“There are two types of bottlenecks: capacity constrained and non-instant variability. Here´s how to approach them.”
The Two Types of Bottlenecks
- Capacity Constrained: unable to do more work
- Non-Instant availability: limited capacity due to limited (but usually predictable) availability
Strategies to Handle Bottlenecks
Generally bottlenecks perform well below their potential capacity. It is therefore recommended to follow the The Five Focus Steps of the Theory of Constraints in order to improve their efficiency.
For both types of bottlenecks protection by adding buffers is a common strategy.
Other exploitations strategies involve the change of policies or using classes of service.
Non-Instant Availability Ressources
Non-instant availability resources are not, strictly speaking, bottlenecks. […] The actions taken in response to non-instant availability problems with flow are remarkably similar to those for a capacity-constrained ressource. […] As a general rule, when encountering non-instant availability problems, think about how to improve the availability. The ultimate is to turn a non-instant availability problem into an instantly available resource.
More
Source
Kanban: Successful Evolutionary Change for Your Technology Business by David J. Anderson, Chapter 17 Bottlenecks and Non-Instant Availability
