Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) Practice Exam

How is takt time calculated?

1. Available production time divided by production capacity

2. Available production time minus customer demand

3. Available production time divided by customer demand

4. Customer demand multiplied by production time

The correct answer is: Available production time divided by customer demand

Takt time is a critical concept in lean manufacturing and production processes that balances production with customer demand. It is calculated by dividing the available production time by customer demand. This calculation determines the amount of time available to produce each unit of product in order to meet customer demand within a specified time frame. By knowing the takt time, a company can effectively align its production pace with the demand from customers, ensuring that products are produced efficiently without overproduction or waste. The focus on synchronization between production and demand is essential for optimizing resources and satisfying customer needs. In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the concept of takt time. For instance, available production time divided by production capacity does not consider customer demand, thus offering no indication of how production should align with that demand. Available production time minus customer demand does not provide a time-based measurement, and customer demand multiplied by production time does not relate to how time should be allocated per unit to meet that demand. These options fail to capture the essence of what takt time represents in a production environment.