A Guide to Common Automation Terms

Letter W

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Watchdog timer
Timer that can be used for safety. For example, if there is an event or sequence that must occur within a certain amount of time, a watchdog timer can be set to shut the system down in case the time is exceeded.

Word
Length of data in bits that a microprocessor can handle. For example, a word for a 16-bit computer would be 16 bits long, or two bytes. A 32-bit computer would have a 32-bit word.

WMS (Warehouse Management System)
Software that integrates activities performed mechanically and by humans with an information system to effectively manage warehouse business processes and direct warehouse activities.