Made-to-order lead time

    The time between an order being placed and a made-to-order product being ready to ship.

    Why it matters

    Because the window is variable, setting and communicating an accurate lead time shapes satisfaction more than the length of the wait itself.

    Related terms

    WISMO

    The shorthand for customer inquiries asking where an order stands after purchase.

    Fulfillment SLA

    An internal agreement that sets a target time for each stage of order fulfillment, from proof to production to shipment.

    Perfect order rate

    The share of orders delivered on time, complete, undamaged, and correctly documented.