Glossary
What is Backorder?
Last updated July 2026
Definition
A backorder is unmet demand promised for later fulfillment when stock runs out. High backorder rates signal a service problem — and often over-buying that follows.
Backorders erode customer trust and trigger expedites. They also push teams to over-stock, which becomes tomorrow's excess.
The fix is balance and accuracy, not blanket buffers everywhere.
Part of Working capital & inventory turns.
See what your inventory is really costing you.
Tell us where the cash is trapped — excess stock, idle surplus, slow RFQs — and we'll show you the outcome Maintained can unlock.