TOC-Based Project Management System for Resource Productivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current project management software fails to enhance resource performance and productivity in industries lacking schedule control, particularly in the construction industry, where resource utilization and productivity have been low and declining for decades.

Innovation Solution

A system and method utilizing Theory of Constraints (TOC) principles, specifically Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM), to manage projects by measuring throughput opportunity and resource allocation, allowing for daily, weekly, and monthly project execution, and providing a user interface for project managers to optimize resource utilization and productivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If traditional project management software is used to improve resource performance, then detail and complexity of cost accounting is improved, but resource productivity and utilization remain low and declining

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetail and complexity of cost accountingVSAvoidresource productivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the fundamental parameters of project management from cost-accounting-based metrics to throughput-based metrics. It measures productivity in terms of throughput opportunity (value creation potential) and actual throughput (value created), rather than traditional cost accounting measures. This parameter transformation enables the system to directly optimize resource productivity while maintaining simplified tracking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of detailed cost accounting with a throughput-based measurement system. Instead of tracking expenses and resource allocation in detail, the system measures value creation through throughput opportunity and throughput metrics, substituting complex cost accounting mechanics with simpler throughput-based mechanics that directly reflect productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If CCPM method is implemented to reduce project lead time and resource consumption, then productivity improves, but the assumption of schedule control is invalidated in construction industry

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource utilizationVSAvoidapplicability in industries without schedule control

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system inverts the traditional approach by not starting with schedule control and working forward, but rather starting with throughput measurement and working backward to optimize resources. Instead of assuming schedule control and trying to meet deadlines, the system measures throughput opportunity and uses that information to adaptively allocate resources, making it applicable to construction industries where schedule control is limited.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables project teams to self-manage their productivity optimization without requiring external schedule control. By providing real-time throughput opportunity measurements and resource allocation recommendations, the system allows teams to autonomously improve their resource utilization and productivity, adapting to the realities of construction industry scheduling constraints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If more software applications are developed to improve resource performance, then cost accounting detail increases, but resource performance and productivity are not facilitated for improvement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware application complexityVSAvoidresource performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts the essential element needed for productivity improvement—throughput measurement—and separates it from the complex web of cost accounting software. By focusing solely on throughput opportunity and throughput metrics, the system removes unnecessary complexity while retaining the core functionality needed to drive resource performance improvement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal system that can be applied across different project types and industries without requiring industry-specific customization. The throughput-based measurement approach and resource allocation methodology work universally across construction, manufacturing, and service industries, eliminating the need for multiple specialized software applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20230351329A1TOC-based system for continuously improving productivity in project management

Publication Date: 2023.11.02 N&D TECH LLC

AI summary

A system for managing projects to provide updated and real-time, or at least weekly, productivity of project and task performance. A system may include a series of inputs from a project that include budget, staffing, and other constraints. A processor may include pre-programmed logic sequences for providing efficient and effective feedback of project performance while also providing updated information of throughput, capacity, budget, and the opportunities to improve each. The system may require user feedback and updates in order for the system to optimize the results to the user. The system may be accessible by a staffer, supervisor, manager, customer, client, owner, or any other individual necessary for the project or the task.