An on-site visit is most useful when the team schedules representative work that exposes the suspected constraint instead of offering a general plant tour.
Choose the Condition to Observe
Select the setup, part family, queue, shift handoff, inspection hold, or machine condition that best represents the problem. Confirm that it is likely to occur while the consultant is present.
If the suspected constraint changes with the product mix, choose more than one representative condition and explain what triggers the change.
Prepare the People and Records
Include the operator and support roles that influence the condition—planning, programming, tool room, material handling, quality, maintenance, or supervision where relevant.
Bring the records the team actually uses. Imperfect but understood data is often more useful than a polished dashboard that no one trusts.
Define the Exit Question
Before the visit, state what the team needs to know afterward. Is the next decision about scheduling, setup preparation, machine capability, tooling, inspection, or capital?