Supply Chain Glossary

This supply chain glossary terms provides detailed explanations through our mini blogs. Continue reading to increase your vocabulary and gain insight into the supply chain visibility with these terms!

On-Time Delivery Performance Metrics

Last updated: December 22, 2025
Logistics Supply Chain
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On-time delivery (OTD) performance metrics measure how effectively shipments arrive at their destination within the promised timeframe. These metrics are critical for evaluating a company’s ability to meet customer expectations, maintain service levels, and operate an efficient and reliable supply chain.

How it Works in Logistics?

OTD performance is calculated by comparing the actual delivery date of shipments to their scheduled or promised delivery date. Logistics systems like Transportation Management Systems (TMS), Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), and Order Management Systems (OMS) capture this data in real time. Each completed delivery is time-stamped, and systems automatically match it against the delivery window. Reports then provide insights into overall performance, patterns of delay, and root causes of late shipments.

Key Features of On-Time Delivery Performance Metrics

Precision Reporting
Captures exact timestamps of departures and deliveries, offering accurate data to measure punctuality across routes and vendors.

Custom Time Windows
Metrics can be tailored to different promised timeframes, same-day, next-day, or multi-day, depending on customer expectations and shipping commitments.

Exception Tracking
Identifies deliveries that missed their target window and highlights contributing factors like traffic, loading delays, or misrouting.

Benefits of On-Time Delivery Performance Metrics

Enhanced Customer Satisfaction
Meeting promised delivery times builds customer trust and loyalty, especially in e-commerce and B2B services where timing is critical.

Continuous Improvement
Analytics from OTD metrics allow companies to spot trends, fix weak links in their delivery process, and improve performance over time.

Supplier and Carrier Evaluation
These metrics are vital for measuring and comparing the reliability of logistics partners and third-party carriers, supporting better vendor management.

Conclusion

On-time delivery performance metrics are a key health indicator of logistics efficiency and customer service. By tracking and analyzing these metrics, businesses can ensure accountability, refine logistics operations, and deliver consistently high-quality service, driving stronger relationships and long-term success in competitive supply chains.