What is the term for the time it takes from the start to the finish of a manufacturing process?

The term that signifies the total duration from the beginning to the end of a manufacturing process is known as cycle time. This period includes all aspects of manufacturing, such as production, assembly, and processing within a facility. Understanding cycle time is crucial for managing efficiency in production environments, as it reflects how quickly a product can be manufactured from start to finish.

Cycle time is a vital metric for manufacturers since it directly impacts productivity and can help identify areas for improvement in the production process. By analyzing and seeking to reduce cycle time, organizations can enhance throughput, reduce costs, and respond more quickly to market demands.

The other terms provided are related to manufacturing but denote different concepts. Downtime refers to periods when production is halted, either for maintenance or due to unplanned issues. Lead time is the total time from when an order is placed to when it is delivered, encompassing more than just the manufacturing time. Handling time pertains specifically to the time taken to move materials and products throughout the production process but does not encompass the entire manufacturing timeline.