# Key concepts

## Marker

A Zimark **marker** is a physical label with two components:

- **Colorful square pattern**: Zimark's proprietary scannable code
- **Designated barcode area**: Where the WMS prints the WMS ID / Pallet ID barcode


When the WMS prints a pallet label, it prints the WMS ID barcode in the designated
area on the Zimark marker label.

#### How Markers Work

- Zimark markers are pre-printed on labels before use
- When a marker is scanned alongside a WMS pallet ID, a [track](#track) is created linking the two
- Each marker is unique and identifies a specific pallet


## Manifest

A **manifest** is a container that groups assets/pallets for tracking purposes. The grouping
logic (by order, by destination, by truck, etc.) is determined by your WMS configuration.

#### Manifest Components

A manifest contains:

- **Identification**: External ID (your WMS order number) and/or Zimark internal ID
- **Assets**: Collection of WMS IDs
- **Tracks**: Collection of [tracks](#track)
- **Status**: Current stage in shipping workflow
- **Gate**: [Gate](#gate) assigned to this manifest
- **Custom fields**: A collection of key/value pairs for storing additional metadata (e.g., customer name, special instructions)


#### Manifest vs Asset vs Track

- **Manifest**: The shipment
- **Asset**: Individual pallet within the manifest (identified by a WMS ID)
- **Track**: The linkage between a WMS ID and a Zimark marker


## Track

A **track** is the association between your WMS ID and the corresponding
Zimark marker. It links your Zimark marker to the WMS ID.

#### Track Creation

When your WMS prints a WMS ID barcode onto a Zimark marker label and the label is
scanned, a track is created linking your WMS ID to the Zimark marker. This single
scan captures both identifiers. The track will automatically link to a manifest when
an asset with that WMS ID is added (either immediately if the asset already exists,
or later when the asset is created).

## Gate

A **gate** is a physical warehouse loading location (dock door) equipped with Zimark hardware: cameras and a display screen.

#### How Gates Work

1. Manifest is set to "in progress" and assigned to a gate
2. Cameras automatically scan markers as pallets are loaded
3. Display shows real-time progress (e.g., "3 of 10 pallets loaded")
4. If wrong pallet scanned (not in manifest), display shows error
5. When all pallets loaded, manifest status updates to complete