The theory of constraints (TOC) is a management philosophy that seeks to optimize complex systems. TOC is based on the idea of inherent simplicity, that complex systems are actually controlled by only a few variables. - Five Focusing Steps: - Identify the constraint - Exploit the constraint - Subordinate everything else - Elevate the constraint - Repeat the process and avoid interia TOC is based on the idea that in any process there is one single limiting factor, which limits the overall performance of the system. This limiting factor is the key constraint. Any improvement a component other than the key constraint will not lead to improved performance. A constraint is anything that keeps a system from achieving its goal. TOC was developed by Dr. Eliyahu Goldratt, a physicist who brought a scientific approach to operations management. ### See also: - [[Constraints]] - [[Eliyahu Goldratt]] %% - [[-toc]]