Work out takt vs cycle time gap instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.
Takt time is available time divided by customer demand — the drumbeat the line must match. A positive gap between actual cycle time and takt means the line is slower than demand and will fall behind by the shortfall every shift, no matter how hard operators work.
Takt time
Takt = available time / customer demand
Gap and shortfall
Gap = actual cycle time - takt; achievable output = available time / actual cycle time
No. Available time is planned run time after scheduled breaks, meetings and planned maintenance are removed. Including them makes takt look easier than it is.
The line is faster than demand and will build inventory unless it stops when the day's requirement is met. Levelled production means running to takt, not running flat out.