has realization' some 'buying business process' that 'realizes' some 'material product role' that is 'role of' some 'material entity' and 'realizes' some 'supplier role' that is 'role of' some 'distributor'

agent in
type: ObjectProperty
sub property of: BFO_0000056
domain: Agent
range: BFO_0000015
inverse of: has agent
example: The operator that runs a manual milling machin is 'agent in' the milling process, the driver of a truck is 'agent in' a transportation process
natural language definition: relationship from an agent to a process where the agent participates in the process and materially causes the occurrence of the process (plays a causal role).
synonym: performer in

depends on buyer
type: ObjectProperty
sub property of: BFO_0000195
domain: supply relationship
range: Customer
example: the supply relationship for supplying Bridgestone Tire Model ABC by Bridgestone (supplier) to Ford (customer) depends on Ford
natural language definition: relation from a supply relationship to a buyer (the bearer), in which the relationship mediates between the buyer and some supplier and some product or service

depends on product
type: ObjectProperty
sub property of: BFO_0000195
domain: supply relationship
range: MaterialProduct
example: the supply relationship for supplying Bridgestone Tire Model ABC by Bridgestone (supplier) to Ford (customer) depends on Tire Model ABC
natural language definition: relation from a supply relationship to a product (the bearer), in which the relationship mediates between the product and some supplier and customer

depends on supplier
type: ObjectProperty
sub property of: BFO_0000195
domain: supply relationship
range: Supplier
example: the supply relationship for supplying Bridgestone Tire Model ABC by Bridgestone (supplier) to Ford (customer) depends on Bridgestone Co.
natural language definition: relation from a supply relationship to a supplier (the bearer), in which the relationship mediates between the supplier and some customer and some product or service

ends at
type: ObjectProperty
sub property of: occurs at
domain: BFO_0000015
range: Class
  union of: BFO_0000006
  union of: BFO_0000029
example: a transpotation process ends at the site of the loading bay of a plant
natural language definition: relationship from a process to a spatial region or site whevever the spatial region or site is the location in which the process ends

has agent
type: ObjectProperty
sub property of: BFO_0000057
example: a transportation service 'has agent' transportation service provider; a manual assembly process 'has agent' assembly operator
natural language definition: relation that holds between a process and agent when the agent participates in the process and plays a causal role

has text value
type: DatatypeProperty
range: string
example: the 'name identifer' of Ford has text value: "Ford Motor Company"
natural language definition: relationship between an information entity and a string representation

holds
type: ObjectProperty
domain: Agent
range: BFO_0000040
example: Amazon holds (has custody of) a shipment when it is out for delivery but not delivered yet.
explanatory note: holding doesn't necessarily imply ownership
natural language definition: relationship between an agent and a material entity when the agent physically keeps or carries the material entity
synonym: has custody of

initiates relationship
type: ObjectProperty
domain: Event
range: BFO_0000020
inverse of: relationship initiated by
example: the contract signing event initiates a supply relationship between BMW and and its tire supplier company
natural language definition: relation between an event and a relational specifically dependent continuant where the event establishes (originates) the relational specifically dependent continuant as a mediator among several other entities

is site of
type: ObjectProperty
domain: Class
  union of: BFO_0000006
  union of: BFO_0000029
range: BFO_0000015
inverse of: occurs at
example: a plant site 'is site of' some production process, a warehouse is the site of some storage process
natural language definition: relationship between a site or spatial region and a process when the process occurs at the site or spatial region

is supplied by at some time
type: ObjectProperty
domain: Class
  union of: CommercialService
  union of: MaterialProduct
range: Supplier
property chain axiom:
  inverse of: depends on product
property chain axiom: depends on supplier
property chain axiom: BFO_0000197
example: a phone plan is supplied by AT&T for a an agreed upon period of time
natural language definition: relationship between a commercial service or product and a supplier when it the service or product is provided by a supplier to a customer

is supplied to at some time
type: ObjectProperty
domain: Class
  union of: CommercialService
  union of: MaterialProduct
range: Customer
property chain axiom:
  inverse of: depends on product
property chain axiom: depends on buyer
property chain axiom: BFO_0000197
example: engine blocks are supplied to Toyota (by a specified supplier) for a given period of time, on-site jet engine inspection service is provided to American Ariline (by a specific contractor)
natural language definition: relationship between a commercial service or product and a customer when the customer buys the product or service from a supplier

occurs at
type: ObjectProperty
domain: BFO_0000015
range: Class
  union of: BFO_0000006
  union of: BFO_0000029
example: a casting process occurs at the site of foundry, a flying process (of an airplane) occurs at a specified air corridor
natural language definition: relationship from a process to a spatial region or site whenvever the spatial region or site is the location in which the process unfolds

occurs on
type: ObjectProperty
domain: BFO_0000015
range: BFO_0000008
example: a machining process occurs on a temopral inverval between 10:00 AM and 10:05 AM
natural language definition: relation which holds between some processual entity and some temporal region whenever the duration of the processual entity is contained by the temporal region

owned by
type: ObjectProperty
domain: BFO_0000040
range: Class
  union of: BusinessOrganization
  union of: Person
inverse of: owns
example: my personal laptop computer is owned by me, the airplane operated by Southwest Airlines is owned by Southwest Airlines
natural language definition: relationship from a material entity to a person or business organization when the material entity is held by the person or business organization as legal property

owns
type: ObjectProperty
domain: Class
  union of: BusinessOrganization
  union of: Person
range: BFO_0000004
example: Southwest Airline owns its airplanes, I own my car
natural language definition: relationship from a person or business organization to an independent continuant when the agent holds the independent continuant as legal property

relationship initiated by
type: ObjectProperty
domain: BFO_0000020
range: Event
example: a supply relationship between Apple and its chip supplier is initiated by an event during which a contract is signed by both parties
natural language definition: relation between a relational specifically dependent continuant and an event where the event establishes (originates) the relational specifically dependent continuant as a mediator among several other entities

starts at
type: ObjectProperty
sub property of: occurs at
domain: BFO_0000015
range: Class
  union of: BFO_0000006
  union of: BFO_0000029
example: this transportation process starts at the site of this storage facility
natural language definition: relationship from a process to a spatial region or site whevever the spatial region o site is the location in which the process starts

supplies to at some time
type: ObjectProperty
domain: Supplier
range: Customer
property chain axiom: BFO_0000196
property chain axiom:
  inverse of: depends on supplier
property chain axiom: depends on buyer
property chain axiom: BFO_0000197
example: a suppliers of airbag systems suppliers airbags to Honda
natural language definition: relationship between a supplier and a customer when the supplier sells a product of service to a customer

GS1 GLN Specifications
type: NamedIndividual
type: location identification scheme
natural language definition: identification scheme that specifies constraints on the structure of a GLN (global location number)