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Lean Definition: Takt Time

Takt time is the required pace of production to meet customer demand. The word takt comes from the German word for the baton used by an orchestra conductor. In the same way, takt time provides the rhythm for a manufacturing process.

In Lean manufacturing, takt time is one of the three components of Standard Work. The principle of takt time also applies to the Lean office, but it is much harder to match administrative production to a precise pace.

Takt time is calculated by dividing working time available by the customer demand during that period. The takt time is often shown on a countdown clock on the wall for assembly lines.

Takt time key points

  • Cycle time should be balanced to takt time. If cycle time exceeds takt time, the process can’t meet demand. If cycle time is shorter than takt time, the process is inefficient.
  • Takt time can’t be directly changed. Takt time is a function of demand and working time, so can only changes when demand changes, or working time changes. If customer demand rises, takt time drops. If customer demand drops, takt time increases.
  • Unevenly sized shifts complicate takt time. If a half-sized night shift complements a full sized day shift, assigning demand evenly would cause problems. You will need a little algebra to allocate demand out properly to create a day takt time and a night takt time.

Takt time and cycle time determine the number of operators

  • Dividing the total cycle time needed to produce a product by the takt time yields the number of operators required to meet customer demand.

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Takt Time

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