bottlenecks
Slowdowns causing backups
Bottlenecks are points of congestion where flow is restricted—named for the narrow neck of a bottle that slows pouring.
Traffic bottlenecks form where lanes merge; production bottlenecks occur when one slow process holds up an entire operation.
The term applies anywhere capacity constraints create delays: The approval process is the bottleneck.
To bottleneck is to constrict or impede flow.
Excessive accumulation causing blockage
- gridlockComplete mutual obstruction
- choke pointsNarrow passage limiting flow
- intersectionsPoints where things cross
- merge lanesWhere roads combine
rush hour · standstill · backup · tailback · narrowing · roadwork · construction zones · on-ramps
Pauses before proceeding
- backlogsAccumulated unfinished tasks
- constraintsLimits on action
- inefficienciesFailures to optimize
- queuesOrderly waiting arrangements
throughput · dependencies · handoffs · procurement · turnaround · pipeline · blockers · holdups
Data transmission capacity
- latencyDelay in system response
- I/OData exchange operations
- server loadDemand on computing resources
- packet lossFailed data delivery
data transfer · throughput · scaling · buffers · concurrency · requests · rendering · upload
Narrowed points limiting passage
- choke pointsNarrow passage limiting flow
- openingsAvailable positions or gaps
- funnelsCone-shaped pouring tools
- aperturesHoles or gaps
outlets · inlets · spouts · valves · pipes · tubes · nozzles · channels
Insufficient quantities available
- logisticsCoordination of complex activities
- distributionAllocation across recipients
- warehousingStoring goods commercially
- inventoryCatalog of held assets
lead times · suppliers · ports · customs · freight · fulfillment · stockouts · procurement
congestion
Excessive accumulation causing blockage
- gridlockComplete mutual obstruction
- choke pointsNarrow passage limiting flow
- intersectionsPoints where things cross
merge lanes · rush hour · standstill · backup · tailback · narrowing · roadwork · construction zones · on-ramps · tunnels
delays
Pauses before proceeding
- backlogsAccumulated unfinished tasks
- constraintsLimits on action
- inefficienciesFailures to optimize
queues · throughput · dependencies · handoffs · procurement · turnaround · pipeline · blockers · holdups · prioritization
bandwidth
Data transmission capacity
- latencyDelay in system response
- I/OData exchange operations
- server loadDemand on computing resources
packet loss · data transfer · throughput · scaling · buffers · concurrency · requests · rendering · upload · download
constrictions
Narrowed points limiting passage
- choke pointsNarrow passage limiting flow
- openingsAvailable positions or gaps
- funnelsCone-shaped pouring tools
apertures · outlets · inlets · spouts · valves · pipes · tubes · nozzles · channels · ducts
shortages
Insufficient quantities available
- logisticsCoordination of complex activities
- distributionAllocation across recipients
- warehousingStoring goods commercially
inventory · lead times · suppliers · ports · customs · freight · fulfillment · stockouts · procurement · vendors
- productivityproductivity, checking off, prioritization, finishing, output
- bureaucracybureaucracy, bureaucrat, bureaucrats, red tape, civil service
- operationsoperation, operations, military operation, joint operation, workflow
- Limitationsflaws, defects, bugs, glitches, restrictions
- productivity killersdistractions, procrastination, wasted time, multitasking, micromanagement
- transportation issuestraffic congestion, traffic jams, congestion, gridlock, road safety
bottlenecksfree flow
Unhindered continuous movement
open channels · seamless flow · throughput · expressways · fast lanes
bottlenecksaccelerators
Things that speed up
enablers · catalysts · facilitators · streamlining · fast-tracking
- bottleneck guitarGuitar played with slide
- population bottleneckDrastic reduction limiting hereditary variety
- bottleneck slidesCylindrical guitar accessories