Contraceptive security: A situation in which people are able to reliably choose, obtain, and use quality contraceptives when they want them.

Forecasting: Estimating the quantity of a commodity that clients will consume. The accuracy of forecasting depends on the availability of good quality data and the number and accuracy of the associated assumptions. Data sources can include primarily logistics data (the actual number of contraceptives dispensed to end users); service statistics (data on clients and visits); demographic data; and distribution capacity of the program. Forecasting often requires the application of two or more methods. This method determines the short term (1-5 years) contraceptive commodity needs. 

Health commodities: Used interchangeably with stock, goods, products, supplies, and other terms to refer to all the items that flow through a logistics system. 

Informed push distribution: A distribution system in which the personnel who issue the supplies determine the quantities to be issued. 

Logistician: A person who analyzes and coordinates an organization's supply chain and manages the entire life cycle of a product including how the product is acquired, distributed, allocated, and delivered.

Logistics (in family planning programs): The selection, financing, delivery, and distribution of contraceptives and related supplies.

Logistics management information system: A system for collection and reporting of accurate data when and where needed.

Procurement: The acquisition of contraceptive supplies from an external source.

Procurement agent: An individual who makes purchases on the behalf of a program or organization.

Social marketing program: Publicizing and selling products through retail outlets at subsidized prices.

Supply chain: Organizations linked in the delivery of supplies from manufacturers to clients and the flow of information about clients' contraceptive needs.

Supply chain management: The design, planning, execution, control, and monitoring of supply chain activities with the objective of creating net value, building a competitive infrastructure, leveraging worldwide logistics, synchronizing supply with demand, and measuring performance.