Takt Time

Average time between the start of production of one unit and the start of production of the next unit, when these production starts are set to match the rate of customer demand.

Not frequently used in software development.



Takt time = Working time available (per hour, day...) / Customer request (per hour, day...)

production rate > takt time = waste of inventory  / too much WIP.
production rate < takt time = waste of delay.
cycle time > takt time = bottleneck.

Example:

The customer need 3754 pencils per month.
Working hours = 20 workings day in a month * office hours (8) = 160 hours.

Takt time = 160 hours / 3754 = 0.043 hours = 2.6 minute.
Meaning that every 2.6 minute, the factory must start producing a new pencil.