Why Theory of Constraints seems a poor model for IT
I am no expert but I worry that the Theory of Constraints is a bad model for IT.
Our systems are networks not linear flows. Mik Kersten's new book explores this.
We don't make car doors. Our units of work are not uniform: they vary in size, required process, priority, criticality, and risk. Complex systems don't have a single constraint: they have multiple constraints depending on the context and the time of day. Temporary constraints appear, like a car smash on the motorway. The "lumpiness" of the work causes surges in work, like braking cars. We have to have buffers in the system, uniform takt isn't possible: we can't drive bumper-to-bumper.
They say all models are wrong but some are useful: is the theory of constraints useful for IT?
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