GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 18, 2026
Deviation
A deviation, in logistics and supply chain management, is any measurable gap between planned or contractually agreed performance and actual results.
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Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deviation
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Definition & Explanation
A deviation, in logistics and supply chain management, is any measurable gap between planned or contractually agreed performance and actual results. It surfaces across delivery schedules (delays), quantities (over- or under-shipments), quality (damage, defects), and routing (unplanned changes to the transport path). What matters most is not the occurrence itself but the response: deviations must be documented, assessed for root cause and business impact, and addressed through corrective or preventive action. Systematic deviation tracking also feeds supplier scorecards and continuous improvement programmes.
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