Theory of Constraints
The Theory of Constraints states that a system is only as strong as its weakest point. The focus should be on identifying and addressing the bottleneck rather than optimizing individual components.
Core Principle
“A chain is no stronger than its weakest link.”
Key Insight
Counterintuitively, if you break down the entire system and optimize each component individually, you’ll lower the effectiveness of the system. Optimize the entire system instead.
Approach
- Identify the bottleneck (constraint)
- Focus improvement efforts on the constraint
- Optimize the system as a whole, not individual parts
Related Concepts
- [[Value Stream Mapping]] — identifying bottlenecks in processes
- [[Engineering Strategy]] — systems-level thinking
- [[Platform Engineering]] — optimizing developer experience holistically
Definition based on operations management and systems thinking.
Linked References
- [[Broken Windows Theory]]
Theory that visible signs of disorder encourage further disorder. In software, tech debt compounds …
- [[Eisenhower Matrix]]
A prioritization framework that categorizes tasks by urgency and importance into four quadrants.
- [[RICE Framework]]
A prioritization framework for evaluating features and projects using Reach, Impact, Confidence, and …
- [[Avoid Stupidity]]
Avoiding stupidity is easier than trying to be brilliant. Focus on eliminating failure points.
- [[Inversion]]
Looking at a problem or decision from the opposite point of view to avoid failure rather than …
- [[Value Stream Mapping]]
A lean management technique for visualizing and analyzing the flow of work through a system.