Cycle time is the amount of time it takes to complete an individual operation or task from start to finish.  Cycle time can be calculated with a stopwatch.

How to calculate Cycle time:

1.  Define the start and end point.
2. At the start begin counting with a stopwatch, phone or other timekeeping device.
3. Stop when the operation or task is complete.

 Challenge - Calculate the amount of cycle time it takes to pour a glass of water.  Post your answers in the comments tab below.

The Master Production Schedule (MPS) is best defined by The Apics Dictionary, which is cited below.
​  A line on the master schedule grid that reflects the anticipated build schedule for those items assigned to the master scheduler.  The master scheduler maintains this schedule and material requirements planning.  It represents what the company plans to produce expressed in specific configurations, quantities and dates.  It is not a sales item forecast that represents a statement of demand.  It must take into account the forecast, the production plan and other important considerations such as backlog, availability of material, capacity and any other management policies and goals.

​Ref: Apics 

Material Requirements Planning is best defined by The Apics Dictionary which is noted below.
  A set of techniques that uses the bill of material data, inventory data and the master production schedule to calculate requirements for materials.  It makes further recommendations to release replenishment orders for materials.  Further, because it is time-phased, it makes recommendations to reschedule open orders when due dates and need dates are not in phase.  Time-phased begins with the items listed in the MPS and determines:

1. The quantity of all components and materials required to fabricate those items.
2. The date that the components and materials are required.

  It is accomplished by exploding the bill of material, adjusting for inventory quantities on hand or on order and offsetting the net requirements by the appropriate lead times.  

Reference: Apics Dictionary

** For more information on MRP or Planning please inquire below**

  The door to door value stream refers to a value stream map or value stream process of internal operations/activities as they pertain to an organization.  The door to door value stream stretches from the very first process step to the last activity within the organization.

​Example: 

  Organizations will generally start their lean journey or identification process from the door to door level.  This is because the organization has more influence on internal activities than they do at any other level of the value stream.

Question:
  What is the very first step within your organization?  What is the very last step within your organization?

**Place answers in the comments tab**

  Enterprise resource planning (ERP) is a software that gives organizations to define, standardize and manage business processes.  ERP is used to support planning and control of information throughout an organization so that they can use internal knowledge to achieve external advantage.  ERP systems track resources such as: Cash, materials, capacity, orders, purchase orders and payroll.

Examples of ERP Systems:

1. SAP
2. Oracle
3. Epicor
4. Sage

  For more information on ERP systems check out the book ERP, by: MHE.  Apics is another organization that provides extensive knowledge in materials management and supply chain management.  You can visit their website here:  Apics

​  **For more information on streamlining and optimizing your erp system message us below.**

  A pull system is a technique used to produce only what has a demand attached to it.  Pull systems are also used to replace inventory items which may have been taken to fulfill a demand.  Pull systems use triggers to notify individuals when a demand or a need has been generated for the part or service.  

Example:

  One very common everyday example of a pull system is at a grocery store.  Items are not replenished until a customer "pulls" the item from the shelf.

  Dashboards allow the appropriate party to see at a glance, Key Performance Indicators (KPI's).  

Examples of Dashboards:

1. Speedometer
2. Website dashboards
3. Analytics

Qualities of a good dashboard:

1. Easy to understand and provides simple communication.
2. To the Point.
3. Data is relevant and useful.
4. Visual.

  For more information on Dashboards visit our recommended reading:  The Balanced Scorecard: Translating Strategy into Action, by Robert S. Kaplan and David P. Norton.

  "Batching" or batch production is a technique used in both office and manufacturing environments.  This type of production creates the object or activity over a series of workstations one stage at a time.  The objects are created in "groups" or "batches."  

  Secondary Metrics are the additional metrics are the additional measurements established to help interpret the results of the primary metrics.  Secondary metrics are often described as circumstantial evidence, despite this common reference, secondary metrics ensure that problems do not just change forms or move from one place to another.

Example

  If you were attempting to reduce a cycle time on a service orientated project your cycle time reduction would be the primary metric.  But the secondary metric may be customer service or employee satisfaction.

  Actual measurements are the measurements as they exist in fact.  They are real measurements that are accompanied by objective evidence.

Example
  Samantha went to the store to buy Michelle her favorite popsicles while she was sick.  Michelle asked Samantha how much money she would need.  Samantha answered "about $5.00."  After Samantha went to the store, Michelle asked for the change and the receipt.  The receipt showed the popsicles were $3.50 and the change was $1.50.

  What two amounts are considered "actual" amounts?  **Place answers in comments below**