Weighted average cycle time (T_cwa), also known as “average weighted cycle time,” provides a representative average cycle time (T_c) within a mixed model environment. Varied models or services in a given cell, line, or work area often have varied work contents due to different steps, duration of steps, sequence of steps, or other factors. Accordingly, the T_c(s) vary.

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

As we endeavor to maintain a T_c that is less than or, at most, equal to takt time (T_t), mixed models and their varying work content will likely have T_c(s) for some products or services that are below T_t, and others that exceed T_t. T_cwa serves as an average proxy for T_c and can be the same as planned cycle time.

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