Capacity, flow & constraints · Core
Work in progress
Also called: WIP
ELI5
Started work that has not yet been completed.
Used in conversation
“The number is useful only if everyone calculates work in progress the same way.”
Pitch context
You will see “Work in progress” 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