For lack of better solutions, efficiency is defined by its measuring units. In effect, measuring units act like filters, distorting, focusing and limiting efficiency analysis. So using light’s behavior as example, let’s have a quick look at how important the choice of unit is to ensure coherent efficiency analysis.

(A big thanks to Marb’s creator for his thoughts on efficiency, and introducing me to Fermat’s principle; this is a follow-up to previous articles dealing with efficiency analysis such as Clit Eastwood).

 

Fermat’s principle & light efficiency

In optics, Fermat’s principle states that “a ray of light passes from one point to another in such a way that the time taken is a minimum” (from the free dictionary, I am not a physics expert, so I kept the definition very simple, but more accurate definitions can be found here and here).

So it means that lights always seek the fastest way, but not necessarily the shortest. From an efficiency point of view, the process decreases the use of time, and can be seen as optimized measured in time unit. Meanwhile, it does not necessarily decrease the distance traveled, and can therefore be seen as non optimized, measured in distance units.

For a visual representation, lightnings are never straight lines!

This logic applies to any subjects of efficiency study.

 

Efficiency analysis:

Choice of units; choice of focus

So, before analyzing any process, framing the field of analysis and defining the right measurement method is vital. Financial efficiency translates all inputs and outputs in cash. Energy efficiency uses kwH. A production line might use items/time, or scrap/batch. All are both relevant and irrelevant, it depends on the angle you wish to study.

Choosing units will reduce the field of analysis, and doing so, will clarify the topic. And choosing the wrong unit will render the analysis pointless (the number of CSR reports assessing actions’ efficiency in terms of cash never cease to amaze me).

 

Interpreting results & Developing solutions

The choice of unit has a double edge. It makes the analysis possible, however, it will only highlight one side of the process efficiency. So never forget the assumptions made by the choice of unit, or you might overlook important conclusions. What we can take from light’s example is that very often, efficient path are not straight or obvious ones. If light were to go for the shortest distance, it would take a longer time. So light naturally chose to focus on speed when following a path.

Similarly, if you measure your life efficiency in terms of earnings / day or in terms of laughs / day, results and decisions to optimize it could be drastically different.

 

Effy’s episode in all that?

Alike light’s twisted path to efficiency, truth also has a way to strike very hard, very fast, and often through unexpected ways. As for aesthetic, it’s Halloween, so couldn’t resist to have some seasonal spirit…

G.M.