Cycle-time

/ˈsaɪkəl taɪm/ noun

Definition

The total time required to complete one cycle of a process, from start to finish for a single unit. It measures the actual processing time without including waiting or queue time.

Etymology

From Greek 'kyklos' (circle) and 'time'. Emerged in manufacturing time studies in the early 1900s, measuring how long it takes to complete one full cycle of production work.

Kelly Says

Cycle time is like timing how long it takes to make one sandwich versus lead time which includes waiting for ingredients to be delivered. Toyota's obsession with reducing cycle time led to just-in-time manufacturing - they can build a car in hours, not days!

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