Abstract

CAMBITSIS, A.. A framework to simplify the management of throughput and constraints. J. S. Afr. Inst. Min. Metall. [online]. 2013, vol.113, n.10, pp.769-773. ISSN 2411-9717.

We show that the prioritization of business improvement and performance management decisions may be significantly improved by taking into account the systemic effects of changes made in a single process area. To do so we build a model of a mining value chain, taking into account consequential downtime that arises from downstream and upstream starvation and choking effects of each activity. Introducing the concept of internal capacity, this approach yields insight into the relative importance of key metrics such as loading and hauling rates. We suggest that a holistic view of this type should be a core component of business improvement and performance management decisions.

Keywords : value driver trees; production constraints; throughput analysis; capacity analysis; TOC (Theory of Constraints); activity interdependencies; unit cost reduction.

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