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Lead Time in the context of Kanban
Lead Time in Kanban
In Kanban, Lead Time is the total time taken from when a customer requirement is identified to when it is delivered. It measures the time taken for an item to move through the entire Kanban system, including the time spent waiting in queues. Lead time is a key metric in Kanban as it helps teams understand the efficiency of their workflow and identify areas for improvement.
Key Points:
- Start Point: Customer requirement identification.
- End Point: Item delivery.
- Includes: Queue time and processing time.
- Used for: Monitoring and improving workflow efficiency.
By tracking lead time, teams can identify bottlenecks, reduce waste, and optimize their processes to deliver value to customers more effectively.
Resources:
- Lean Kanban Principles
- Kanban Lead Time Guide
- Agile Alliance - Using Lead and Cycle Time to Estimate Project Duration
Lead Time in the context of Lean
Lead Time in Lean
Lead time in Lean refers to the total time it takes from the initiation of a process to its completion, including all stages of production or delivery. It is a crucial metric in Lean manufacturing and software development as it helps teams understand and optimize the efficiency of their workflow.
Key points about Lead Time:
- Measurable: Lead time is a quantifiable metric that provides insights into the efficiency and effectiveness of a process.
- Value Stream: It encompasses all the steps and activities involved in delivering value to the end customer.
- Reduction: The goal is to reduce lead time by eliminating waste and improving the flow of work.
- Kaizen: Continuous improvement efforts are focused on reducing lead time to increase overall productivity and customer satisfaction.
Benefits of tracking Lead Time:
- Predictability: Helps in forecasting project timelines and making accurate delivery commitments.
- Identifying bottlenecks: Pinpoints areas of inefficiency in the process that need to be addressed.
- Cycle Time: Provides insight into the time it takes to complete an individual task within the overall lead time.