* 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