Improve processes by removing constraints
Just as a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, a process is only as fast as its slowest point. The Theory of Constraints states that no matter what the industry, and no matter what the organization, they all operate with at least one constraint that limits the throughput of the entire organization. With this constraint, working to improve the process in areas other than the constraint will not be as effective in improving the overall process as focusing efforts on the constraint. Constraints, or bottlenecks, are those points in the process that restrict the output of the entire process.
The constraint to an organization may be internal or external. For example, if your industry provides a service, maybe the constraint is in either the recruiting or the training of qualified individuals to perform the services your company provides, or in the marketing of your company’s services. Perhaps the challenge is in logistics, or in finding supplies necessary for your processes.
To manage constraints, you must consider the goals of the entire organization. Every constraint must be identified and managed. Each constraint should be evaluated and given the resources needed for that constraint to operate at maximum efficiency. Attention should be given to ensure that the process input and output at the constraint is of satisfactory quality.
Over time, the constraints may change. With each constraint managed effectively or because of a changing environment, the primary constraint of the process may change. If this is the case, attention should be focused on the new constraint.
In your current process, think about a point within the process in which people, information, or materials and supplies stand idle while awaiting approval, movement, or processing. What factors contribute to this constraint? How can the process be changed or the constraint be managed more effectively to increase efficiency at this point in the process? Only increasing flow at the constraint can improve the overall yield of the process.
