Bottleneck Case

Abstract

The central purpose is to expand on the data collected in the Week one assignment and build on it to be able to correctly identify the Bottlenecks in that process. This assignment will consider the bottlenecks present in the process of my morning routine. Efforts aimed at breaking down existing bottlenecks can lead to process improvement and enhanced efficiency. A bottleneck is defined as any resource whose capacity is less than the demand placed upon it. A bottleneck is a constraint within the system that limits throughput. It is the limiting factor in any process or chain of processes. (Chase, 2006)

Bottleneck

In my morning routine the bottleneck is found in the getting dressed process. Like most people, deciding what to wear can sometimes take longer than needed. Many times I will put something on and look in the mirror and decide it doesn’t look good, leading to change into something else. This process of changing clothes is time consuming which in turn slows down the process of getting dressed. Deciding what to wear could be moved to the evening time right before bedtime which would allow for the process of getting ready to be much quicker in the morning. Also I would have time to try on different outfits to see how I like the way they fit, having my mind already made up helps me not question whether I should change what I currently am wearing.

According to the Theory of Constraints by Goldratt, identifying the constraint is the most significant first step. Without this, no improvement or progress is possible. (Chase, 2006) When considering process bottlenecks, one must consider Goldratt’s Rule of Production regarding Bottlenecks. Goldratt maintains that every hour that is lost at a Bottleneck is an hour lost in the whole process. Also bottlenecks are what dictate both the throughput and the level and type of the Inventory in the system. Therefore, it would