Understanding a process’ cycle time is extremely important, especially in the context of takt time. In a mixed-model environment, cycle time can be a bit less straightforward. That’s where weighted averages may make sense.

Weighted-average cycle time, also known as “average weighted cycle time,” provides a representative average cycle time. Varied models or services in a given cell, line, or work area often have varied work contents due to different steps, duration of steps, or sequence of steps. Accordingly, the cycle times vary.

Weighted-average cycle times can be calculated for operator cycle times, machine cycle times, and effective machine cycle times. Often weighted-average cycle times are presumed to be operator-related, but this is not always the case.

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