Takt Time Calculator
Calculate the exact rhythm your production process must maintain to satisfy customer demand without overproducing.
Takt Time vs. Cycle Time
A common error in lean manufacturing implementations is confusing Takt Time with Cycle Time. They are entirely different concepts.
- Takt Time: The rate at which you need to produce a product to satisfy customer demand. (A target).
- Cycle Time: The rate at which your process actually produces a product. (A reality).
If Cycle Time > Takt Time, you will fail to meet customer demand and require overtime or expedited shipping. If Cycle Time < Takt Time, you will overproduce, tying up cash in excess inventory (WIP).
The 85% Rule
In practice, aiming for a Cycle Time that exactly matches Takt Time is dangerous due to normal process variation and inevitable minor stoppages. Best practice dictates engineering a Cycle Time that is roughly 85% to 90% of your Takt Time to absorb normal manufacturing friction.
Worked Example:
If Takt Time is 60 seconds per part, engineer the manufacturing cell to produce a part every 51-54 seconds to guarantee daily quotas are met without overproducing.