What term refers to a capacity constraint that creates a backlog in a process?

The term that refers to a capacity constraint resulting in a backlog in a process is a "bottleneck." In business processes, a bottleneck occurs at a point where the flow is limited due to insufficient capacity, resulting in delays and inefficiencies. This constraint hinders the overall throughput of the process because the subsequent tasks cannot be completed until the bottlenecked task is resolved.

Identifying and managing bottlenecks is critical in process improvement efforts, as they can significantly affect productivity and lead to increased operational costs. By focusing on the bottleneck, organizations can implement solutions such as resource allocation, process redesign, or technological upgrades to enhance capacity and optimize the workflow.

Other terms, such as workflow, supply chain, and factors of production, describe different concepts in business processes. For example, workflow refers to the sequence of steps involved in a business process but does not necessarily indicate a capacity constraint. The supply chain encompasses the entire network involved in producing and delivering a product, while factors of production refer to the resources used to create goods and services. These concepts are essential but do not specifically denote the presence of a capacity constraint that leads to a backlog like a bottleneck does.