GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 22, 2026

Delivery capability

A distributor shipping hundreds of orders a day faces a straightforward question: can it fulfil each one on time and in full?

Quick Answer

Last updated: 22 June 2026Published: 19 June 2025

Source: https://www.logistik-lexikon.de/definition/lieferfaehigkeit.html

Category

Logistics Concept

Reading time

1 min

Words

128

Mentioned in

–

Definition & Explanation

A distributor shipping hundreds of orders a day faces a straightforward question: can it fulfil each one on time and in full? That ability is what delivery capability measures. The term describes an enterprise's or logistics system's operational capacity to meet delivery commitments in the agreed quantity, by the promised date, and at the required quality level. In supply chain management it is quantified as a key performance indicator, most commonly the OTIF rate (On Time, In Full) or the order fill rate. Weak delivery capability triggers contractual penalties, customer attrition, and the added cost of emergency shipments, making it an early warning indicator for capacity or inventory shortfalls across the supply chain. Unlike delivery readiness—which focuses on immediate stock availability—delivery capability also encompasses transport and staffing capacity.

Next steps

Tools that match this term

Find HS codeDetermine the tariff number for customsOpen Calculate customs valueWork out import duties and customs valueOpen Compare IncotermsClarify duties, cost and riskOpen Calculate transit timeEstimate duration per transport modeOpen

Related Terms

Logistics knowledge straight to your inbox

Weekly: Top news, industry facts and insights from the world of logistics – free.

Delivery capability

Next steps

Related Terms

Logistics knowledge straight to your inbox

Community Questions & Answers