These principles offer a structured approach to enhance efficiency within a system. They emphasize the smooth and continuous movement of resources or materials through a process, minimizing disruptions and bottlenecks. For instance, applying these principles to a manufacturing line might involve identifying the constraint (the slowest point) and then optimizing the flow of materials around it to maximize throughput.
The value lies in their ability to significantly improve operational performance. By focusing on flow, organizations can reduce lead times, lower inventory levels, and ultimately increase profitability. The underlying concepts were developed within the framework of Theory of Constraints, aiming for holistic improvements rather than localized efficiencies.