Throughput refers to the amount of material or items that can be processed or produced in a given time period. It is commonly used in various fields, including manufacturing, telecommunications, and computer networks, to measure efficiency and performance. Higher throughput indicates a more efficient system, capable of handling more work or data. In a manufacturing context, throughput can be influenced by factors such as machine speed, workforce productivity, and supply chain efficiency. In computer networks, it measures the rate at which data is transmitted, often expressed in bits per second. Understanding throughput helps organizations optimize their operations and improve overall productivity.