Business Software Glossary: Gold, Inventory, Buildings, ERP

This glossary explains, in plain language, the terms you will meet when choosing or using gold and jewelry accounting software, inventory and warehouse software, building management software, access control, ERP and project management tools. Every definition is general and product-neutral; only where one of P-Soft’s products actually does the thing described do we add one sentence about it.

Terms are grouped by domain. Some gold-market terms (such as mithqal, soot or mazaneh) come from the Iranian market, where our software is used, so we explain them in that context. Market practice and regulations differ between countries and trades, so treat these definitions as orientation, not legal or financial advice.

Gold and jewelry terms used in jewelry store accounting software

Karat (fineness)

Karat expresses the purity of gold in an alloy. It is stated either in karats (24 karat is pure gold) or in parts per thousand (for example, 750 means 750 parts pure gold in 1,000). Together with weight, fineness is the basis for valuing gold. Zaran automatically converts different finenesses to their standard equivalent.

750 gold (18 karat)

An alloy that is 750/1000 pure gold, with the rest made up of other metals such as copper and silver; it equals 18 karat. It is one of the most common finenesses for jewelry in Iran and many other markets, and the added metals make pieces more durable.

Mithqal

A traditional unit of weight in the Iranian gold market. The mithqal used there is about 4.608 grams, which differs from the classical Islamic mithqal of about 4.25 grams; wholesale prices for melted gold are usually quoted per mithqal. Zaran supports pricing both per gram and per mithqal.

Soot

In Iranian gold-trade usage, one thousandth of a gram (one milligram), which is why gold weights are usually recorded to three decimal places. In some contexts, a difference in fineness measured in thousandths is also called “soot”.

Making charge (ojrat)

The cost of manufacturing and design of a gold piece, charged separately from the value of the gold itself. It may be a percentage of the gold value or a fixed amount and varies with the type of work, craftsmanship and seller. Zaran’s invoices calculate the making charge alongside weight, fineness and rate.

Mazaneh (reference price)

The reference price of the Iranian wholesale gold market, usually quoted for one mithqal of 17-karat (705) melted gold. Jewelers typically derive the per-gram price of 18-karat and other finenesses from it.

Melted gold (abshodeh)

Gold, usually from old jewelry or scrap, that has been melted and cast into small pieces and is mostly traded between dealers and wholesalers. Its fineness is normally determined by an assay laboratory and marked on the piece. Zaran records melting and separation with exact inputs and outputs.

Wholesale gold trading (bonakdari)

Wholesale trading of gold and coins between wholesalers and jewelry stores. Much of this trade is recorded by weight on each party’s account and settled later. Zaran issues wholesale invoices with exact weight, fineness, making-charge and price calculations.

Gold remittance

Transferring a quantity of gold (by weight and fineness) from one party’s account to another’s without physically moving the gold at that moment. It is common between dealers to reduce the physical handling of gold. Zaran records gold remittances between dealers, and customers can track their remittances.

Weight-based settlement

Settling debts and claims in gold or coins rather than money: “gold for gold, coin for coin”. Balances are kept in grams of gold of a stated fineness or in number of coins, so price swings do not change the balance. Zaran supports weight-based settlement between dealers.

Price board

A display or screen that shows customers live prices for gold, coins and other items. A good price board groups prices clearly and shows when they were last updated. Zaran’s price board shows live prices in groups, with a price-trend chart.

Price lock

Holding a quoted price fixed for an order during the short gap between request and confirmation, so that market movement in that moment does not change the deal. The duration and terms of a lock are set by each seller. In Zaran’s customer app, the customer confirms exactly the figure that was locked.

Warehouse and barcode inventory software terms

Barcode

A machine-readable representation of a code as parallel lines (a one-dimensional code), read by a scanner or camera. Barcodes remove manual typing of item codes and reduce entry errors. In Avadar, goods receipts, issues and transfers are recorded by scanning a barcode or QR code with a phone camera or scanner.

QR code

A two-dimensional code that holds more data than a linear barcode in a smaller space and is easy to read with a phone camera. QR codes are widely used for item labels, serial numbers and tracking. Avadar prints barcode and QR labels from ready-made templates.

Stock card (kardex)

A report of an item’s movement history: every receipt and issue in date order, with the balance after each movement. It is the main tool for finding the cause of a stock discrepancy. Avadar provides kardex reports alongside stock and movement reports.

Stocktaking (physical inventory)

Physically counting stock and comparing it with the quantities recorded in the system to find shortages and surpluses. It can be done annually, periodically or as cycle counts covering part of the range each time. Avadar supports stocktaking by scanning.

Batch (lot)

A group of goods produced or received in one run under the same conditions and sharing one number. Batches are the basis for traceability, expiry control and product recalls. Avadar’s industrial edition records batch numbers and expiry dates.

FIFO (first in, first out)

A method in which the goods received first leave first. FIFO is both a picking rule for physical stock and one of the inventory valuation methods in accounting.

FEFO (first expired, first out)

A method that issues goods by nearest expiry date, regardless of which arrived first. It is common for pharmaceuticals, food and chemicals. Avadar’s industrial edition supports this with “first expired, first out” alerts.

LIFO (last in, first out)

A method in which the most recently received goods leave first; it happens naturally in some physical layouts, such as bulk goods stacked on top of each other. LIFO is not permitted for inventory valuation under some accounting standards, including IFRS.

Quality quarantine

A status in which goods cannot be used or sold until quality control has passed them, and are kept apart from available stock. After approval the goods are released; otherwise they are returned or scrapped. Avadar’s industrial edition supports quality quarantine and release.

Product recall

Withdrawing a product from the market after a defect or hazard is found. A fast recall requires knowing which customers received each batch. In Avadar’s industrial edition (Elite plan), an entire batch can be stopped with one click and the list of customers who received it is ready instantly.

BOM (bill of materials)

A structured list of the materials, components and quantities needed to make one unit of a product. The BOM is the basis for calculating material consumption and product cost. Avadar’s industrial edition records product structures and production formulas.

Goods issue note

The document that authorizes goods to leave the warehouse, stating what, how much and for whom or for what use. It is usually issued after the responsible people have approved it. In Avadar’s trading edition, an optional multi-step approval flow issues the note after approvals, and stock is reduced only after final approval.

WMS (warehouse management system)

Software that manages operations inside a warehouse: receiving, put-away, picking, counting and shipping. A WMS is usually more detailed than the inventory module of an accounting package, although the boundary differs from product to product.

Building management system terms: service charges, boards and common areas

Service charge

Each unit’s share of the running costs of maintaining and operating a building (such as cleaning, elevators, security and utilities for common areas), usually collected monthly. How costs are divided depends on the building’s rules and the owners’ decisions. Hamkhoneh calculates charges in six ways (equal, floor area, number of residents, parking, floor or combined) and issues them automatically each month.

Special assessment

An amount collected from units separately from the monthly charge to cover a specific or unforeseen expense, such as a major repair or new equipment. Hamkhoneh can issue special charges from the Pro plan upward.

Reserve fund

Money set aside, separate from running costs, for major repairs or future building expenses. A reserve fund reduces the need for sudden special assessments; its size and funding are usually decided by the owners’ assembly.

Building board

A group of owners elected by the owners’ assembly to run the building’s affairs. Its legal framework depends on the country; in Iran it is set out in the Apartment Ownership Law and its implementing regulations. In Hamkhoneh the board has its own role and access rights.

Owners’ association (general assembly)

The body of unit owners that takes the main decisions for a building, such as electing the manager or board and approving expenses and charges. Quorum rules and the validity of remote voting depend on local law and the building’s bylaws. Hamkhoneh offers online polls and voting with transparent, live results.

Common areas

Parts of a building jointly owned by all owners, such as stairwells, the lobby, the roof, the community hall and shared installations. Their upkeep is usually funded from service charges. Hamkhoneh lets residents book the community hall and common areas online, subject to the manager’s approval.

Petty cash

A small amount of money given to one person (for example the building manager) for minor, urgent expenses, later reconciled with receipts and topped up. Hamkhoneh includes a simple cash box and petty cash for managers who are not accountants.

Payment gateway

A service that enables online card payments and deposits the money to a merchant account. It matters whose name the merchant account is in, because the money goes straight to that account. Hamkhoneh connects to the Iranian gateways ZarinPal and Saman using the building’s own merchant account (Pro plan and above).

Access control system terms: cards, readers and gates

Access control

Managing and logging the entry and exit of people or vehicles: who may pass, when, and through which gate. It improves security and creates a reliable record of every passage. Nooradio controls and logs the entry and exit of people and vehicles with smart cards and tags.

Access control system

The combination of hardware and software that enforces access control: a credential (card, tag, PIN or biometric), a reader, a controller, a lock or barrier, and management software. In everyday speech the term sometimes refers only to the device next to the door.

RFID card

A card with a built-in chip and antenna that is read contactlessly by radio waves. In access control, low-frequency 125 kHz cards and 13.56 MHz smart cards are common; the latter usually offer more security features.

Tag (key fob)

A contactless credential in a form other than a card, such as a key fob or a sticker mounted on a vehicle. It does the same job as a card but can be easier to carry or fit in some situations. Nooradio supports both smart cards and tags, and one person can hold several cards.

Card reader

A device installed at a gate that reads the card or tag ID and passes it to a controller or software for a decision. Nooradio is installed on an on-site computer and connects to the card readers at each gate.

Access controller

The device that decides whether to open a door based on the list of authorized credentials and triggers the lock or barrier relay. Good controllers keep deciding correctly even when the link to the computer is down. With Nooradio, if the connection to the computer drops, the gates still make the right allow-or-deny decision on their own.

Boom barrier

A moving arm that blocks a vehicle entrance and opens on a command from a controller, remote or operator. Boom barriers are common at car parks, residential complexes and industrial sites.

Parking capacity

The maximum number of vehicles allowed in a car park at the same time. Access control systems can count entries and exits and block further entry once capacity is reached. Parking capacity management in Nooradio is available only on the Elite plan and controls entry automatically until vehicles leave.

Free-entry mode

A mode in which a gate opens for every card registered in the software, while unregistered cards are still refused. It suits events (register guest or event cards beforehand) and should be used deliberately and temporarily. In Nooradio (Pro plan and above) this mode is enabled per gate.

Access schedule

The time windows (weekdays, hours and holidays) during which a person or group may pass; outside them, even a valid card does not open the door. Nooradio (Pro plan and above) defines access hours per group, including weekdays and holidays.

ERP software terms for manufacturing companies

ERP (enterprise resource planning)

Integrated software that connects an organization’s core processes, such as sales, purchasing, inventory, production, quality and finance, on shared data, so every department sees up-to-date information. The scope of modules varies between products. Data is a complete factory management system that connects sales, engineering, planning, purchasing, inventory, production, quality, finance and delivery.

On-premise deployment

Installing software on the organization’s own server instead of using a cloud service. Data stays on the internal network and the system works without internet access; in return, the organization maintains the server. Data is installed on the factory’s own server and used in a browser on computers and tablets.

Make to order (MTO)

A production approach in which manufacturing starts after an order is received, based on the customer’s specification or drawing, as opposed to make to stock (MTS). Each MTO order has its own routing, materials and schedule. Data is built especially for factories that produce to customer orders and drawings.

Production planning

Deciding what to produce, how much, on which machine and when, taking capacity, materials and due dates into account. Data (Pro plan and above) includes production plans and scheduling for each order.

Material requirements (MRP)

Calculating which materials are needed, in what quantity and by when, to carry out the production plan, taking stock on hand and incoming purchases into account. The result drives purchase requests. Data shows the material requirements of each order alongside its production plan and schedule.

Outsourcing (subcontracting)

Handing part of the production work, such as a machining step or heat treatment, to an outside contractor. Tracking what was sent, what came back and its quality is an important part of production control. Data manages contractors and outsourcing orders, with a “ready for outsourcing” list.

Nonconformance

Any case in which a product or process does not meet its specification, drawing or standard. Each nonconformance needs a disposition, such as rework, use under concession, repeat operation or scrap. Data records inspections and nonconformances with a disposition (scrap, continue, repeat).

Tolerance

The permitted deviation of a dimension or characteristic from its nominal value; a result inside the tolerance is accepted and one outside it is a nonconformance. Data (Elite plan) can automatically approve in-tolerance results for processes where the quality manager enables it.

Purchase committee

A group of managers who review and approve purchases above a set threshold, so that large purchasing decisions do not rest on one person. The organization sets the threshold and the members. In Data (Elite plan), purchases above the set threshold go through a purchase committee.

Preventive maintenance

Scheduled servicing and inspection of machines before they fail, based on time or usage, to reduce unplanned production stoppages. Data includes a machine register and work orders for repairs and preventive maintenance.

Project management and ticketing system terms

Ticket

A logged request, issue or task with a number, status, owner and follow-up history. Tickets ensure no request gets lost in messages and calls. Hamahang includes a ticketing system in every plan.

SLA (service level agreement)

An agreement that sets the expected level of service, for example the maximum time to first response or to resolution for each priority. SLA figures are set in each individual contract. The Hamahang Elite plan lists a “service level agreement (SLA)” among its features.

Kanban

A way of visualizing work on a board with columns such as “to do”, “in progress” and “done”; each task is a card that moves between columns. Kanban makes bottlenecks and stalled work visible. Hamahang offers a Kanban board from the Pro plan upward.

Gantt chart

A bar chart that shows project tasks on a timeline with start dates, durations and dependencies. It is used for planning and for spotting delays. Hamahang offers a Gantt view from the Pro plan upward.

Approval inbox (cartable)

A personal page that shows each user the tasks, letters and approvals waiting for their action in one place. The term “cartable” is widely used in Iranian office automation. Data gives each role a unified approval inbox with a deadline for each item.

Workflow

The defined path a request or document follows: the steps, who is responsible for each, and the condition for moving on. A documented workflow makes approvals traceable and auditable. Custom workflows are included in the Hamahang Elite plan.

Team messenger

A messaging tool for work conversations inside an organization, usually placed next to tasks and projects so that discussion and work stay connected. Hamahang includes a team messenger plus internal calls and meetings from the Pro plan upward.

Customer portal

An area where customers log in to submit requests and see the status of their requests or project, without access to the organization’s internal information. A customer portal is included in the Hamahang Elite plan.

Missing a term? Explore our products or contact the P-Soft team to arrange a demo.