expediter

An expediter is a professional who ensures that materials, information, and tasks move through a process reliably and on schedule, with the aim of preventing delays in production, construction, or service delivery.

In manufacturing and production, expediters monitor inventory levels, track orders with suppliers, and adjust production schedules to accommodate late deliveries or changes in demand. They coordinate with purchasing, planning, and shop-floor staff to locate parts, reschedule work, and expedite shipments that are at risk of delay, all while minimizing disruption to throughput.

A construction expediter coordinates material deliveries to job sites, confirms lead times, and resolves issues such as backorders or damaged shipments to keep activities on track and on budget.

In food service, a kitchen expediter manages the flow of orders between the kitchen and dining room, prioritizes tickets, and ensures meals are prepared and delivered accurately and promptly to guests.

In logistics and warehousing, an expediter tracks shipments, coordinates routes and carriers, and works to minimize delays, verify documentation, and meet customer deadlines.

Other sectors, such as healthcare or retail, may employ expediters to move supplies, equipment, or information quickly through complex systems.

Etymology and history: The term derives from expedite and refers to roles created to eliminate bottlenecks. The practice grew with mass production, just-in-time inventory, and lean manufacturing, where timely inputs are essential to continuous flow.

Skills and tools: Expediters use enterprise resource planning and materials management systems (such as ERP/MRP), Kanban and other scheduling methods, and strong communication. They need organizational ability, problem-solving, and the capacity to multitask under pressure.

Education and qualifications: Entry points vary; many expediters have background in supply chain, operations, or manufacturing, with experience in procurement or production. Certifications such as CPIM or CSCP can be beneficial.