Backorders and back logs may seem similar, but are actually quite different. A backorder is an order placed for a product or service that is currently out of stock. This means the product must be ordered from another supplier or manufacturer in order to fulfill the customer’s request. Meanwhile, a backlog is the accumulation of work that has yet to be done or completed. It can refer to tasks or projects, as well as items that have been requested but not fulfilled due to lack of resources or capacity. It also refers to any kind of pending activity that could include orders that are still awaiting shipment. Both are necessary components of day-to-day business operations, but they require different approaches when it comes to management.