The amount of material or items passing through a system or process within a specific time period, typically measured as units per hour, day, or shift. In warehouse operations, throughput serves as a critical performance indicator that directly impacts customer satisfaction, operational costs, and facility capacity planning.
Warehouse managers use throughput metrics to identify bottlenecks, optimize workflows, and determine staffing requirements. Higher throughput generally indicates more efficient operations, though it must be balanced with accuracy and quality standards. For example, a distribution center might track picking throughput at 120 lines per hour per picker, while measuring receiving throughput at 500 cases per hour per dock door.
Throughput analysis helps facilities determine peak capacity, plan for seasonal fluctuations, and justify equipment investments. Modern WMS platforms provide real-time throughput monitoring, enabling managers to make immediate adjustments when performance drops below target levels.
