How is the throughput of a process determined in a theory of constraints system?

Throughput in a theory of constraints system is fundamentally determined by the system constraint, which refers to the limiting factor that restricts the overall process performance. In this context, throughput is defined as the rate at which the system generates money through sales, and it is directly influenced by how efficiently the constraint operates.

When you identify the constraint, you can focus on optimizing its performance, which in turn enhances the flow of products or services through the entire system. This means that by addressing and improving the constraint, the overall output of the system can be maximized, leading to increased throughput.

While the other choices touch upon financial aspects, such as cash flow and customer demand, they do not directly identify the mechanism by which throughput is measured and improved in a theory of constraints framework. Customer demand, for example, may influence what is produced but does not inherently determine how much can be produced based on the limiting factors in the process itself. Understanding the concept of constraint allows for a targeted approach to improving process efficiency, which is essential for maximizing throughput.