What is a capacity constraint that creates a backlog in a process?

A capacity constraint that creates a backlog in a process is referred to as a bottleneck. A bottleneck occurs when the demand for a process exceeds its capacity, leading to a slowdown or halt in production at that point in the workflow. This situational limitation restricts the flow of work, causing delays and the accumulation of tasks waiting to be processed, which is essentially what a backlog represents.

In the context of business processes, identifying and addressing bottlenecks is crucial for improving overall efficiency and productivity. By alleviating these constraints, organizations can enhance throughput—meaning the rate at which work is completed—thereby reducing backlog and improving service delivery.

Other terms, such as throughput, workflow, and process map, refer to different aspects of process management. Throughput relates to the amount of work that can be completed within a given timeframe; workflow refers to the sequence of steps and tasks in a process; and a process map is a visual diagram that illustrates the steps in a workflow. However, none of these terms directly represent a capacity constraint that leads to backlogs as effectively as the concept of a bottleneck does.