TOC Terms and Concepts

A flow that typically begins with a larger number of raw materials that are combined as they proceed through production, ending in fewer number of finished products. Most “A” Flows are typically assembly operations. Examples: Specialized equipment manufacturers, airplanes, large generators/ motors, consumer electronics, etc.   Source: Oded Cohen and Jelena Fedurko, Theory of Constraints […]

The U-shape is a comprehensive logical diagram of TOC entities that participate in the analysis of the current reality and the construction or usage of the solution to create an improved future reality. The U-shape was established to organize, store and easily retrieve the TOC knowledge. The U-shape is used for the generic TOC solutions […]

Four Assumption Rules for straight arrows A-B, B-D, A-C, and C-D’ Rule 1 – Referring words 2 checks: (1) The statement after “because” should contain some words that clearly refer to the “in order to” part of the statement, and some to the “we must” part. (2) Make sure that the assumption is bringing in […]

Two Assumption Rules for the conflict arrow D-D’ D-D’ Rule 1: Surfacing Rule “D AND D’ are in conflict because…” D-D’ Rule 2: What is missing?   Source: Jelena Fedurko, Mistakes and Difficulties in Working with TOC Logical Tools, 2014

Assumptions are facts, observations, beliefs, expectations, convictions, presuppositions, experiences, interpretations, concepts, principles, data, general knowledge and other elements of thinking with which we support our reasoning behind a logical connection. Source: Jelena Fedurko, Behind the Cloud: Enhancing Logical Thinking, 2011

Everything within a system is connected by cause and effect relationships. Identification of the causes leads to convergence onto an apparent core problem/contradiction/conflict. Basic Assumption no.1 as reflected on the U-Shape: Source: Oded Cohen and Jelena Fedurko, Theory of Constraints Fundamentals, 2012

All contradictions can be resolved without compromise – it is our level of understanding and our assumptions that hold the contradiction in place. A compromise is  usually not a win-win solution. This basic assumption manifests a strong belief that  conceptually there should be no conflicts within our reality – hence – people should strive to […]

There is no resistance to change – people do not embrace change because we have not brought them to see the win for them. People should be handled with respect.   Source: Oded Cohen and Jelena Fedurko, Theory of Constraints Fundamentals, 2012

There are 3 categories of resources from the point of view of capacity: Bottleneck CCR – Capacity Constraint Resourse Non-CCR Source: Oded Cohen and Jelena Fedurko, Theory of Constraints Fundamentals, 2012    

All activities associated with managing a flow of the order from the release of materials to the shop floor until it is ready to be shipped to the customers.   Source: Oded Cohen and Jelena Fedurko, Theory of Constraints Fundamentals, 2012

Capacity Constraint – a resource which cannot provide timely capacity the systems demands for it. Constraints are the factors or elements that determine how much the system can accomplish. Types of Constraints: Capacity Constraint Market Constraint Time Constraint   Source: Oded Cohen and Jelena Fedurko, Theory of Constraints Fundamentals, 2012

The available capacity of the machines and resources has a significant impact on the PLT (Production Lead Time) and the ability to complete the work order on time. There are 3 categories of resources from the point of view of capacity: Bottleneck CCR – Capacity Constraint Resourse Non-CCR Source: Oded Cohen and Jelena Fedurko, Theory […]

In logical reasoning it is important to check each causality connection between two entities to ensure that it is clear and irrefutable. When communicating logic, people tend to check the statements that are made against their internal logic. Many times things just “Do not make sense to us”. TOC suggests a protocol how to discuss […]

Cause & Effect Relationships is a core concept in the TOC methodology and thinking processes. It describes the logical connection between entities in reality. Cause & Effect relationship connects two entities while one is the cause for the existence of the other. “X” is the cause for the “Z”       Source: Oded Cohen […]

There are 3 categories of resources from the point of view of capacity: Bottleneck CCR – Capacity Constraint Resourse Non-CCR Source: Oded Cohen and Jelena Fedurko, Theory of Constraints Fundamentals, 2012    

All contradictions can be resolved without compromise – it is our level of understanding and our assumptions that hold the contradiction in place. A compromise is  usually not a win-win solution. This basic assumption manifests a strong belief that  conceptually there should be no conflicts within our reality – hence – people should strive to […]

Cloud consolidation is an inductive process of generalizing several clouds into a cloud that conceptually represents the general pattern of the clouds that were included in the process of consolidation. The Consolidated cloud is not always the core cloud. Consolidated cloud reflects and explains the existence of three selected for analysis UDEs. Source: Oded Cohen […]

The factors or elements that determine how much the system can accomplish. Types of Constraints: Capacity Constraint – a resource which cannot provide timely capacity the systems demands for it. Market Constraint – the amount of customers’ orders is not sufficient to sustain the required growth of the system. Time Constraint – The response time […]

Convergence – Everything within a system is connected by cause and effect relationships. Identification of the causes leads to convergence onto an apparent core problem/contradiction/conflict. Basic Assumption no.1 as reflected on the U-Shape: Source: Oded Cohen and Jelena Fedurko, Theory of Constraints Fundamentals, 2012