The Theory of Constraints (TOC) adopts the common idiom that “a chain is no stronger than its weakest link and refers to the understanding that processes are crucially vulnerable because the weakest person or part of the process can damage or break even the strongest of organizational processes. TOC principles view organizations as being limited in […]
Theory of Constraints Methodology Can Help Improve a Company's Performance. These Articles and Case Studies Discuss How
[VIDEO] Improving Flow With Bottleneck Analysis
One of the most serious causes of workflow process breakdowns is bottlenecks. When efficiency is crucial to an workflow process, a bottleneck can significantly impact the bottom line and customer satisfaction of any organization. A bottleneck analysis offers an organization opportunities to improve efficiencies, customer satisfaction and ensure workflows at an even rate. Watch this […]
Bottleneck Analysis Improves Flow
“I say an hour lost at a bottleneck is an hour out of the entire system. I say an hour saved at a non-bottleneck is worthless. Bottlenecks govern both throughput and inventory.” Eliyahu M. Goldratt There can be multiple causes of slowdowns and disruptions in workflow. One of the most serious causes can be bottlenecks. […]
Thinking One Step Ahead with SMED
Thinking One Step Ahead with SMED Proper optimization is not just about making the facility run well with the current parameters in mind, but also to allow it to run as efficiently as possible in the future, considering upcoming developments. You have to always be one step ahead of the current environment and make informed […]
Practical Applications of Queueing Theory: Apply Lean at the Constraint to Eliminate the Bottleneck
This article is on the Practical Applications of Queueing Theory and how some of the assumptions of Queueing Theory can break down, necessitating the need for government intervention. Queueing Theory is based on several assumptions. One of those assumptions is that when demand exceeds capacity, the result will be waiting lines. Often in situations where […]
Lunch Line Design Utilizing Constraints and Bottlenecks to Prevent Childhood Obesity
We know from the Theory of Constraints that every system has a bottleneck via effective lunch line design. The goal, then, isn’t to eliminate the bottleneck, but learn how to manage the overall system by effectively managing the constraint in that system. This is true in most cases. But, there are cases where purposely creating […]
The Theory of Constraints Fundamentals
Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadSubscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSSThis article is part of a series on Lean and the Theory of Constraints. Here is the 3 part series: Lean and Theory of Constraints: An Either/Or Proposition? The Theory of Constraints – The Fundamentals Reconciling Lean and The Theory of Constraints In a previous […]
Lean and Theory of Constraints either/or?
This article is part of a series on Lean and the Theory of Constraints. Here is the 3 part series: Lean and Theory of Constraints: An Either/Or Proposition? The Theory of Constraints – The Fundamentals Reconciling Lean and The Theory of Constraints I’m not a fan of dichotomous thinking – either / or. For one, […]
Managing Constraints and Bottlenecks Under Peak Volumes
One of the key lessons in The Theory of Constraints is that the contraint or the bottleneck determines the throughput for the entire system. This means, then, that if we optimize and improve a non-bottleneck, then those efforts have zero impact on the overall throughput of the system. It is only when we improve and […]
Shmula Goes Camping: Drum-Buffer-Rope and Theory of Constraints
My family and I went camping with my brother-in-law and his family. We went to a place in Utah called Uinta National Forest — it was beautiful. We prepared well, got the tent and camping stuff ready, then headed to the camp site on Friday. When we arrived, we set-up camp, then we went on […]