Theory of Constraints 5 Focusing Steps, buffer management with 3-zone traffic light, relay runner execution discipline, WIP limits, and late start scheduling. Use when managing Goal execution pace, detecting bottlenecks, or when buffer status changes.
Applied to the KPI tree. The Crux Driver (highest importance x tractability) is the constraint:
Buffer sizing: Project Buffer = 50% of estimated time to achieve Goal.
Feeding buffers: Each non-constraint Driver has a small feeding buffer protecting the constraint. If a non-constraint Action delays, the feeding buffer absorbs it.
| Zone | Buffer Consumed | Agent Behavior |
|---|---|---|
| GREEN (0-33%) | On track | Normal execution. Continue planned Actions. Light monitoring. |
| YELLOW (33-67%) | Falling behind | Investigate root cause. Generate recovery Actions. Notify user. Increase scan frequency. |
| RED (67-100%) | Significantly behind | Auto-propose high-impact recovery. Escalate to user. Deprioritize low-impact Drivers. Consider scope adjustment. |
Buffer consumed: 45% [========----------]
Goal progress: 34% [======------------]
Status: YELLOW — buffer consumption outpacing progress
Buffer as early warning: Unlike milestone tracking (detects problems after deadline miss), buffer management provides continuous visibility. YELLOW at 20% progress gives weeks of lead time.
Three rules for Action execution:
| Scope | Max In Progress |
|---|---|
| Constraint Driver | 1 Action at a time |
| Non-constraint Drivers | 3 Actions concurrently |
| Total system | 5 Actions across all Drivers |
Non-constraint Driver Actions start as late as possible (while respecting feeding buffers). This reduces unnecessary WIP and keeps focus on the constraint.
| Anti-Pattern | Signal | Response |
|---|---|---|
| Multitasking on constraint | Multiple constraint Actions in parallel | "Constraint Driver must have exactly 1 Action in progress. Serialize." |
| Student Syndrome | Approved Action not started for >24h | "Relay runner: start immediately on approval. No delay." |
| Ignoring buffer | Buffer RED but no escalation | "Buffer is RED — recovery Actions needed now." |
| Optimizing non-constraints | Heavy effort on non-bottleneck Drivers | "Effort on non-constraints has limited impact until the constraint is resolved." |
| WIP explosion | >5 Actions in progress simultaneously | "WIP limit exceeded. Complete or pause Actions before starting new ones." |
| Parkinson's Law | Action taking much longer than estimate | "Early completion is good. Hand off immediately — don't expand work to fill time." |