Tag: Cycle Time

Lead time vs. cycle time, which do you choose? Improving your processes is a nuanced and complicated thing. Understanding the difference between the various measurements of time can only benefit your workflow. So, let’s dive into what this means and how it applies to your production. What is Lead Time? Lead time is […]

Cycle time vs. throughput time, do you know the difference? Typically, when we look at the steps of our workflow, you’ll want metrics to gauge effectiveness and efficiency. Depending on the scenario, you’ll want to use one of these two metrics while looking at the work time needed to complete a deliverable. What […]

Takt Time vs. Cycle Time: when do you choose what to use? Regardless of how efficient your processes are, you’re going to have to measure the time eventually. Now, if you’re a new Six Sigma practitioner you likely might be wondering about Takt Time vs. Cycle Time. Both of these metrics are important […]

Process time vs. cycle time is a discussion that comes up often for newcomers to Six Sigma. Understanding these principles and how they apply to your time management is vital. Failing to grasp these concepts can affect your bottom line negatively. What is Process Time? Process time describes the interval required for a […]

The customer just called again, wondering if the item they ordered will be on time. Will it? Do your company’s processes make it possible to be on time per the customer’s needs? To know that requires understanding how long it takes to produce the product, and that requires knowing your cycle times.  An […]

There never seems to be enough time on a project, especially when considering flow time vs. cycle time. These measurements are great ways of tracking time throughout a project. However, when to use these respective measurements comes down to the stage of the project. Don’t fret, we’ll get you up to speed in […]

A Green Belt project aimed at reducing the cycle time for purchase orders finds the bottleneck and dramatically improves the process, exceeding the project’s original goals, and even realizes bonus benefits.

Using the DMAIC methodology, a Green Belt project aims to reduce the cycle time for purchase orders and straighten up a direction-less process.

The three critical aspects of a running a successful project include project costs, project scope and project schedule. Since projects contain many sources of variation, all three aspects are prone to not meeting targets. Project managers need to use appropriate tools to manage the variability (or risk) in the project. Critical Path Method Traditionally, project […]

Reading a generalized description of how waste was reduced or eliminated in a process is interesting but it is in the details that the true impact and challenges of process improvement are found. This article describes a DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) improvement project, including key deliverables, challenges and how the challenges were met. […]

Lean Six Sigma (LSS) teams focus on the statistical analysis of metrics when identifying opportunities for improvement. The strong focus on data-driven evaluation, however, can overshadow the human element that exists behind the data collection plan. Despite its importance, the impact of human interaction is not easily visible or quantified, buried under reams of data. […]

While Six Sigma continues to evolve, the most often cited complaint is long project cycle times. The obvious expense of eight to nine month (or longer) Black and Green Belt projects is opportunity lost. For example, a project that produces cost savings at a run rate of $30,000 per month leaves $150,000 on the table […]

Look around your workspace. Is your in-box stuffed to overflowing? Do you have a long list of new emails that will take you days to get through? Is your voice mail rejecting new messages? Are people waiting for your work output? All of those items represent “work in process,” also called “things in progress” (TIP). […]