How to Calculate Cycle Time
What is Cycle Time?
Measures actual time from raw material to finished product. Indicates process efficiency and identifies bottlenecks.
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1Timestamp order entry through completion
- 2Account for wait time and processing time
- 3Analyze by step to find delays
- 4Compare to takt time
- 5Identify improvement opportunities
Worked Examples
Input
100 units, 8hrs
Result
4.8 min/unit
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✕Including non-productive time in cycle time
- ✕Not separating by shift or day of week
Frequently Asked Questions
Should cycle time equal takt time?
Ideally cycle time equals or is less than takt time; if greater, production falls behind.
How much waste is typical?
Often 50-90% of cycle time is waiting, not processing; opportunities exist in most processes.
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