Goldratt on Theory of Contraints, TOC

Logistics Six Sigma Savings: 3M Brazil

3M will outsource pallet management to CHEP, trasitioning from exchange pallets. Using the Six Sigma DMAIC process, 3M validates significant room for improvement in its pallet operation. It expects to realize benefits with potential cost reductions for transportation and storage. ...

... "To determine whether CHEP services were appropriate for the company's operations, 3M used Six Sigma processes, solicited feedback from wholesale and superstore retail customers and conducted a comprehensive reference call at the Brazilian facilities of a leading global consumer products company. During the review process, managers identified a chance to decrease loss of pallets and reduce the quantity of renewed equipment derived by costumer returns. " ...

Via CHEP: 3M Brazil Sees Cost Savings With CHEP Program

CHEP is the global leader in pallet and container pooling services serving many of the world's largest companies. The company has more than 7,700 employees and operates in 44 countries. Combining superior technology and an asset base of more than 280 million pallets and containers, CHEP offers its customers exceptional value, a platform that enables reduction in customer product damage, and an environmentally sustainable logistical solution. Supply chains served include consumer goods, produce, beverage, and the automotive industry. With global partners that include Procter & Gamble, SYSCO, Kellogg's, Kraft, Nestle, Ford and GM, CHEP is known for Handling the World's Most Important Products. Everyday.

3M Brazil uses a number of management methods in its operations, such as theory of constraints in its supply chain. ...

Via AGI-Goldratt Institute: TOC World 2000 Video Presentations: "3M Brazil successfully applies the Theory of Constraints to their Sales and Operational Plan (SOP) to define their ideal sales mix in terms of addressing the market, the impact on production, and to evaluate the impact on their bottom line. "

In addition to its efficiency focus, 3M Brazil focuses on sustainability in its manufacturing operations. Its skills in pollution prevention are showcased here. ...

3P Examples: "3P team from 3M Brazil's Itapetininga facility replaced the solvent-based paper treatment process the plant used to manufacture packaging, medical and masking tapes with a new, water-based process. As a result of this change, the facility reduced solvent emissions by over 45 tons per year. "

Lean 80 SixSigma 20: Air Force Operations

Air Force embraces Lean Six Sigma to change its culture with an eye towards an 80/20 split, when the improvement situation warrants. ...

... "Chief Norris agreed and said the wing is looking to use Lean tools about 80 percent of the time, and Six Sigma, Theory of Constraints and Business Process Re-engineering tools the other 20 percent. " ...

Via Air Force Link: USAFE's 1st AFSO 21 manager to Lean up Spangdahlem

Six Sigma Continuous Improvement Rising ...

Continuous improvement programs, such as Six Sigma, continue their growth, according to study by ARC. ...

... "The continuous improvement programs used most often by manufacturers are Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Total Quality Management (TQM) and Theory of Constraints (TOC). " ...

Via Supply & Demand Chain Executive: Continuous Improvement Systems Forecast to Grow 12.7 percent Annually ...

Six Sigma Continuous Improvement Rising ...

Continuous improvement programs, such as Six Sigma, continue their growth, according to study by ARC. ...

... "The continuous improvement programs used most often by manufacturers are Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Total Quality Management (TQM) and Theory of Constraints (TOC). " ...

Via Supply & Demand Chain Executive: Continuous Improvement Systems Forecast to Grow 12.7 percent Annually ...

Six Sigma Continuous Improvement Rising ...

Continuous improvement programs, such as Six Sigma, continue their growth, according to study by ARC. ...

... "The continuous improvement programs used most often by manufacturers are Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Total Quality Management (TQM) and Theory of Constraints (TOC). " ...

Via Supply & Demand Chain Executive:

Lean SixSigma: Training in Theory Of Constraints ...

DRC will provide Theory of Constraints training to the military Lean Six Sigma program as a subcontractor. ...

... "Dynamics Research Corporation announced that it has been awarded a subcontract by Avraham Goldratt Institute (AGI) to support their newly awarded Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) contract. Under this five year ID/IQ, DRC anticipates generating between $5 million and $10 million in annual task order revenues. The contract provides for training in and implementation of Theory of Constraints and Lean/Six Sigma methodologies as applicable to the Naval Aviation Enterprise.

DRC has extensive experience with teaching and leading Lean/Six Sigma workshops as well as applying these tools through the Office of Naval Research's and the Missile Defense Agency's Lean Pathways programs. Lean/Six Sigma employs continuous process improvement methodologies to maximize weapon system readiness while minimizing material flows and in-process inventories. Lean eliminates all types of waste, while Six Sigma optimizes process variation. Together Lean/Six Sigma and the overarching Theory of Constraints allow the AGI/DRC team to understand customer needs, collect the appropriate data about the processes, and identify the root causes of problems and inefficiencies to streamline operations. The end result is a more effective, lower cost approach that achieves cost-wise readiness. " ...

Lean SixSigma: Training in Theory Of Constraints: Via Dynamics Research Corp: Dynamics Research Corporation Awarded Subcontract on Avraham Goldratt Institute's Naval Air Systems Command ID/IQ Contract: Choice of DRC confirms its significant capability in Lean/Six Sigma methodology ...

Goldratt Theory of Constraints: Lean Six Sigma Fundamental ...

Per Goldratt, Lean Six Sigma is fundamental to theory of constraints implementation. ...

... "Related, I asked Goldratt how TOC related to clearly similar concepts such as Lean and Six Sigma. His answer: In almost every implementation of the Theory of Constraints, we also force in the concepts of Lean and Six Sigma. The techniques themselves are beautiful. " ...

Goldratt Theory of Constraints: Lean Six Sigma Fundamental: Via Supply Chain Digest: Dr. Eli Goldratt - Unplugged Part 2

Lean Team Event: Lean Sensei Guides Through Formal Process ...

The Lean sensei guides the improvement team through the formal improvement process. ...

... "First, our team was given a sensei. This is someone with formal process improvement training and experience. Our sensei helped us select the correct tool to examine our process. Although many tools are available like Six Sigma, Theory of Constraints, etc., we selected the Lean tool and our sensei led us through the first phase of improvement. " ...

Lean Team Event: Lean Sensei Guides Through Formal Process: Via Black Anthem: Lean event restructures vehicle re-registration ...

Lean Six Sigma Smart Ops 21 ...

Article explores the Air Force Smart Ops Lean Six Sigma program where asking why is critical to success. ...

... "Air Force Smart Operations 21, which encompasses the improvement tools of Lean, Six Sigma and Theory of Constraints, asks Airmen to consider and answer that very question. " ...

Lean Six Sigma Smart Ops 21: Via Hilltop Times: Why Smart Ops 21? ...

Air Force improving production with Smart Operations 21: "The program is based on both Lean and Six Sigma business process improvement tools. These tools were developed chiefly in the private sector to focus on increasing value to customers, save time and money, reduce waste and improve quality. A process is made lean by re-engineering it to eliminate steps that add no value to the end product or by combining process steps to save time. For instance, moving tools and supplies closer to a work area to reduce the number of footsteps workers must take to complete their jobs. "

LeanSixSigma TheoryofConstraints: Goldratt Institute to Support NAVRIIP ...

Goldratt Institute and partners will team to support the NAVRIIP program with integrated Lean Six Sigma and Theory of Constraints capabilities. ...

... "AGI is teamed with Dynamics Research Corporation (DRC), Coalition Solutions Integrated, Inc (CSI) and Mr. Laurin P. Eck (Independent Contractor) to deliver Theory of Constraints (TOC), Lean, and Six Sigma in an integrated approach to achieve the Naval Aviation Readiness Integrated Improvement Program's (NAVRIIP) objective of achieving Cost-Wise Readiness. This effort will include the design, deployment, and sustainment of 71 sites to include intermediate maintenance activities, organizational maintenance activities, aircraft carriers, and amphibious assault ships. It also includes applying the Enterprise AIRSpeed methodology to the design of the new CVN-78 class aircraft carrier, as well as Marine Aviation Logistics Support Program II (MALSP II), the transformation of MALSP to support Sea Basing and expeditionary maneuver warfare through significantly reduced logistics footprint forward. As part of the sustainment strategy, the contractor team will provide training and education across a wide-spectrum of activities to include naval aviation leadership, AIRSpeed professionals, instructors, and formal schools. " ...

LeanSixSigma TheoryofConstraints: Goldratt Institute to Support NAVRIIP: Avraham Y. Goldratt Institute, LLP: US Navy Awards a Major Contract to a Connecticut Small Business ...

Airspeed Lean Six Sigma Methodology ...

Lt. Roy Turner explores the AirSpeed programs and progress being made on lean processes. ...

Airspeed Lean Six Sigma Methodology: Via NavyCompass: AIRSpeed Changing Processes at AIMD Point Mugu ...

... "The tenets of AIRSpeed (Lean, Six Sigma, and Advanced Theory of Constraints) are methodologies that go well beyond a collection of catch phrases and the inspiration of can-do mentalities. Lean in particular is a methodology of continuous process improvement, involving a never-ending quest for perfection. " ...

Lean Six Sigma: DOD Award Recognition ...

Lean Six Sigma: DOD Award Recognition: Via DC Military: Depot North Island captures first-ever DoD CPI Award

... "Winning the award recognizes and encourages the application of best practices including Lean, Six Sigma and Theory of Constraints to improve production velocity, reduce waste, improve quality and reduce our cost of operation, said North Island commanding officer Capt. Tim Trainer. " ...

Airspeed Tools: Lean Six Sigma ...

Military is investing in operational excellence through is Airspeed program. Lance Cpl. Jonathan A. Tabb explores the training of marines in Lean and Six Sigma methods to drive operational efficiency in aircraft maintenance. ...

Airspeed Tools: Lean Six Sigma: Via Marine Corps News: AIRSpeed program helps MALS-29 conduct business

... "The projected outcome of the Design Implementation Phase of the AIRSpeed program is for the site to have a ready to deploy AIRSpeed design for wave-one work centers, Granado explained. We're teaching the Marines of MALS-29 what we know about the AIRSpeed tools of Theory of Constraints, Lean, and Six-Sigma so that their Site Core Team and Design Team members can design, and deploy additional work centers in the future, he said. " ...

Photo courtesy of US Marines.

SixSigma Process Improvement Contract ...

Via BearingPoint: BearingPoint Wins $4 Million Contract From Naval Air Systems Command Depot Cherry Point to Provide Support for AIRSpeed Project ...

BearingPoint receives Navair process improvement contract ...

... "Under the terms of this contract, BearingPoint will provide an array of consulting services to the NAVAIR Depot Cherry Point AIRSpeed Office, which is responsible for an initiative to improve and increase efficiency for Depot processes using Lean, Six Sigma, and Theory of Constraints. BearingPoint services will include planning, managing, training, mentoring, and deploying a fully integrated process improvement approach throughout the Depot consistent with the goals and objectives of NAVAIR's AIRSpeed framework. " ...

BearingPoint, Inc. (NYSE:BE) is one of the world’s largest management consulting, systems integration and managed services firms serving government agencies, Global 2000 companies, medium-sized businesses and other organizations. We provide business and technology strategy, systems design, architecture, applications implementation, network infrastructure, systems integration and managed services. Our service offerings are designed to help our clients generate revenue, reduce costs and access the information necessary to operate their business on a timely basis. Based in McLean, Va., BearingPoint has been named by Fortune as one of America’s Most Admired Companies in the computer and data services sector.

Lean Six Sigma: Proven Productivity Tools ...

Lean Six Sigma: Proven Productivity Tools: Navy's Virtual SYSCOM Transforming Business Processes

... "Among its significant goals, the Virtual SYSCOM is focused on continuing efforts to increase productivity and accelerate the process of innovation across the Navy SYSCOMs through the application of proven productivity tools such as Lean, Theory of Constraints and Six Sigma, and to employ opportunities for cross-SYSCOM efficiencies such as best practices, centers of excellence, shared service models and leveraging core competencies. " ...

Lean Six Sigma Management Techniques ...

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE PART ASSESSMENTS ...

... "Has the program taken meaningful steps to address its management deficiencies? The introduction of Lean thinking, Theory of Constraints, and Six Sigma have proven to increase efficiency in other services' depots. These management techniques have reduced cycle times and costs. The Air Force is also applying them to its depot programs and expects to realize efficiency gains. This should allow the Air Force to reduce defect rates and increase due date performance, which are captured in some of their performance metrics. ...

TOC Theory of Constraints ...

ACC: Acquisition Community Connection

... "To make money you must improve throughput and productivity, and closely control resources (inventory and other expenses). TOC helps you to identify the constraints in a process so that you can minimize the impact." ...

Lean Thinking Business Practices ...

Best Business Practices Marine Corps

... "In April 2002, MCA decided to implement many of the principles surrounding LEAN Thinking. Having visited several facilities that had incorporated LEAN, the management of Maintenance Center Albany (MCA) decided that this particular initiative would compliment an already successful Theory of Constraints (TOC) implementation. Since TOC had already improved the throughput of it products and significantly reduced operating costs, LEAN was chosen to help solve a perception problem (that of being unorganized, unclean, and an unsafe work environment). Having benchmarked several industrial facilities that incorporated LEAN, MCA established a Corporate Plan and set out to educate the work force on what was about to happen. " ...

Theory of Constraints Philosophy ...

NWCG IRM-PMO Project Management Glossary - T

... "A four-step management philosophy developed by Dr. Eli Goldratt that involves:

Identifying the system's constraints

Working to exploit those constraints (either through strengthening the constraint or getting maximum performance out of the key constraint)

Subordinating everything else to the above decision (given the key constraint, all operational decisions involve improving the processes as much as possible relative to this controlling constraint, e.g. a bottleneck in a production process).

Working to elevate the constraint (improve or eliminate the bottleneck and then reexamine the system).

Once the critical constraint is eliminated, a new constraint will arise to take its place. So the process continues until the smallest level constraint is identified that can impact on the whole system. In project management, the key constraint (using TOC ideas) is the critical path of the project since it determines the length of the project and hence is the key constraint. TOC is used in the critical chain approach as an alternative to CPM or PERT for determining the length of a project by using critical resource control and application." ...

Theory of Constraints Quality Systems ...

Reichelt Interviewed in Federal Times

From Quality Standards Demystified, Harry Blake writes ...

... "Understanding the history and fundamental concepts behind QC systems should make it easier to reap the benefits of Quality Control systems. Knowing these concepts will help us to understand when, how and what metrics should be put in place to yield much greater results than focusing on the latest trends and buzzwords. Achieving a cutting edge Quality Control system in a large or small organization may also require supplementing a basic understanding of statistics with more sophisticated concepts like prospect theory and theory of constraints. " ...

Theory of Constraints PM Training to Manage Testing Facilities Better ...

NASA Langley Research Center Wind Tunnel Enterprise: The Wind Tunnel University ...

... "Train all test engineers, technicians, and others in the use of Theory of Constraints Project Management and apply these tools to managing the wind tunnel tests and other activities in the wind tunnel facilities. This would involve approximately 24 hours of training for facility managers and planners and 8 hours of training for all others in the RFB facilities. " ...

Theory of Contraints Drives Line of Sight ...

NBC Enterprise Architecture Team

... "The indirect or direct cause and effect relationship from a specific IT investment to the processes it supports, and by extension the customers it serves and the mission-related outcomes it contributes to. This line of sight is critical for IT project managers, program managers, and key decision-makers to understand how and to what extent technology is enabling progress towards outputs and outcomes. The PRM captures this line of sight to reflect how value is created as inputs (such as Technology) are used to help create outputs (through Processes and Activities), which in turn impact outcomes (such as Mission and Business). This structure builds from the concepts of the value chain, program logic models, and the theory of constraints. Guiding the entire PRM are Strategic Outcomes, which represent broad, policy priorities that drive the direction of government (such as to Secure the Homeland or Expand E-Government). " ...

Theory of Constraints Resolves Root of Problems ...

Engineered Systems Group - Research Area

... "Conflict is inherent in a complex system. Coordination of internal interests, along with addressing external stakeholders' concerns, causes constant tension on the system. Frequently, conflict resolution requires a neutral third party to frame the problem, decompose the system, and begin to build resolution pathways. The Engineered Systems Group uses the Theory of Constraints, summarized, to understand the root of problems and to develop resolutions." ...

Theory of Constraints Resources ...

Energy TechNet: Other Resources

... "The Product Development Institute is a for-profit consulting firm specializing in seminars about the Theory of Constraints system for new product development." ...

Theory of Constraints in Enterprise Architecture: Performance Reference Models

Federal Enterprise Architecture: PERFORMANCE REFERENCE MODEL (PRM) ...

... "PRM attempts to leverage the best of existing approaches to performance measurement in the public and private sectors, including the Balanced Scorecard, Baldrige Criteria, Value Measurement Methodology, program logic models, the value chain, and the theory of constraints. In addition, the PRM was informed by what agencies are currently measuring through PART assessments, GPRA, Enterprise Architecture, and Capital Planning and Investment Control. Agencies use of the PRM will populate the model over time. The PRM is currently comprised of four measurement areas." ...

Apply Theory of Constraints in Healthcare ...

Applying the theory of constraints in health care: Part 1--The philosophy ...

Breen AM, Burton-Houle T, Aron DC write ...

... "The imperative to improve both technical and service quality while simultaneously reducing costs is quite clear. The Theory of Constraints (TOC) is an emerging philosophy that rests on two assumptions: (1) systems thinking and (2) if a constraint 'is anything that limits a system from achieving higher performance versus its goal,' then every system must have at least one (and at most no more than a few) constraints or limiting factors. A constraint is neither good nor bad in itself. Rather, it just is. In fact, recognition of the existence of constraints represents an excellent opportunity for improvement because it allows one to focus ones efforts in the most productive area--identifying and managing the constraints." ...

Theory of Constraints Success: Knowledge Power

From Theory of Constraints at MALS-14 Creating a Knowledge Chain, Knowledge Power in U.S. Marine Corps Aviation Logistics, Major Bill Ivory, USMC, Operation Officer Marine Aviation Logistics 14 Squadron, and Tim Sheppard, on assignment with Department of the Navy Chief Information Officer, write ...

... "The aggregation of individual successes, however, did not synergize into a global success for improved readiness. A strategic shift in philosophy was needed to synchronize islands of excellence on a broad spectrum. A mastery of processes was necessary in order to accomplish the mission with the effective use of maintenance resources. These processes were forged when the Dragons adopted and implemented the Theory of Constraints (TOC) philosophy of management. Developed by Dr. Eliyahu M. Goldratt, the Theory of Constraints (TOC) is a philosophy of Thinking Processes which, when applied to a system, provides tools to understand why things happen the way they do and a subsequent method for improving the system. Goldratt states that any system has at least one constraint. TOC is explained through the use of a chain analogy. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link." ...

Theory of Constraints: Hawkeye Program Rolls Along at NAVAIR Depot North Island ...

From Hawkeye Program Rolls Along at NAVAIR Depot North Island, Story Number: navair040302-01, Bill Bartkus, NAVAIR North Island Public Affairs Office, writes ...

... "Call it a precursor to AIRSpeed and Theory of Constraints if you will, says Brian Delaney, but having a building built specifically to store modules for the Hawkeye benefits the E-2 and C-2 Program and helps us to provide better service to the warfighter by reducing turnaround time. Delaney, deputy program manager for the E-2 and C-2 Program at NAVAIR Depot North Island, was referring to a new building adjacent to the hangar where artisans work on the E-2 Hawkeye and the C-2A Greyhound here." ...

Theory of COnstraints: RIFLe - The Year In Review

From RIFLe – The Year In Review, Commander David C. Meyers, SC, USN, formerly Supply Officer, NAS North Island, writes ...

... "With this, Theory of Constraints is one application in a suite of tools designed to drive improvements in readiness and mission success, but in a cost efficient manner. TOC from the top dovetails into TOC (RIFLe) at our level, and improvements presented from senior Navy leadership should parlay into similar improvements at the operational level. The success of RIFLe at this IMA, as well as similar success stories seen at other NAS and Marine Corps sites, helped bolster this radical change in how we do business. Coupled with the proven success of LEAN production solutions at certain IMAs, as well as initial Six Sigma methodology to reduce quality variances, this NAVRIIP umbrella package is already helping various sites achieve significant business improvements. " ...

Critical Chain CCPM: Project Flow 2004 Attracts Thought and Action Leaders From a Wide ...

From Yahoo News (press release) ... can flow freely. It is based on Dr. Eliyahu M. Goldratt's theory of constraints/critical chain. Using Realization's software that ...

... Representatives from companies throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and Australia attended Realization Technologies' Project Flow 2004 conference held September 9-10 at the Marriott Crystal City in Arlington, Va. Presentations emphasized how organizations can realize substantial improvements in speed, productivity and management effectiveness by overturning conventional project management thinking. ...

Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM) is an advanced approach to project management principles...

Realization Technologies defies conventional wisdom, both business- and product-wise. This Silicon Valley company has grown without any VC money or marketing hype; its Project Flow software breaks old management rules instead of blindly automating them. Unlike conventional project portfolio management that produces more reports faster, Project Flow helps companies do more projects faster. For instance, NASA's Systems Analysis Branch has increased its performance (as measured by external auditors) by 25 percent with Project Flow. Project Flow is used by over 100 leading organizations throughout the world. Realization is headquartered at 2 North First Street, San Jose, Calif. 95113.

Six Sigma Transformation: NAVAIR recognizes outstanding teams

From Patuxent River Tester, MD ... According to the letter of commendation, "Your use of Theory of Constraints, Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma to transform the way the depots do business has ...

Six Sigma Transformation: NAVAIR recognizes outstanding teams

From Patuxent River Tester, MD ... According to the letter of commendation, "Your use of Theory of Constraints, Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma to transform the way the depots do business has ...

Six Sigma Training: International Institute for Learning, Inc. Launches New Company - ...

From PR Newswire (press release) ... (IIL), a leading provider of full-service Project Management, Microsoft Project(R), and Six Sigma training, consulting and development solutions, announced ...

IIL provides the training that professionals need to manage today's complex issues. An internationally-recognized leader, IIL offers state-of-the-art training and consulting services in Project Management, Theory of Constraints and Six Sigma to some of the biggest and best-managed companies worldwide.

Six Sigma is the quality and business management initiative credited with taking millions of dollars of cost out of hundreds of corporations, while simultaneously improving the quality and customer satisfaction of those same corporations. Six Sigma starts by aligning all levels of an organization to the goals established by the top leadership. Leaders are instructed on how they should set goals and how they should tie incentives to those goals. They also learn how to clearly identify measurements that serve as indicators of improvement in organizational processes as well as processes that deliver products or services directly to the customer. Once those measurements are clearly identified they are regularly monitored for improvements.

The Six Sigma Black Belt Certificate Program: A 16-day program spread over four months. Black belts are at the core of every Six Sigma implementation. As project managers of the bite size, high impact Six Sigma project, Black Belts are accountable for the root cause identification and elimination of defect drivers.This learning series is designed to provide participants with the knowledge, techniques and tools necessary to successfully fulfill the Black Belt role.

Who Should Attend: Anyone wanting to learn this highly valued skill set. Anyone wanting to use the DMAIC methodology to eliminate a current business problem. Anyone wanting to successfully fulfill the role of a Six Sigma Black Belt. Performance Focus: Using a pre-determined real business problem, participants will learn the proven tools and techniques of the Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control (DMAIC) Methodology. An IIL Master Black Belt Instructor works directly with each participants to show them when, why and how they can use this knowledge to identify and eliminate the vital few defect drivers that are adding cost to the organization and dissatisfaction to the customer. The IIL hands on approach gives participants practice using the tools and techniques on processes they are familiar with and produces and immediate ROI for the organization.

Theory of Constraints: al lewis

From Denver Post, CO ... said. “The Goal” is written as a romance novel. It unveils something called TOC, or The Theory of Constraints.. According ...

Lean Six Sigma Training: NAVRIIP University holds Pax training Wednesday

Patuxent River Tester, MD ... Process Value Management tools, which address dynamic cycle time, and best business practices including a focus on Theory of Constraints, Lean and Six Sigma. ...

Theory of Constraints: The Science of Business to Host Author of ``The Goal'' in April ...

From Business Wire (press release) - Mar 23, 2004
DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 23, 2004--The Science of Business, a Theory of Constraints consulting firm, will host Dr. Eliyahu Goldratt, author of the best ...

Theory of Constraints: Maintenance Center Barstow embarks on M1150 project

From United States Marines (press release) ... be working with and to generate ideas of how to best process the vehicle through the Maintenance Center using the Theory of Constraints methodology, according ...