How Theory of Constraints Can Drive Enterprise Impact
In this episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott Luton and special guest host Kim Humphrey, President & CEO of AME (Association for Manufacturing Excellence), welcome retired Air Force Lieutenant General Andy Busch, Strategic Advisor at Goldratt Consulting, for a high-impact conversation on the Theory of Constraints (TOC) and its ability to transform complex operations. Drawing from a 38-year military career, Andy shares how TOC’s five focusing steps helped him cut C-5 aircraft maintenance timelines from 340 days to 110, save hundreds of millions through inventory discipline, and reduce a 15-month procurement backlog to just three months. He also highlights the leadership skills required to drive these changes, including clear communication, organizational alignment, and active workforce engagement.
They also discuss the universal applicability of TOC across industries and geographies, with Andy recounting implementations at the Defense Logistics Agency, large-scale MRO depots, and in international settings such as Japan and India. From managing high-variability environments to avoiding the trap of local optimization, the conversation delivers actionable insights for supply chain and manufacturing leaders seeking breakthrough results, stronger team alignment, and sustained performance improvement in today’s volatile business climate.
This episode is hosted by Scott Luton and Kim Humphrey, and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton.
Additional Links & Resources
Check out all the great resources and information mentioned during the show:
Want more Supply Chain Now?
We know you can’t get enough Supply Chain Now! Don’t miss a single episode, livestream, or webinar:
- Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here
- Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform
- Connect with the Supply Chain Now community and programming
- Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit
- WEBINAR- Mastering Data in the AI Explosion Age – Managing the Fuel That Powers Innovation
- WEBINAR- Real stories: Fast-tracking value, a pioneering digital transformation with impactful results.
- WEBINAR: Real Shipping Stories. Real Money Saved.
- WEBINAR: From Compliance to Impact and Competitive Advantage: How to Decarbonize Your Supply Chain
- For everything else, start here!
More Podcast Episodes
Sustainability Solutions That WORK
