Ely Goldratt, author of the book "The Goal", and originator of the Theory of Constraints training often asks this question of his students, "What are you waiting for?"

You know how to identify waste and substandard performance. You've been trained on how to list the cause of constraints. You also know how to list cures and subordinate others to help.   But, most of all, you know how good it feels to implement improvement and elevate a constraint.   So...why do you wait?

But what if we don't do anything about our constraints. Sure we can rationalize doing nothing.

This type of behavior is called constraint mis-management.

1. Ignore-Pretend the problem doesn't exist.
2. Rationalize-Use insulation layers (excuses such as: it's not our fault; Our problems are different; Yes, but bad things will happen; We can't it's against the policy; We won't get the support,etc,etc,etc) to justify inaction.
3. Dominate-Keep the problem to ourselves, don't include anyone in resolving it.
4. Stagnate-Nothing changes, constraint continues.
5. Fail-Unsolved problems breeds failure.

EXAMPES USING THE 5 STEP PROBLEM SOLVING FORM


(Examples include global and local improvements)


• Increase Through-Put
• Improving die cast shots per hour (3rd shift)
• Reducing sort time in finishing
• Other successes using the 5 step form (several examples)
• A machining success story (includes detailed meeting notes)
• 5 Step Successes - eliminate 40% waste (several examples)
• Scrap constraints manufacturing xxxx series hub caps
• TOC and 5S at work at the tap and plug operation
• Breakroom cleanliness constraints
• Scrap constraints manufacturing shd covers
• Mini Kaisen - 5 Step a Tapping Process
• Improve shots per shift on dcm#14
• Hydraulic fluid budget constraints
• Wrong part numbers set-up in multiple part tools
• Running out of critical office supplies
• 50% scrap on a transfer tool
• Cracked parts
• Organizing WIP at the vibratory/machining areas

• Used the 5 Step Form to solve a school vehicle constraint

EXAMPLES OF EVAPORATING (CONFLICT) CLOUDS


What are clouds?    Learn more about clouds.(Explanation of Evaporating Cloud and Other Thinking Processes)

(Note: This cloud diagram includes assumptions, etc)
• Time cloud How do you focus your time?

(Note: The clouds below are diagrams only)
• 5 examples Centralization dilemma; Conflict in conflict; implementation dilemma; Empowerment; Human behavior in organizations
• 5 examples Kaizen; Leadership; Lieutenant; Performance management; Improvement
• 5 examples Production management; Production; Pyramid organizations; R&D; Roadrunner
• 5 examples Sales/Marketing; Systems; Teamwork; TOC implementation; TQM paradigm

OTHER EXAMPLES OF CONFLICT CLOUDS

(Note: These links are to files in powerpoint)
• Teenager needs to go to bed at 11:00 during school nights
• What to do on vacation
• Add new programs in addition to others?
• Driving forklifts too fast
• Get a new car
• To keep or not keep an old truck

MANY EXAMPLES OF USING THE TOC LOGIC TOOLS IN SCHOOLS

(Note: These links take you to the tocforeducation.com web site)
• Target Tree - Behavior
• Target Tree - Curriculum content
• Cloud - Behavior
• Cloud - Curriculum content
• Branch - Behavior
• Branch - Curriculum content
• Download link to Powerpoint slide show "Dealing With Conflicts" On the left side of the first screen click on "Files" - then you will see the download button. Good information-by Rami Goldratt. This is a large file 700K.

OTHER

• The Last 20 Years of Improvement Initiatives in 3 Minutes
• Providing operator tools increases throughput (TOC & Lean)
• Why you do - Lean, Six-Sigma, TOC
• TOC as stress management
• Performance logic (powerpoint file)
• Thoughts on Herbie in the book\film "The Goal"