Ensure the constraint is used to its maximum capacity without making expensive upgrades.
Once the constraint is broken, go back to step 1. Do not let inertia become the next constraint. The Thinking Processes (TP Tools) Theory of constraints and thinking processes fo...
While the focusing steps address physical bottlenecks, the Thinking Processes are logical, cause-and-effect tools designed to solve complex policy constraints and answer three fundamental questions:. Ensure the constraint is used to its maximum
Find the specific part of the system that limits performance (the "weakest link"). The Thinking Processes (TP Tools) While the focusing
The is a management philosophy introduced by Eliyahu M. Goldratt in his 1984 book, The Goal . It posits that every complex system—whether a factory, a project, or a supply chain—is limited by at least one constraint (bottleneck) that prevents it from achieving its ultimate goal. The Core Methodology: The Five Focusing Steps
TOC uses a structured, five-step process for continuous improvement to systematically address these constraints:
If steps 2 and 3 are insufficient, invest in additional capacity to "break" the bottleneck.