Bottleneck analysis
Identifying the single step in a process that limits overall throughput. In automation: the task that takes the longest, requires the most manual effort, or causes the most errors. Automating the bottleneck delivers the fastest ROI.
Expert insight
Bottleneck analysis based on where people feel busiest often misidentifies the actual constraint, the step that feels slowest to a team member isn't always the step limiting overall throughput. Looking at actual cycle-time data per stage of a process, not perception, finds the real bottleneck worth automating first.
In a real workflow
Mapping the quote process shows that quotes wait three days for manager approval, so the automation targets approvals first.
Common mistakes
- Automating the fast steps while the slow one stays manual.
- Guessing the bottleneck instead of measuring times.
Complexity level
Anyone can understand this no technical background needed.
Related terms
Process mapping
Documenting every step, decision, and handoff in a business process. The foundat…
ROI (Return on Investment)
In automation: net annual savings divided by cost. PURIST clients average 9.4× R…
Automation audit
A structured review of your business operations to identify manual tasks that ca…
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