I’ve been in so many meetings over the years and asked the question that nobody can answer: How are we measuring the efficiency of this cloud architecture, and what steps are we taking to improve it? Based on the blank looks, you would have thought I asked, “Where do we keep the polar bears?” It’s more important than we perhaps understand. Here’s why.
Efficiency is achieving a desired outcome using the least resources possible, such as time, effort, energy, or money. It reflects how well a machine, system, or process converts inputs into outputs without unnecessary waste. In engineering, it can mean the ratio of a machine’s valuable work to the total energy expended.
Efficiency also encompasses operational and organizational aspects, such as minimizing waste and maximizing productivity. This is often quantified using metrics like return on investment, throughput, and resource utilization rates.