What is meant by "lead time" in a process?

"Lead time" refers to the total time taken from the beginning to the end of a process. This concept encompasses all phases of the process, including waiting times, processing times, and any delays that may occur throughout. It is a critical metric in various industries, as it helps organizations understand how long it takes to fulfill a request or complete an order, ultimately impacting customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Understanding lead time is essential for process improvement, as organizations aim to minimize it without sacrificing quality. By analyzing lead times, businesses can identify bottlenecks or delays in their workflows, allowing them to implement changes that streamline operations. This comprehensive view of time spent in the process enables organizations to optimize performance and deliver better results.