Improving Software Group Practice with AI

Audio Discussion

After a productive team meeting¹ where Marco’s software group used TOC (Theory of Constraints) tools to channel their inspiration from Robert Fisher’s visit into concrete actions, Marco reaches out to Sam to share their progress. What he discovers is that his old friend has been developing new ways to enhance these traditional TOC tools using modern AI capabilities.

Key take-aways and links to additional resources are at the end of this article.

Please note that all people and companies mentioned in this article are fictional.

Title: “Improving Software Group Practice with AI”

After witnessing the powerful impact of Robert Fisher’s story on his team, Marco was eager to channel their renewed sense of purpose into concrete improvements. His software group had spent the past week using TOC tools to map out their path forward, and now he wanted Sam’s perspective on their work.

That Saturday at The Cut Shop, Marco pulled out his phone while Sam nursed his usual shot of whiskey. “Remember those TOC tools you taught me? Look how the team adapted them after Fisher’s visit.” He showed Sam their Future Reality Tree, carefully documented in his meeting notes.

Sam studied the image with interest. “Good connections here. How did the team take to the process?”

“Better than expected. Even Tom got engaged when he saw how it could help maintain quality while meeting deadlines. But getting everyone to spend hours on these diagrams…” Marco shook his head. “That’s the challenge.”

“Interesting timing,” said Sam, warming to the topic, “I’ve been working with TOC tools since the early ’90s. Back then, I was fortunate to learn from Bill Dettmer² when he was teaching at USC. His work on making these tools practical for business really shaped my approach. Now I’m finding ways to make them even more accessible with AI.”

Marco’s skepticism was immediate. “AI? Sam, we’re developing medical devices. We need rigorous, validated processes, not the latest tech fad.”

“Fair concern,” Sam acknowledged. “But consider this - what if AI could help surface assumptions and test logical connections faster, leaving more time for the critical thinking that requires human expertise?”

“You really think AI could handle the complexities of medical device development? FDA requirements?”

Sam opened his laptop. “Let me show you something practical. We’ll analyze your team’s tree and you can judge for yourself.”

As Sam engaged in a back and forth dialogue with Claude, Marco’s eyebrows rose. Claude wasn’t just processing their input - it was identifying potential regulatory compliance issues they hadn’t considered and suggesting connections based on medical device development best practices.

As Sam demonstrated, Claude analyzed their tree: “Consider the connection between ‘Improved Testing Coverage’ and ‘Faster Release Cycles.’ There’s an unstated assumption here about automated test infrastructure. In medical device development, this requires validation of the automation tools themselves.”

Marco was impressed, and gave out a low whistle before saying “That’s exactly the kind of detail we might have missed…”

Sam explained how Claude combined knowledge of software development, medical device regulations, and TOC principles. “It’s not replacing our expertise - it’s helping us apply it more effectively.”

They spent the next hour working with Claude to analyze their Current Reality Tree, exploring the core conflicts driving their challenges. Marco watched in fascination as the AI helped them surface hidden assumptions and strengthen their logical connections.

“The real power,” Sam explained, “comes when we combine this with visualization tools.” He demonstrated how they could export their analysis to Flying Logic, transforming their work into clear, professional diagrams that revealed patterns they might have missed.

Marco’s initial skepticism had evolved into cautious enthusiasm. “This could help us maintain the momentum from Fisher’s visit. But implementing new tools in a regulated environment…”

“Start small,” Sam suggested. “Use it first for exploration and analysis. Let the team see its value naturally, like they did with the TOC tools.”

Later, as they wrapped up, Marco reflected on their discussion. “You know what strikes me? Fisher’s visit showed us why our work matters. These tools could help us live up to that responsibility more effectively.”

Sam nodded. “Exactly. Emotion provides the energy for change, but you need good tools to channel that energy productively.”

As they headed out, Marco couldn’t help but marvel at how far they’d come - from their early discussions about free will and personal growth, to exploring how AI could enhance their understanding of complex systems. Yet through it all, the fundamental principle remained unchanged: never lose sight of the human impact of their work.

“Thanks, Sam,” Marco said as they walked to their cars. “Not just for showing me these tools, but for always helping me see the bigger picture.”

Sam smiled, putting his hand on Marco’s shoulder. “Marco, the work you and your team is doing touches so many lives in ways you will never know. I am fortunate to be able to watch it all unfold.”

Key Takeaways

1. Emotional Drive + Systematic Analysis: Combining the emotional impact of stories like Fisher’s with systematic analysis tools creates powerful, sustainable change.

2. Technology as an Enabler: Modern AI tools can enhance traditional analysis methods, making them more accessible and powerful.

3. Continuous Improvement: Even good analyses can be refined and improved with the right tools and perspective.

4. The Human Element: While technology can enhance our analysis, the fundamental focus remains on human impact and real-world results.

Additional Resources

1. Flying Logic Professional
   • Professional software for creating and analyzing logic trees
2. “Thinking for a Change: Putting the TOC Thinking Processes to Use” by Lisa J. Scheinkopf
   • Comprehensive guide to TOC thinking processes
3. Introduction to System Thinking
   • Overview of systems thinking principles and their application
4. “The Choice” by Eliyahu M. Goldratt
   • Explores the fundamental concepts behind TOC thinking tools

Footnotes