In workflow design, what does the term "throughput" refer to?

Throughput refers to the total output of a process over a specified period. It is a key performance indicator that helps in assessing the efficiency and effectiveness of workflows. By measuring throughput, organizations can identify how many tasks or units are completed within a certain timeframe, which aids in optimizing processes and resource allocation.

For example, in a manufacturing setting, throughput might indicate how many products are produced in an hour or a day, while in a service-oriented workflow, it could measure how many client requests are fulfilled. Understanding throughput allows organizations to streamline operations, reduce bottlenecks, and improve overall productivity. In contrast, the other options do not capture the concept of throughput; they focus on work hours, employee engagement, or meetings, rather than the output generated from a process.