A device, or more commonly, a function within a larger application, used to determine the rate at which an object moves a specific distance within a time interval. The result is typically expressed as the number of inches traversed during each minute. For example, if a conveyor belt moves 60 inches in one minute, its speed is 60 inches per minute.
This rate is a critical parameter in many industrial and manufacturing processes. It is used for controlling the speed of material flow, optimizing production line output, and ensuring that processes, such as cutting or extrusion, operate within required tolerances. Historically, calculations were performed manually, but modern computerized systems automate the process, improving accuracy and efficiency.