Capacity, flow & constraints · Specialist
Little's Law
Also called: WIP equals throughput times cycle time
ELI5
A relationship linking average work in progress, throughput and flow time in a stable system.
Used in conversation
“Counsel wants little's Law clarified before anyone signs.”
Pitch context
You will see “Little's Law” 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