Capacity, flow & constraints · Core
Capacity
Also called: operating capacity
ELI5
The maximum sustainable amount of work a system can complete over a period.
Used in conversation
“Compare capacity with the same cohort and period before drawing a conclusion.”
Pitch context
You will see “Capacity” 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