TAKT TIME: How To Calculate Takt Time

Posted on03. Apr, 2009 by Monique.

Takt Time

is the maximum allowable cycle time required to meet customer demands.  This is a video that defines takt time and gives an example of how to calculate takt time.  Takt time is important to the development and evaluation of standard work.  For example, if your takt time is 5 minutes, the cycle time for each operator in your must be below 5 minutes to meet customer demand. 

In my other tutorials I show how you can use SigmaXL to perform your analysis.  Since SigmaXL was included with my Black Belt certification tuition, I want to show you that you can use the Lean Takt Time calculator to perform this calculation.  The calculator allows you to quickly compare your takt time to your cycle times listed in your standard work.  As you can see, takt time is used to evaluate your standard work and recognize opportunities for improvement or modification.

Used in DMAIC Phase. . . .

• Improve

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Reduce Cycle Time in Your Process Map with Concurrent Activites

Posted on07. Jan, 2009 by Monique.

Yesterday, I was traveling on the highway, listening to my favorite CD when I made an observation.  I took note of the tractor trailers on the road and noticed the majority had tractors with single trailers.  Interestingly, the UPS and FedEx tractors had double trailers.  I thought to myself, “Why are UPS and FedEx using double trailers?” 

 

I had to put on my Lean Six Sigma goggles and observe that this was a deliberate business strategy.  I thought about a single large trailer sitting at the  dock with one crew of people to load items.  Imagine how much time that would take.  Now, picture the scenario where you have two crews on two separate dock doors loading the smaller trailers.  If loading a trailer is my process, I have tapped into the opportunity to reduce my overall cycle time by implementing concurrent process steps.  Concurrent engineering or process mapping is not a new concept to Lean Six Sigma practitioners, but I think it is often overlooked.  When reviewing the As-Is process map, it’s natural and expected to immediately focus on the non-value added steps, such as delays and loop backs.  Cutting non-value added steps will ultimately reduce your cycle time, but it is also important to take advantage of opportunities to turn sequential steps, into simultaneous process steps. 

The pit crew model is often implemented for setup reduction projects in manufacturing facilities and operating rooms.  This team divides the work and helps prepare the tools, die, equipment, or surgical instruments for the next job, while the current job is in process.  The pit crew is a wonderful application of implementing a process with concurrent activities to overlap setup and processing time.   Cut your cycle time by multi-tasking.

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