Understanding Cycle Time
Understanding what Cycle Time represents is crucial for effective workflow management in a Kanban system.
Exam Question
Which of these is NOT a good description of Cycle Time?
(choose the best answer)
A. The number of items that move into the delivery/end point per time period (e.g., daily/weekly).
B. The time a work item takes from initial idea/concept to feedback returned from customers after a production release.
C. The length of time a work item stays in one column.
D. The time a work item starts to when it finishes.
Correct Answer
A. The number of items that move into the delivery/end point per time period (e.g., daily/weekly).
Explanation
Correct Answer
A. The number of items that move into the delivery/end point per time period (e.g., daily/weekly):
This description refers to throughput, not Cycle Time. Throughput measures how many items are completed in a given time period, whereas Cycle Time measures the time it takes for a single item to move from start to finish.
Descriptions of Cycle Time
B. The time a work item takes from initial idea/concept to feedback returned from customers after a production release:
This description includes the full lifecycle of a work item, which might extend beyond the typical scope of Cycle Time. While it provides a broader perspective, Cycle Time usually focuses on the period from when work starts until it is completed, not including the feedback phase after production release.
C. The length of time a work item stays in one column:
This is a part of Cycle Time analysis, often referred to as “in-column time” or “stage time,” which helps identify bottlenecks in specific parts of the process.
D. The time a work item starts to when it finishes:
This is the standard definition of Cycle Time. It measures the total elapsed time from the moment a work item begins until it is completed.
Importance of Accurate Cycle Time Measurement
- Efficiency Tracking: Accurate Cycle Time measurement helps teams understand how efficiently work items are processed.
- Bottleneck Identification: By analyzing Cycle Time, teams can identify stages where items are delayed and take corrective actions.
- Process Improvement: Regularly measuring and analyzing Cycle Time supports continuous improvement efforts.
Effective Practices for Managing Cycle Time
- Regular Monitoring: Continuously track Cycle Time to stay informed about the efficiency of the workflow.
- Identify Bottlenecks: Use Cycle Time data to identify and address bottlenecks in the process.
- Focus on Improvement: Implement changes based on Cycle Time analysis to improve overall process efficiency.
Relevance to the PSK I Exam
Understanding the correct definition and importance of Cycle Time is crucial for the PSK I exam. It demonstrates knowledge of key metrics in workflow management and Kanban practices.
Key Takeaways
- Cycle Time measures the time it takes for a work item to move from start to finish.
- Throughput measures the number of items completed in a given time period, not Cycle Time.
- Accurate Cycle Time measurement helps track efficiency, identify bottlenecks, and support process improvement.
Conclusion
Cycle Time is a critical metric for understanding workflow efficiency, and it is distinct from throughput. For more information on preparing for the PSK I exam, visit our Professional Kanban PSK I™ Exam Prep.
