Theory of Constraints

Introduction Planning a wedding involves many logistical challenges, but one of the most delicate tasks is seating arrangements. A wedding is a mix of family members, lifelong friends, and work colleagues, each with their own histories, relationships, and preferences. Some guests want to sit together, others should be kept apart, and family members often have priority seating near the married couple. A manually crafted seating chart can lead to compromises, overlooked conflicts, and unnecessary stress. Instead, we can turn to Constraint Programming (CP), a powerful approach that finds an optimal arrangement based on defined rules and preferences. ...

Humanity as a Distributed System Human civilization can be viewed as a vast distributed system: a network where independent nations, organizations, and communities interact without centralized control. These nodes connect through complex links of trade, communication, and diplomacy that have evolved over millennia, creating an increasingly interconnected global system. As our world grows more complex, we’ve shifted from isolated inefficiencies to system-wide coordination challenges. The question arises: how can we optimize our global human system? Let’s explore potential strategies through the lens of distributed systems theory. ...

Introduction Gardening is a system, just like any other, and every system has a limiting factor: something that holds it back from reaching its full potential. This idea comes from the Theory of Constraints. The basic premise is simple: identify the biggest bottleneck, fix it, and the entire system improves. In gardening, constraints can take many forms: light, temperature, water availability, soil quality, space, and even the timing of tasks. Different gardening methods have evolved to tackle these challenges, each aiming to optimize the flow of resources and reduce inefficiencies. Let’s take a closer look at how some popular approaches address key constraints. ...

Introduction Cooking is a system governed by constraints. The theory of constraints teaches us that every system has a bottleneck, a limiting factor that determines the overall outcome. In cooking, we typically think of time, ingredients, or technique as constraints, but let’s explore deeper, unconventional constraints that shape the way we prepare and experience food. Constraint #1: The Softness Paradox One of the most fundamental constraints in cooking is tenderness. Meat, fish, and vegetables each have their own “breaking points.” Overcook a fish fillet, and it disintegrates; undercook a brisket, and it’s unchewable. The secret to optimizing tenderness lies in understanding how to manipulate this constraint. ...

Introduction Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is often described as a game of human chess, where strategy, leverage, and technique play a crucial role. Observing BJJ through the lens of the Theory of Constraints, a concept from systems management, offers a perspective on how physical and biomechanical limitations shape the practice. These constraints arise due to an opponent’s actions or a practitioner’s own movements, influencing the flow of engagement on the mat. ...

Introduction The Organization Decision Record (ODR) framework provides a structured approach to decision-making by clearly defining context, constraints, and requirements. However, as decision complexity increases, manually evaluating all possible options becomes impractical. Constraint Satisfaction Problems (CSP) offer a way to systematically optimize decision-making by leveraging constraint-solving algorithms. In this article, we’ll explore how to convert an ODR decision into a CSP problem and implement it using Timefold, an open-source optimization engine. ...

Introduction As a manager, it is often really hard to make your process for making decisions crystal clear. As well as making these decisions understood, collaborative, and integrated. How often do you hear or pronounce sentences: “That decision makes no sense”, “This decision is unrealistic”, “I think you’ve missed the point” or “Isn’t this a better solution”? An obscure decision-making process can only lead to confusion. Well, you are in the right place, let me introduce you to the ODR: Organization Decision Record. ...