After conducting a kaizen event for cycle time reduction.

Kaizen is a continuous improvement methodology that aims to eliminate waste, improve processes, and enhance efficiency.

Cycle time refers to the time it takes to complete a process or produce a product from start to finish.

Take time (also known as processing time) represents the actual time spent on value-added activities during a process.

Lead time is the total time from the initiation of a process to its completion, including both value-added and non-value-added time.

Available time refers to the time available for production or processing.

Here’s how the relationships should be understood:

Cycle time should ideally be less than the take time:

This means that the process is efficient, and there is minimal non-value-added time.

Achieving this goal is a key objective of kaizen events.

Cycle time is not necessarily equal to lead time:

Lead time includes additional waiting time, transportation time, and other non-value-added components.

Reducing lead time is also a kaizen objective, but it may not always match cycle time.

Cycle time is not directly related to available time:

Available time considers factors such as machine availability, working hours, and shifts.

While improving cycle time contributes to better utilization of available time, they are not equivalent.

In summary, the goal of a kaizen event is to reduce cycle time (by minimizing non-value-added time) while ensuring that the process remains effective and efficient1.

References: 1: ASQ Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence Handbook, Fifth Edition