1. What is Cycle Time?

Cycle time is the total time taken to complete one cycle of an operation or process. It's a key metric in manufacturing and operations management that measures how long it takes to produce one unit from start to finish.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the cycle time formula:

Where:

• Work Time — Total production time (hours)
• Production Rate — Number of units produced per hour

Explanation: The formula calculates how much time is spent on average to produce one unit based on the total work time and production rate.

3. Importance of Cycle Time Calculation

Details: Cycle time is crucial for production planning, capacity analysis, bottleneck identification, and process improvement. It helps businesses optimize workflows and increase efficiency.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter total work time in hours and production rate in units per hour. Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between cycle time and lead time?
A: Cycle time measures the time to complete one unit, while lead time measures the total time from order to delivery.

Q2: How can I reduce cycle time?
A: Methods include process optimization, eliminating waste, improving equipment, and training staff.

Q3: What is a good cycle time?
A: This depends on your industry and product. The goal is typically to have the shortest possible cycle time without sacrificing quality.

Q4: Should cycle time include setup time?
A: Yes, for accurate calculations, include all time spent on the production process including setup and changeover time.

Q5: How often should cycle time be measured?
A: Regular measurement is recommended - daily, weekly, or per production run depending on your operations.