This paper investigates critical operations capabilities discussed in the literature. The field is constantly evolving and in need of overview. The research is based on a systematic literature review, including a final sample of 157 peer-reviewed papers. Previously, cost, flexibility, quality, delivery, and service were considered the main dimensions of critical operations capabilities. This paper also identified innovation and environment, as well as their essential capabilities. In total, 21 operations capabilities were detected. Implications include the importance of understanding the dynamics between operations capabilities and their context, and to constantly be vigilant for new trends.