Production and Project
Lead time
Lead time refers to the total period a process requires from start to completion. It includes not only the actual processing time, but also waiting, transport, and idle time between individual steps. This makes it an important measure for assessing processes realistically and identifying bottlenecks at an early stage. A short lead time can speed up processes, while a long lead time may indicate coordination issues or insufficient capacity. In day-to-day business, it helps companies plan deadlines more reliably, manage stock more effectively, and improve utilisation in production or procurement so that orders can be completed without unnecessary delays.
