in place

1) to exist and be capable of being used

We didn't have the systems in place to deal with so many orders.

A staff of four counsellors is in place to handle calls to the new hotline.

put something in place:

We need to put safeguards in place to prevent this type of accident occurring again.

2) in the correct position

The chairs were not yet in place for the concert.

3) American without leaving the position that you are in. The British expression is on the spot

We had to run in place for five minutes.