What is another term commonly used for continuous flow?

The term "one piece flow" is commonly used to describe continuous flow because it refers to the process of producing one unit of product at a time without interruption. This approach optimizes the production process by reducing work in progress, minimizing lead times, and improving overall efficiency. In a one piece flow system, each item is moved to the next station as soon as it's completed, which leads to a smoother and more streamlined workflow, maximizing productivity and minimizing waste.

The other options do not adequately reflect the concept of continuous flow. For instance, "non-stop production" suggests a constant operation but does not capture the importance of processing one item at a time. "Inspection free material" focuses on quality management rather than the operational flow itself, while "zero maintenance time" relates to equipment reliability rather than the flow of products in the manufacturing process. Therefore, one piece flow accurately encapsulates the essence of continuous flow in an efficient production environment.