A bottleneck is a point in a process where the flow of operations slows down or becomes restricted, leading to delays and inefficiencies. This can occur in various contexts, such as manufacturing, software development, or traffic systems. When a bottleneck is present, it limits the overall capacity and performance of the entire system, making it crucial to identify and address. In a production line, for example, if one machine operates slower than the others, it creates a backlog of work. This situation can lead to increased costs and reduced output. Identifying the bottleneck allows organizations to optimize their processes and improve overall efficiency.