Many teams are using Constraint Logs without obtaining “Promise Dates” by performers. It is important to remember that these logs are not simply lists of things that need to get done. The log is a record of agreements negotiated between Customers and Performers in the project development value stream. A blank “Promise Date” field in the log means an important conversation has yet to take place.

That’s somewhat understandable if the constraint was recently identified. But for constraints more than a workday old Customers need to walk over to the Performer, or pick up the phone and call them, discuss the need and negotiate how the work required to remove the constraint will be accomplished.

The Last Planner tools are designed to help structure conversations, and don’t work if we fail to have them when needed.