Cycle time is a key metric in manufacturing and production that measures the total time required to complete one cycle of a process, from the beginning to the end of a single unit. It includes all stages involved in the production of the unit, such as setup, processing, inspection, and any other necessary activities. Cycle time is critical for understanding the efficiency and capacity of a production process.

The formula for cycle time is:

For example, if a production line operates for 480 minutes in a day and produces 240 units, the cycle time would be:

Key aspects of cycle time include:

Understanding cycle time helps in:

By analyzing and optimizing cycle time, organizations can enhance productivity, reduce waste, and improve overall operational efficiency.