About this Presentation
TOC, Theory of Constraints, is very clear on guidance with respect to WIP: Excess WIP is bad. Little’s Law demonstrates the correlation between the amount of WIP and the lead time to produce a product or a deliverable. WIP should not exceed the capacity of the available resources. So, what is WIP? Well, it depends; it is generally defined as Work in Process and is also defined as Work in Progress. There may be financial and accounting implications between the different definitions. However, we will use the terms interchangeably. Our focus will be on how to best plan, schedule and execute a work order or a project in the shortest possible time within the limitations of available resources with a high probability of delivering on time. Two different and distinct types of Planning, Scheduling and Execution approaches for Production and Project management evolved in the modern era. Perhaps the time has come for closer scrutinizing.
What Will You Learn
To help you get the most value from this session, we’ve highlighted a few key points. These takeaways capture the main ideas and practical insights from the presentation, making it easier for you to review, reflect, and apply what you’ve learned.
Time is the ultimate constraint in any project or task. It is important to manage time effectively to maximize flow.
Work in Progress (WIP) needs to be controlled to reduce cycle time and increase efficiency. Monitoring WIP can provide early warning signs of project risks and help in managing time and resources effectively.
Integrating Drum Buffer Rope and Critical Chain Project Management can help in better synchronization and management of projects. This can lead to shorter cycle times and improved project outcomes.
Instructor(s)
Daniel Walsh
Ms Alka Wadhwa
Alka Wadhwa is an experienced consultant and process improvement expert with over 24 years of expertise in the Theory of Constraints (TOC), Lean Six Sigma, and organizational performance optimization. She has successfully led projects in healthcare, financial services, and manufacturing, driving significant improvements such as a 67% boost in hospital operations and a 140% increase in outpatient visits.
Previously, Alka Wadhwa spent 17+ years at GE Global Research Center, where she led initiatives to enhance various GE businesses through advanced technologies, process redesign, and system optimization. Founder of Better Solutions Consulting, LLC, she specializes in using TOC, Six Sigma, and data analytics to streamline operations and build high-performance teams.
Her work has earned her multiple accolades, including the Empire State Award of Excellence in healthcare.
Dr Gary Wadhwa
Dr. Gary Wadhwa is a Board Certified Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon with extensive experience in the field. He completed his Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery training at Montefiore Hospital, Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx, NY, and has served as an Attending at prestigious institutions like St. Peters Hospitals, Ellis Hospital, and Beth Israel Hospital in NY. With a career spanning over two decades, he was the former CEO and President of a group specialty practice in NY from 1994 to 2015. Dr. Wadhwa holds an MBA from UT at Knoxville, TN, and has undergone additional training in System Dynamics at MIT, Health System Management at Harvard Business School, and Entrepreneurship and healthcare innovations at Columbia Business School. Committed to expanding access to Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery care, he is currently engaged in a meaningful project to provide healthcare services to underserved populations in inner city and rural areas through non-profit Community Health Centers.