Which of the following is NOT a step in the Theory of Constraints process?

The Theory of Constraints (TOC) is a methodology focused on identifying and managing the most significant limiting factor (the constraint) that hinders a system from achieving its goals. The steps in the TOC process are designed to optimize performance by addressing these constraints strategically.

Finding the constraints is essential as it allows an organization to pinpoint where the most significant bottlenecks or limitations are occurring. Exploiting the constraints involves maximizing the efficiency and productivity of the identified constraints to improve overall system performance. Subordinating everything else to this decision ensures that all other processes and resources align to support the constraints, thereby enhancing throughput and minimizing waste.

Increasing labor costs, however, is not a step within the Theory of Constraints process. Instead, TOC emphasizes increasing efficiency and reducing costs while working around the constraints, without needlessly inflating expenses. Thus, the correct answer reflects the absence of a relevant TOC principle.