Introduction to Flow Rules with VIDEO

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This is the second course in the Theory of Constraints programme.

The first course introduced the Theory of Constraints mindset as fundamental assumptions as well as Throughput Thinking (Links to an external site.)as the foundation for the applications.

This course can be considered as part of the fundamentals of the Theory of Constraints. I will introduce the applications for production, supply chain and projects.

In the third course, we will dive into the technicalities of Drum Buffer Rope, Simplified Drum Buffer Rope and Distribution.

The fourth course covers the details of Critical Chain Project Management and the fifth course will cover marketing and sales.

The sixth course will cover the application of the Thinking Processes to management skills.

But first, we have to understand flow better and then develop the best practise rules for managing flow in all the delivery systems.

In Course 1, ToC Fundamentals, we established these two system improvement frameworks. The 5 focusing steps or the Process of Ongoing Improvement and the 4 generic flow rules. Identify the system’s constraints, Decide how to exploit it, subordinate everything to the exploiting decisions, elevate the system’s constraint and if in a previous step a constraint has been broken, identify the next constraint and repeat the process. But do not allow inertia to become a system’s constraint.

The 4 generic flow rules is a different perspective of this process. First rule: Improving flow (or equivalently lead time) is a primary objective of operations. Second rule: This primary objective should be translated into a practical mechanism that guides the operation when not to produce (preventing over production). Third rule: Local efficiencies must be abolished. Fourth rule: A focusing process to balance flow must be in place.

We will apply this framework in this course to different delivery systems, production, supply chain and projects to develop the specific business rules that will lead to dramatic improvement in system performance when adopted.

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	Module Summary:
	Number of Pages:	15
	Number of Videos:	9
	Number of Quizzes:	5
	Number of Assignments:	2
	Approximate Time Required to Complete Module:	10 Hours
	Requirements for Completing Module:	Submit All Quizzes & Assignments

See Also:		Related Topics:
Introduction to the Course Flow Rules and their Applications		A Simple Flow: The Dice Game with VIDEO