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description: Find and fix the bottleneck limiting system throughput
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# Theory of Constraints (Goldratt)

Every system has one constraint that limits overall throughput. Systematically identify and address it.

## Steps

1. **Identify** the constraint — find the step with the longest queue, lowest capacity, or highest utilization.
2. **Exploit** the constraint — maximize its output without new investment (eliminate waste, ensure zero idle time).
3. **Subordinate** everything else — align all other processes to feed the constraint at exactly the rate it can handle.
4. **Elevate** the constraint — invest to increase its capacity (add resources, automate, redesign).
5. **Repeat** — once resolved, the constraint shifts; return to step 1 and find the new bottleneck.

## Output Format

Constraint identification with evidence, current throughput numbers, exploitation tactics, subordination changes, and an elevation investment plan with projected throughput improvement.