Takt Time
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Takt time is the pace of production needed to match customer demand - the heartbeat that synchronizes all work.
Definition
Takt time is the rate at which products or services must be completed to meet customer demand. Calculated by dividing available production time by customer demand, takt time becomes the heartbeat of operations—the rhythm that all processes synchronize to. If customer demand requires 100 units per day with 500 minutes of production time, takt time is 5 minutes per unit. Every 5 minutes, one unit must be completed to match demand. Takt time connects internal operations to external customer requirements.
Examples
A factory operates 480 minutes per day (one shift minus breaks) and must produce 240 units daily to meet demand. Takt time is 480 ÷ 240 = 2 minutes. Every 2 minutes, one completed unit must roll off the line. Workstations are balanced so each can complete its work within 2 minutes.
Key Points
- Takt time is demand-driven, not internally determined
- Takt time changes as demand changes—it's not a fixed number
- Processes should have cycle times less than or equal to takt time
- Takt time enables synchronization across the entire value stream
Common Misconceptions
Takt time is how fast we want to work. Takt time is how fast the customer needs us to work. It's determined externally by demand, not internally by preference. Working faster than takt time creates overproduction; slower creates backlogs.
Takt time applies only to manufacturing. Any operation with measurable demand and time can calculate takt time. Service operations, healthcare, administration—all can use takt time to connect pace to customer needs.