Want it faster? Start less.
One simple equation explains why limiting work in progress speeds delivery up, without anyone working harder.
Average cycle time = average WIP ÷ average throughput
Little's Law
Holds for averages over a stable period, when work that starts eventually finishes. Proved by John Little in 1961.
Worked Example
20 items in progress, 5 finished a week. Average: 4 weeks each.
Cut WIP to 10 items, same 5 a week. Average: 2 weeks each.
Source: EconPapers / Operations Research: J.D.C. Little, 'A Proof for the Queuing Formula: L = λW' ↗
Want it faster? Start less.