Canorder

Canorder is a term used in e-commerce and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems to indicate whether a product can be placed in an order at a given moment. It functions as a status flag that reflects not only current inventory but also related constraints and policies, and it can differ from basic stock indicators such as in stock or out of stock.

In practice, canorder is used by storefronts and order-management systems to determine whether a product should be purchasable, visible with an add-to-cart option, or restricted. It often governs whether a customer can initiate a purchase, participate in backorders, or require a future restock event before ordering.

Canorder is typically calculated from multiple data sources and business rules. Factors include real-time or forecasted inventory levels, supplier lead times and minimum order quantities, production or procurement constraints, regional availability, customer eligibility or account status, and regulatory or contractual restrictions. The flag may also reflect product lifecycle considerations, such as a discontinued item that is still orderable under a long-term warranty or controlled release.

User-facing behavior varies: when canorder is true, the product may display price and a working add-to-cart option, possibly with an expected delivery date. When false, the item might display as unavailable, with a message, alternative suggestions, or a note about future availability. Canorder is distinct from raw stock levels, serving as a higher-level decision criterion used to manage purchasing workflows and customer expectations.