Throughput is a delivery metric used to inspect how much work is completed per unit of time, enabling analysis of flow efficiency and system constraints.
Throughput is a key observability metric used to quantify the amount of work a system completes over a specific time period. It reflects the flow of value and helps teams inspect how effectively their system delivers completed work items. Unlike productivity measures, throughput captures system performance as a whole, not individual contribution.
By tracking throughput, teams can detect trends, identify constraints, and assess whether workflow changes result in meaningful improvements. Tools like cumulative flow diagrams and flow analytics help visualise throughput data in real time. In Agile and Lean contexts, throughput is often used with lead time and cycle time to inspect flow health and predict delivery.
Throughput enables empirical inspection. It provides feedback that informs decision-making and guides adjustments in work-in-progress limits, team composition, and planning cadence. Observing throughput over time supports transparency and continuous improvement, without relying on subjective performance assessments.
We partner with businesses across diverse industries, including finance, insurance, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, technology, engineering, transportation, hospitality, entertainment, legal, government, and military sectors.
Flowmaster (a Mentor Graphics Company)
Higher Education Statistics Agency
Microsoft
Philips
Schlumberger
Emerson Process Management
Milliman
Genus Breeding Ltd
Slaughter and May
Healthgrades
Cognizant Microsoft Business Group (MBG)
Xceptor - Process and Data Automation
Brandes Investment Partners L.P.
SuperControl
Graham & Brown
Kongsberg Maritime
Lean SA
Akaditi
Nottingham County Council
Ghana Police Service
Washington Department of Enterprise Services
Washington Department of Transport
Department of Work and Pensions (UK)
Royal Air Force
Hubtel Ghana
Illumina
Brandes Investment Partners L.P.
Lean SA
Akaditi
Boeing