Logistics Glossary

Get to know the vital terms of Logistics and Supply Chain Management.

Manufacture Cycle Time

What is Manufacture Cycle Time?

Manufacture Cycle Time can be defined as the average cycle of time taken by a product to pass through to the entire manufacturing process starting from initial stages up until production completion. This measure is critically important for make-to-stock manufacturing wherein products are made ahead according to the expected demand. This is one of the KPI measures in manufacturing activities, normally associated with efficiency and optimized processes.

Key Factors of Manufacturing Cycle Time

Processing Time

Time spent on the work, be it machining, assembling, or packaging.

Queue Time

Time a product stays in a queue at various points in the process before its progression to the next stage.

Move Time

Time taken to move materials or products between workstations or departments.

Inspection Time

The time spent on quality checks and validations so that the product meets requirements.

Idle Time

Periods when the production line is immobilized by idling of plant and equipment, unavailability of material, or any other Delay of form.

Why Measure Manufacturing Cycle Time?

Cycle Time Efficiency Measurement: Generally, the shorter the cycle time is, the more efficient the manufacturing process will be.

Customer Satisfaction: The reduction in cycle time will ensure that the time of delivery will be accurate to increase customer satisfaction.

Cost Management: The faster the production cycle time is the faster the resources are consumed, and hence the process is cost-effective.

Process Improvement Cycle Time can be measured to highlight obstacles and areas of improvement.

Implementation Plan for Reducing Manufacture Cycle Time

Lean Manufacturing: The stopping of waste and non-value-added activities.

Automation: The use of technology in repetitive or labour-intensive activities.

Process Standardization: Clear and concise procedures that will minimize variability and errors.

Workflow Optimization: Minimize movement and waiting time between process activities.

Conclusion

Manufacture cycle time is the most important measure of improved and consolidated efficiency in production. This focus on curbing the length of this time is the only thing that raises productivity, reduces costs, and shortens delivery times to market, thereby providing a space for an advantage in an industry.

 

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