Definition
Flow is the continuous and coordinated movement of materials, information, people or work through a process or system with minimal interruption, delay or unnecessary accumulation.
Human Explanation
Flow describes how smoothly work moves from one activity to the next. Good flow reduces waiting, unnecessary handling and interruptions while improving overall system performance.
Why it Matters
Improving flow shortens lead times, reduces inventory, exposes process problems and increases responsiveness without necessarily adding more resources.
Conceptual Boundary
Flow is not simply movement or speed. A process may move quickly while creating delays, bottlenecks or unnecessary inventory elsewhere in the system.
Practical Perspective
Local optimisation often disrupts overall flow. Improving the movement of work through the entire system usually delivers greater benefits than maximising the efficiency of individual activities.