{
  "schema": "vedokrok.public-item.v1",
  "release_id": "MHC-RPUB-20261011-9e4b62c5",
  "url": "/knowledge/could-a-steadier-release-reduce-artificial-workload-spikes",
  "id": "MHC-D-RESEARCH-0182",
  "version": "0.1.0",
  "title": "Could a steadier release reduce artificial workload spikes?",
  "summary": "Sometimes the surge comes from the release policy, not the customer.",
  "kind": "question",
  "body": "Compare real demand with the pattern created by your release schedule. A routine Friday pile-up may need a different release policy; genuine urgent demand still needs a visible route.",
  "limits": [
    "Leveling does not abolish demand variation, and smaller releases can add setup or coordination work. Preserve required checks and visible demand; seasonal, perishable or emergency work may need different policies or buffers."
  ],
  "topics": [],
  "intents": [],
  "source_ids": [
    "lei-heijunka"
  ],
  "evidence": [
    {
      "claim": "Heijunka concerns leveling production volume and mix rather than passing every fluctuation directly through the process.",
      "source_id": "lei-heijunka",
      "role": "supports",
      "note": "Claim basis: professional_convention. Claim limit: It does not erase demand volatility or justify ignoring urgent customer needs.\nSource access: selected_html_passages; accessed on: 2026-09-17; inspected sections: [\"Leveling volume and mix\"].\nAgent scope review, 2026-10-11: LEI heijunka defines leveling volume and mix. This card proposes testing a suitable release pattern and checking its trade-offs, not a measured knowledge-work productivity promise.",
      "locator": "Definition"
    }
  ],
  "use_when": [
    "A process receives work in large self-created bursts even though demand is less concentrated."
  ],
  "avoid_when": [
    "Leveling does not abolish demand variation, and smaller releases can add setup or coordination work. Preserve required checks and visible demand; seasonal, perishable or emergency work may need different policies or buffers."
  ],
  "question": "How much of the workload variation comes from real demand and how much from our batching or release schedule?\n\nCould a suitable smaller, steadier mix meet demand with less avoidable strain?",
  "example": "A team releases all routine review requests on Friday although they became ready throughout the week. The release habit creates a peak the reviewer did not choose.",
  "check": "Does a trial reduce the controllable spike without hiding backlog, missing due dates or adding more handoff work than it saves?",
  "published_at": "2026-10-11T18:15:00Z",
  "review": {
    "kind": "agent",
    "label": "Agent editorial and scoped evidence review",
    "reviewed_at": "2026-10-11T18:12:50Z"
  },
  "editorial_overlay": null,
  "editorial": null,
  "notices": [],
  "sources": [
    {
      "id": "lei-heijunka",
      "title": "Heijunka",
      "url": "https://www.lean.org/lexicon-terms/heijunka/"
    }
  ],
  "relations": [
    {
      "from": "MHC-D-RESEARCH-0182",
      "to": "MHC-D-RESEARCH-0172",
      "type": "useful_with",
      "url": "/knowledge/replenish-from-a-real-downstream-signal"
    }
  ],
  "collections": [
    {
      "id": "RC-RESEARCH-WORK-FLOW",
      "title": "Help work finish instead of merely keeping it busy",
      "url": "/collections/help-work-finish-instead-of-merely-keeping-it-busy"
    }
  ],
  "topic_hubs": [],
  "solution_packs": []
}