Module 7 · Lesson 21 of 24
Theory of Constraints and the five focusing steps
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Learning objectives
- Explain the purpose of theory of constraints and five focusing steps in garment operations.
- Describe when and how to apply theory of constraints and five focusing steps on the shop floor.
- Identify common mistakes and how to avoid them.
Core idea
Identify the system constraint, exploit it, subordinate other work, elevate it, then repeat when the constraint moves.
Method
Define throughput goal and boundary; use data; manage buffer; measure whole-system result. Avoid improving nonconstraints merely because they look inefficient.
Garment-factory example
Keep the true constraint supplied with defect-free work, protect breaks/changeovers, move support tasks, add capacity only after exploitation/subordination.
Method
- Define throughput goal and boundary;
- use data;
- manage buffer;
- measure whole-system result
Common mistakes
- Avoid improving nonconstraints merely because they look inefficient
Knowledge check
Pick one answer per question. Explanations appear after you submit.
1. Which statement best captures the core idea of Theory of Constraints and five focusing steps?
2. A common mistake when applying theory of constraints and five focusing steps is to:
Author: NOSK.life · Last reviewed: 2026-07-21