Exploit the Constraint
Exploiting means that you need to get the most out of the constraint resource. As the constraint resource determines the throughput of the system, every extra bit of throughput we can get out of the resource is pure gain.
How can we exploit a constraint?
- Make sure there is always work for the constraint to do, never let them fall idle because of lack of resources. One effective way to do this, is to put a (small) "feeding" buffer of work before the constraint. The responsibility of the resources in front of the constraint is to make sure this buffer is always filled with enough work, but no more!
- For example: if developers are the constraint, make sure that they don't fall idle because the analysts/designers/customer can't provide them with enough work.
- Make sure that the constraint works only on tasks that improve throughput. Cut all unnecessary, non-productive work from the constraint