CPIM Practice Exam

What improvement method focuses specifically on bottlenecks in production?

1. Lean manufacturing

2. Continuous improvement

3. Six Sigma

4. Theory of Constraints

The correct answer is: Theory of Constraints

The Theory of Constraints (TOC) is a critical improvement method that specifically targets bottlenecks in a production process. This approach is centered on the idea that every system has at least one constraint that limits its overall performance. By identifying and managing this bottleneck, organizations can significantly enhance their efficiency and throughput. TOC works on the principle that the overall performance of a process is determined by its weakest link. The method involves five focusing steps: identifying the constraint, exploiting the constraint, subordinating everything to the constraint, elevating the constraint, and re-evaluating the system. By following these steps, organizations can systematically improve the flow of production and increase output while minimizing waste. In contrast, other methods like lean manufacturing aim to eliminate waste and streamline processes broadly, Continuous Improvement focuses on making small, incremental changes over time, and Six Sigma seeks to reduce variability and defects in processes but does not specifically target bottlenecks. Each of these methods has its strengths, but the Theory of Constraints uniquely addresses the critical issue of bottlenecks, making it the appropriate answer for this question.