What does Flow Efficiency measure in Lean IT?

Flow Efficiency in Lean IT specifically measures the ratio of actual work time to total completion time. This concept emphasizes the importance of understanding how effectively work is processed within a system. By calculating this ratio, organizations can identify periods of waste or delays that do not contribute to value creation, thereby highlighting opportunities for improvement in the workflow.

When assessing Flow Efficiency, the focus is on distinguishing between the productive time spent actively working on tasks versus the total time taken to complete those tasks, which includes waiting periods and non-value-adding activities. A higher Flow Efficiency indicates that more time is spent on productive work, leading to streamlined processes and enhanced overall performance. This understanding is crucial for teams aiming to optimize their operations in a Lean environment.