Pipeline Inventory Definition

A pipeline inventory is a system used to track the movement of materials or products through a manufacturing process. The system can be used to monitor the progress of work in progress (WIP), and/or to keep track of finished goods.

Pipeline inventories are often used in conjunction with Kanban systems, which are used to control the flow of materials and products through a manufacturing process. In a Kanban system, WIP is typically represented by cards that are moved from one station to the next as work is completed. Pipeline inventories provide a more detailed view of WIP, and can be used to monitor the status of individual items as they move through the manufacturing process.

Pipeline inventory systems can be implemented using physical cards or tags, or electronically using software applications.