Capacity, flow & constraints · Core
Bottleneck
Also called: process constraint
ELI5
The step whose capacity most limits total system throughput.
Used in conversation
“How are we defining bottleneck in this deck?”
Pitch context
You will see “Bottleneck” in operating plans, procurement packs, supplier reviews and supply-chain reports when the discussion reaches capacity, flow & constraints.
Why it matters: In capacity, flow & constraints, the definition can change ownership, capacity, process, cost or safety decisions.
Sources & evidence · 3
Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Productivity programmeDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Acquisition.gov — Federal Acquisition Regulation Part 15 — Contracting by NegotiationSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- UK Government — Groceries Supply Code of PracticeSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16