Principlev1PR-447
When queues consistently form at specific points…
When queues consistently form at specific points in a system, trace upstream to find the constraint where processing capacity is exceeded by arrival rate.
Why This Is a Principle
Derives from Average cycle time equals work-in-progress divided… (Little's Law) and The behavior of a system arises from its structure… (system behavior from structure). The principle prescribes a diagnostic strategy (trace queues upstream) based on understanding that queues signal capacity constraints. It's actionable and applies across workflow, organizational, and information systems.