Bottlenecks exist in many business processes that serve the public and are usually indicated by lineups (also known as "lines" or "queues"). Choose a business that experiences lineups and identify the constraints in the system.

Bottleneck Principles

1. Utilization of a non-bottleneck resource is not determined by its potential, but by another constraint in the system

2. Using a non-bottleneck 100% of the time does not produce 100% utilization (Overproduction)

3. The capacity of the system depends on the capacity of the bottleneck

4. Time saved at a non-bottleneck saves the system nothing (with respect to system throughput)

5. Capacity and priority must be considered together – setups cost throughput, but are necessary due to priorities

6. Loads can, and should, be split

7. Focus should be on balancing the flow through the shop

• Section 1: Give specific examples of each of the seven bottleneck principles (pp.128-129) that apply to that business
• Section 2: Suggest a way to increase the throughput of the bottleneck
• Section 3: Describe the benefits [of your suggested improvement] to the business and to the customers