When you identify a bottleneck, the first step should be to

When you identify a bottleneck, the first step should be to

• A. add resources
• B. line balancing
• C. creating standard work
• D. Look at removing waste in the process

Answer: (D)

Removing waste in the process to improve flow is the first move when you suspect a bottleneck. Eliminating non-value-added steps reduces cycle times and hidden work, helping you see where the real constraint lies. Jumping to adding resources or rebalancing the line without clarifying what’s slowing things down can just shift work or mask the true bottleneck. Once waste is reduced, the bottleneck becomes clearer, and subsequent actions like balancing the line or establishing standard work can be applied more effectively.

Removing waste in the process to improve flow is the first move when you suspect a bottleneck. Eliminating non-value-added steps reduces cycle times and hidden work, helping you see where the real constraint lies. Jumping to adding resources or rebalancing the line without clarifying what’s slowing things down can just shift work or mask the true bottleneck. Once waste is reduced, the bottleneck becomes clearer, and subsequent actions like balancing the line or establishing standard work can be applied more effectively.