Efficiency
- Describes how effectively a system converts inputs (time, energy, materials) into the intended output.
- Higher efficiency means less waste or effort is required to achieve the same result.
- Relevant for design and operation decisions across technical and organizational contexts.
Definition
Section titled “Definition”Efficiency is a measure of how well a system, process, or machine uses resources, such as time and energy, to produce a desired output. In other words, it is a measure of how well something is able to achieve its intended purpose with a minimum amount of waste or effort.
Explanation
Section titled “Explanation”Efficiency can be evaluated in many ways depending on the context and the resources involved. It captures the relationship between inputs (for example, fuel, time, materials, or energy) and useful outputs, and is used to identify how much waste or unnecessary effort occurs during operation. Because it applies to systems ranging from mechanical devices to organizational processes, understanding and measuring efficiency helps reveal opportunities to improve performance, reduce costs, and conserve resources.
Examples
Section titled “Examples”Car engine
Section titled “Car engine”An efficient car engine converts the maximum amount of fuel into useful work (for example, powering the car’s wheels and other systems), minimizing losses such as heat loss or friction. A well-designed engine extracts the maximum amount of energy from each unit of fuel, which can result in better performance, improved fuel economy, and lower emissions.
Factory production process
Section titled “Factory production process”An efficient production process produces the desired output (for example, a finished product) with minimal waste or inefficiency. Achieving this can involve advanced manufacturing techniques, optimization of material flow, and minimization of downtime and other disruptions. An efficient production process helps reduce costs, improve quality, and increase competitiveness.
Other contexts
Section titled “Other contexts”Other examples of efficiency include the use of solar panels to generate electricity, the operation of a power grid, and the design of a computer algorithm.
Use cases
Section titled “Use cases”Efficiency is an important concept in a wide range of fields, including engineering, economics, and business. By measuring and improving efficiency, organizations, systems, and individuals can use resources more effectively and pursue goals with less waste or effort.
Related terms
Section titled “Related terms”- Resources (time, energy, materials)
- Waste
- Optimization
- Manufacturing techniques
- Material flow
- Fuel economy
- Emissions