The Theory of Constraints (TOC) takes a scientific approach to improvement. It hypothesizes that every complex system, including manufacturing processes, consists of multiple linked activities, one of which acts as a constraint upon the entire system (i.e. the constraint activity is the “weakest link in the chain”).

The Theory of Constraints (TOC) is a management philosophy developed by Dr. Eliyahu Moshe Goldratt. As we know, the strength of any chain, process, or system is dependent upon its weakest link and TOC will identify that link as the most important limiting factor (i.e. the constraint or the bottleneck) that stands in the way of achieving a goal. It then provides a systematic way to improve that constraint until it is no longer the limiting factor.