Shorten the time from release to finished output.
Production lead time is the elapsed time between releasing work and completing finished output. It includes process time, queues, movement, inspection, waiting, changeovers, rework, and other delays that occur between value-adding steps.
Measure the flow losses that happen between machine cycles.
Waiting, queues, rework, quality loss, release rules, inspection, and material movement can dominate total lead time even when individual machines are fast.
Reduce delay and quality loss without destabilizing production.
The best changes shorten flow time, reduce excess WIP, improve first-pass output, and prevent scrap from moving farther downstream.
CRIT-ASeparate Touch from Wait
Lead time often contains far more waiting than actual processing, so the timeline should distinguish both.
Related Guide →CRIT-BControl Release
Releasing more work than the constraint can absorb increases WIP and queue time without increasing throughput.
Related Guide →CRIT-CShorten Handoffs
Clear routing, material availability, inspection status, and ownership reduce delays between operations.
Related Guide →CRIT-DProtect the Constraint
Reducing delay at the active bottleneck can improve both lead time and throughput.
Related Guide →Relevant quality and production resources.
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