Theory of constraints in a service application: the Swine Graphics case

This article presents a case study to examine a company that has implemented all three branches of the theory of constraints (TOC) into their operations to form a continuous improvement process. The company is not a traditional manufacturer but operates in the food production industry as a provider of services for larger food processors. Therefore, one of the key points in this case study is the examination of the application of a production planning and control concept, TOC, applied to a service provider. An analysis is also made to identify to what extent TOC concepts are applicable and what, if anything, requires changes to be made to TOC?.