Final answer:
The installation of a larger water softener by Lisa to improve water flow is an example of 'Elevate the constraint' in the TOC process, as she is improving the system's capacity to handle the identified constraint.
Step-by-step explanation:
The installation of the larger water softener corresponds to the 'Elevate the constraint' step in the Theory of Constraints (TOC) process. Lisa identified the constraint (low water flow due to water softener's filters) and took steps to relieve the constraint by replacing the existing unit with a larger, more efficient one, thus addressing the root cause of the problem.
Water softeners play a crucial role by removing calcium, magnesium, and certain other metal cations in hard water. The ion exchange process is one of the most common methods used in water softeners, where hard water ions such as Ca︀ and Mg︀ are replaced with more acceptable ions like Na︀. By installing a larger water softener and maintaining it regularly, Lisa is ensuring that water flow issues due to accumulation of scale and hard water minerals are minimized, leading to improved water quality and flow rate.