ChatGPT Prompt to Perform Bottleneck Analysis to Identify Delays

What this prompt does

👉 Rapidly maps your workflow and identifies measurable bottlenecks using process metrics (throughput, cycle time, WIP, utilization).

👉 Gives clear, evidence-based root causes and quantifies each bottleneck’s effect on productivity (time, cost, and KPIs).

👉 Proposes prioritized, practical solutions with estimated effort, owner, and an implementation timeline.

👉 Produces ready-to-use outputs: an executive summary, a prioritized markdown table (detailed), and a short implementation checklist.

Tips

👉 Provide real metrics where possible (average cycle time, queue lengths, daily volumes, SLA targets) — this makes recommendations realistic.

👉 Use consistent time units (minutes/hours/days) across inputs to avoid calculation errors.

👉 If you don’t have metrics, give sample ranges or estimates — ChatGPT will show “confidence” levels and ask where assumptions were made.

👉 After receiving suggestions, run one small pilot for lowest-effort solutions first, then iterate using the same prompt with updated metrics.

How to use the prompt

👉 Open ChatGPT and paste the big prompt that follows (the whole block).

👉 Replace the bracketed fields under #INPUTS with your process details and metrics. Use the three examples below if you need a reference.

👉 Submit. ChatGPT will: (a) map the workflow, (b) calculate/estimate bottleneck metrics, (c) run root-cause analysis, (d) propose & prioritize solutions, and (e) produce a markdown table and an implementation checklist.

👉 Review the table and summary; copy the recommended “Quick Wins” to implement immediately.

👉 Re-run the prompt after implementing changes and paste updated metrics to measure impact.