Workplace Acronyms: A–Z Meanings

CRM means customer relationship management: the strategy and software businesses use to track and manage customer relationships. See types, examples and uses.

AOB means “any other business,” the open slot at the end of a meeting agenda. Learn how it works, examples and how to keep AOB from running over.

SME usually stands for subject matter expert: the go-to person for deep knowledge on a topic. Learn what SMEs do, examples, and SME vs small business.

COB stands for “close of business,” usually 5 p.m. local time. Learn what time COB really means, COB vs EOD, and how to set clear deadlines across time zones.

PIP stands for performance improvement plan. Learn what goes in a PIP, how long it lasts, what it means for your job and how to respond.

RFI stands for request for information, a document buyers send to learn what suppliers can offer before asking for formal quotes or proposals.

EOW means “end of week,” usually close of business Friday. Learn what it means for deadlines, examples in email and chat, and how to avoid confusion.

SOP stands for standard operating procedure: written step-by-step instructions for doing a routine task the same way every time.

WIP means “work in progress”: something started but not finished. See how WIP is used in emails, file names, project boards and accounting.

FYI means “for your information.” Learn what it signals at work, how to use it in email and chat, and when it can come across as rude.