inprocess

Inprocess is a term used to describe items or tasks that are currently undergoing processing or transformation. It is closely related to the concept of work in progress (WIP) and may be written as in-process, inprocess, or simply in process, depending on style guides and industry usage.

In manufacturing and logistics, inprocess inventory refers to goods that are not yet finished. This includes components at various stages of assembly, semi-finished products, and items awaiting final machining or packaging. Managing inprocess time and flow is a core concern of lean production, with a focus on reducing wait times, bottlenecks, and excess work in progress. From an accounting perspective, inprocess costs are accumulated in a work-in-progress account and allocated to finished goods only when the product is completed.

In-process quality control (IPQC) involves inspections conducted at or between production stages to detect defects early. This practice helps maintain process stability, reduces waste, and improves yield by confirming that each step meets specifications before proceeding.

In information technology and service operations, inprocess describes items or requests that are actively being handled by a system or workflow. For example, a task may be marked as in process while it is being updated, transformed, or routed to the appropriate downstream step, as opposed to being queued or completed.

Variations in spelling and usage exist across industries, but the underlying concept remains the same: something currently undergoing processing rather than finished or idle.