Bottleneck Theory

Bottleneck Theory suggests that in any system or process, overall performance is limited by its narrowest point, like a bottleneck in a bottle necking flow. In other words, the capacity of the entire system depends on the smallest or slowest part. For example, in a manufacturing line, if one machine produces parts slower than others, it delays the whole process. Improving the bottleneck—making that slowest part faster—can significantly enhance the system’s overall efficiency, as the entire flow is restricted by that single limiting point.