Bottlenecks fascinate me because they reveal the hidden leverage points in complex systems. Here’s what I’ve learned about how bottlenecks work and why they matter.
TLDR
Bottlenecks are the weak points that constrain overall system performance. Though small, they have an outsized impact - fixing bottlenecks unlocks dramatic improvement. To find bottlenecks, stress test where a system breaks under increased input. The magic of bottlenecks is they reveal the leverage points for optimization. This mental model helps me understand the hidden constraints limiting any complex system.
What is a Bottleneck?
A bottleneck is the constraint that limits the overall performance of any system. It’s essentially the weakest link in the chain - the tallest person in a human pyramid, the rusty cog in a machine.
Bottlenecks originate from the Theory of Constraints in operations management. But I see them everywhere, from my workflow to city traffic.
Why Care About Bottlenecks?
Bottlenecks punch above their weight. Though small, they have an outsized impact on the system’s output. For example, clearing one traffic jam can slash commute times.
The magic of bottlenecks is that fixing them can massively improve overall performance. I love finding and optimizing bottlenecks for this reason.
Bottlenecks Shift Sneakily
Here’s the catch - bottlenecks are slippery. Fixing one bottleneck reveals a new constriction in the system. It’s like squeezing a balloon.
Systems with multiple bottlenecks feel like a game of whack-a-mole. But mapping the workflow helps me visualize and track shifting bottlenecks.
Multiplicative Systems Magnify Bottlenecks
Bottlenecks hit harder in multiplicative systems where each component multiplies the effect, like a machine line. Losing one cog brings everything to a halt.
I’m wary of fragility in multiplicative systems. Their output crashes rapidly if the bottleneck fails.
Find Bottlenecks by Stress Testing
How do I reveal bottlenecks? By stress testing! I enlarge the input 10x or 100x and see where the system breaks first.
Measuring capacity at each stage also highlights the tight constraint. I focus resources on expanding that capacity.
Fixing Bottlenecks Unlocks Growth
The best part about finding bottlenecks is the opportunity to optimize them. A little improvement releases outsized growth.
Understanding bottlenecks provides hidden leverage points to improve any complex system. That’s why I’m fascinated by this mental model!