Takt time was first used as a production management tool in the German aircraft industry in the 1930s. (Takt is German for a precise interval of time such as a musical meter.) It was the interval at which aircraft were moved ahead to the next production station. The concept was widely utilized within Toyota in the 1950s and was in widespread use throughout the Toyota supply base by the late 1960s. Toyota typically reviews the takt time for a process every month, with a tweaking review every ten days.

"Takt" is the German word for the baton that an orchestra conductor uses to regulate the speed, beat or timing at which musicians play. During the 1930's, Germany and Japan were part of the Axis, and German engineers helped organize the Japanese aircraft industry. They used the analogy of a conductor's baton setting rhythm for the entire orchestra. After the war, Toyota picked up the word and concept for its Toyota Production System.

Takt time could be seconds, minutes, hours, days, or even weeks. True Takt Time is simply the total available working time divided by the customer demand. If you have a Takt Time of two minutes – that means every two minutes a complete product needs to be produced. In reality, people can never maintain 100% efficiency and there may also be stoppages for other reasons, so allowances need to be made for these instances and you have to set up your production process to run at a proportionally faster rate to account for this.

Therefore, Production Takt Time is the maximum time allowed for a completed product to be finished in order to meet customer demand (and includes some buffer for human factors and other interruptions).

If customer demand increases or decreases for an extended period of time, then the Takt Time should change. If you are producing to a Takt Time of two minutes (one part completed every two minutes) and the customer demand decreases to one every 4 minutes (customer demand is now 50% of what it was), then your new Takt Time is 4 minutes and production staffing should be changed accordingly (fewer resources should be required to meet the reduced demand of one part completed every four minutes). Producing to Takt Time with optimal staffing is the goal.

480 minutes (available working time per shift) / 240 units (customer demand per shift) = 2 min Takt Time

480 minutes (available working time per shift) / 120 units (customer demand per shift) = 4 min Takt Time

Another term closely associated with Takt Time is Cadence. This term is often used in the engineering or project management environment where there is not a clear or consistent “customer demand rate” and the “available working time” is not clear since we are dealing with staff which are not punching the time clock.

Cadence is essentially the pace (or rhythm – to use another musical analogy) of the process or project. To set the cadence, the total lead time for the process or project is divided into appropriate time segments and milestones are established. Resources are managed accordingly to meet the process or project cadence. The difference between Takt Time and Cadence is that Takt time is driven by customer demand and cadence is driven by a schedule.

Books

	Accounting for World Class Operations by Jerry Solomon & Rosemary Fullerton
	Creating Level Pull by Art Smalley
	Getting the Right Things Done by Pascal Dennis
	Implementing World Class Manufacturing, 2nd Edition by Larry Rubich and Mattie Watson
	The Lean Design Guidebook by Ronald Mascitelli

Training Presentations

• Lean Overview
• Lean Enterprise / Lean Manufacturing Assessment
• 3P Production Preparation Process
• 5S Workplace Organization
• Jidoka
• Kaizen
• Value Streams
• Visual Factory
• Pull - Just in Time
• Quick Changeover / SMED
• Cellular Manufacturing
• Standard Work
• TWI Training Within Industry
• TOC Theory of Constraints
• Total Productive Maintenance
• Lean Office
• Lean Accounting
• Lean Design
• Lean Project Management
• Lean Sales & Marketing
• Lean Supply Chain
• Hoshing Planning
• SPC Statistical Process Control
• Root Cause Analysis
• Six Sigma
• FMEA Failure Modes & Effects Analysis
• ISO 9001
• Mistake Proofing - Poka Yoke
• Balanced Scorecard
• Design for Lean & Six Sigma
• Cost Accounting
• Capital Budgeting
• Competitive Intelligence
• Knowledge Management
• Job Design
• Outsourcing Strategy
• Supply Chain Strategy
• Strategic Management
• Project Management

Tools

• Lean Enterprise / Lean Manufacturing Assessment

There are over 500 forms, procedure templates, and other tools in the Member's Toolbox. The following is a partial list.

Finance Toolkit
Average Cost of Capital Calculator
Buyout Evaluation
Capital Budgeting Spreadsheet
Capital Structure Spreadsheet
Cash Flow Matrix
Cash Flow Model
Cash Gap Calculator
Cash Sensitivity Calculator
Comparable Performance Spreadsheet
Cost of Debt Calculator
Effective Rates Calculator
Financial Forecasting Model
Financial Projections Model
Free Cash Calculator
Inventory Policy Spreadsheet
IPO Timeline
Leverage Effects Calculator
Limited Buyout Valuation
Lockbox Location Strategy
NPV & IRR Calculator
Proforma Financial Example
Ratio Analysis Calculators
Synergy Measure
Time Value of Money Calculator
Valuation Model
Working Capital Calculator

Quality Toolkit
CAPA Procedure
Change Control Process
Control of Documents
Control of Non-Conforming Product (flowcharted)
Control of Records
Corrective & Preventive Action (Flowchartted)
Corrective Action Procedure
Discrepant Material Report Procedure
Document Control Procedure - 2
External Document Control
First Article Approval Procedure
First Article Inspection Procedure
Incoming Inspection (Flowchartted)
Inspection Procedure
Inspection Test Status Procedure
Internal Audit Procedure
Internal Audits Procedure - 2
Internal Corrective Action Request
Preventive Action Procedure
Product Traceability Procedure
Quality Audit Procedure
Quality Manual (ISO-9001 2000)
Quality Manual (Medical)
Statistical Process Control Procedure
Supplier Qualification Procedure
Supplier Qualification Procedure - 2
Supplier Qualification Procedure - 3
CAPA Form
Implementing ISO-9001:2000 for the first time
Introduction to SPC
ISO Demystified
NPI Material Movement and Inspection
Quality System Waiver Procedure
Quality System Waiver
Non-Conforming Material Report Form
Supplier Qualification Record
Control of Non-Conforming Product
Control of Records (visio)
Training Procedure
Supplier Monitoring Process #2
First Article Inspection Form
Certificate of Compliance
Workmanship Standard - Soldering
Calibration Process
Manufacturing QA Process
Non-Conforming Material Report Form
Corrective and Preventive Action Request
Statistical Process Control Procedure
ISO 9001:2000 Presentation

Materials Toolkit
Export Guidelines
Handling and Storage Procedure
Manufacturing Routings
Material Review Board - 2
Material Review Board Procedure (flowchartted)
Material Traceability Procedure
Procurement Procedure
Product Traceability Procedure
Production Planning Procedure 1
Purchasing Procedure
Purchasing Process (Flowchartted)
Receiving and Shipping Procedure
Receiving Procedure
Receiving Procedure (Flowchartted)
Repair Sales Order Tracking
Safety Controlled Part Procedure
Shipping Process (Flowchartted)
Sub Contract Design Procedure
Sub Contract Work Orders Procedure
Supplier Bid Acceptance
Supplier Corrective Action Request
Supplier Qualification Procedure
Supplier Qualification Procedure - 2
Supplier Qualification Procedure - 3
Traffic Procedure
Waste Manifest
Cost Reduction Atlas
Cost Reduction Fishbone
Cost Reduction Tracking Sheet
Economic Order Quantity Worksheet
Material Move Ticket
Material Substitution Request
Request to Outsource
Supplier Application
Supplier Qualification Record
Supply Request Form
Control of Non-Conforming Product
Production Planning Procedure 2
Cell Capacity Planning Worksheet
Capacity Model Worksheet
MRP Numbering Format Procedure
Exempt Use Certificate (Resale)
Supplier Questionnaire
Supplier Monitoring Process #2
Certificate of Compliance
Servicing of Customer Product
Materials ID, Traceability and Handling Procedure
Customer Owned Property Log

HR Toolkit
90 Day Review Form
Annual Review Form
Ergonomics Training
Leadership Training
Office Safety Training
HR Policy
Performance Review Procedure
Personnel Guidelines for Supervisors
Training Procedure
Writing Job Descriptions
OSHA Injury and Illness Forms
Employee Review Input Form
Ergonomics Assessment Form
Leader Selection Worksheet
Leadership Continuum Chart
OSHA Recordkeeping Requirements
Telephone Etiquette
Rules of Communication
Performance Based Wage Worksheet
Succession Planning Worksheet
Team Survey Worksheet
Gain Sharing Worksheet
Training Procedure
Ergonomic Program
Early Return to Work Program (Worker's Comp)
First Aid Report
Ergonomic Program
Office Ergonomics Evaluation Form

Safety Toolkit
Basic Safety Training
Confined Space Training
Chemical Shipping Training
Ergonomics Training
Electrical Safety Training
Effective Safety Training
Hazard Communication Training
Kaizen Training
Leadership Training
Lean Enterprise Training
Lockout / Tagout Training
Machine Guarding Training
Office Safety Training
One Piece Flow Presentation
OSHA Recordkeeping Highlights
OSHA Recordkeeping Presentation
Product Safety Compliance
Safety Controlled Part Procedure
Chemical Safety
Electrical Safety Program
Emergency Response Plan
Evacuation Program -2
Forklift Daily Check
Hazard Communication Procedure
Injury Illness Prevention Program
Laser Safety Program
Lift Truck Safety Program
Lockout Audit Form
Lockout Tagout Program - 2
OSHA Injury and Illness Forms
Personal Protective Equipment Procedure
Report of Unsafe Condition
Safety Inspection Worksheet
Six Sigma in Safety Metrics
Waste Manifest
Ergonomics Assessment Form
OSHA Recordkeeping Requirements
Chemical Safety Procedure
Electrical Safety Procedure
Emergency Response Plan
Ergonomic Program
Safety Inspection Checklist
Lockout-Tagout Program
First Aid Report
Confined Space Program
Confined Space Access Permit
Asbestos Operations and Maintenance Program
Chemical Safety (incl. Chem. Hygiene Plan)
Bloodborne Pathogens
Chemical Spill Response
Confined Space Program
Construction Safety
Electrical Safety Program (with checklists)
General Electrical Safety
Emergency Eyewashes and Deluge Showers
Ergonomic Program
General Fire/Life Safety
Fume Hood Certification
Hazardous Waste Disposal
Hearing Safety Program
Industrial, Maintenance and Construction Safety
Laser Safety Program
Lead Hazard Control Program
Machine Shop Safety Program
Machine Shop Checklist
Personal Protective Clothing
Pesticide Safety
Regulated Medical Waste
Respiratory Protection Program
Respiratory Protection Program
Safety Requirements for Contractors and Subcontractors
General Shop Safety
General Vehicle Safety
General Office Safety
General Safety
Personal Protective Equipment
Office Ergonomics Evaluation Form
Evacuation Program
First Aid Policy

Procedures Toolkit
Calibration Procedure
Calibration Procedure (2)
CAPA Procedure
Change Control Process
Contract Review
Control of Customer Property (Flowchartted)
Control of Documents
Control of Non-Conforming Product (flowcharted)
Control of Records
Corrective & Preventive Action (Flowchartted)
Corrective Action Procedure
Custom Products Contract Review
Customer Contract Acceptance
Customer Order Acceptance
Customer Service Call Handling
Customer Training Procedure
Data and Documentation Security (Flowchartted)
Design Process Procedure
Design Quality Plans
Design Review Handbook
Design Reviews Procedure
Design Standards Procedure
Discrepant Material Report Procedure
Document Control Procedure - 2
Drafting Standards Procedure
ECN Procedure
Electrical Design Standards Procedure
Engineering Change Orders Procedure
Engineering Notebook Procedure w/ Invention Disclosure Form
ESD Procedure
Export Guidelines
External Document Control
Financial and Accounting Policies
Firmware Vaulting
First Article Approval Procedure
First Article Inspection Procedure
Foreign Visitors Procedure
Handling and Storage Procedure
HR Policy
Incoming Inspection (Flowchartted)
Inspection Procedure
Inspection Test Status Procedure
Interchangeability Rules and Document Control
Internal Audit Procedure
Internal Audits Procedure - 2
Internal Corrective Action Request
Lean and Agile Enterprise Guideline
Manufacturing Routings
Material Review Board - 2
Material Review Board Procedure (flowchartted)
Material Traceability Procedure
Mechanical Design Standards Procedure
New Production Introduction Process
NPI Document & Data Control
On Site Field Service Procedure
Optical Design Standards Procedure
Part Numbering & Configuration
Performance Review Procedure
Personnel Guidelines for Supervisors
Planning BOM Management
Preventive Action Procedure
Price List Control
Process Control Procedure
Procurement Procedure
Product Calibration Procedure
Product Development Process
Product Safety Compliance
Product Traceability Procedure
Production Planning Procedure 1
Production Stop Procedure
Proposal, Order, Invoicing
Purchasing Procedure
Purchasing Process (Flowchartted)
Quality Audit Procedure
Quality Manual (ISO-9001 2000)
Quality Manual (Medical)
Receiving and Shipping Procedure
Receiving Procedure
Receiving Procedure (Flowchartted)
Repair Sales Order Tracking
Safety Controlled Part Procedure
Service Parts Pricing Procedure
Servicing of Customer Equipment
Shipping Process (Flowchartted)
Software Configuration Management
Software Control System Procedure
Software Vaulting and Retrieval
Statistical Process Control Procedure
Sub Contract Design Procedure
Sub Contract Work Orders Procedure
Supplier Bid Acceptance
Supplier Corrective Action Request
Supplier Qualification Procedure
Supplier Qualification Procedure - 2
Supplier Qualification Procedure - 3
Traffic Procedure
Training Procedure
Travel & Expense Policy
Travel Expense Policy
Visual Basic Coding Standards
Visual C++ Coding Standards
Work Instructions and Forms Control
Workmanship Standards
Writing Job Descriptions
Production Planning Procedure 2
Control of Records (visio)
Training Procedure
Preventative Maintenance Process
Chemical Safety Procedure
Electrical Safety Procedure
Ermergency Response Plan
Ergonomic Program
Safety Inspection Checklist
Lockout-Tagout Procedure
5-S Process
MRP Numbering Format Procedure
Supplier Monitoring Process #2
Servicing of Customer Product
Workmanship Standard - Soldering
Materials ID, Traceability and Handling Procedure
Calibration Process
Manufacturing QA Process
Statistical Process Control Procedure
Early Return to Work Program (Worker's Comp)
Confined Space Program
Chemical Spill Response
Laser Safety Program
Safety Requirements for Contractors and Subcontractors
General Shop Safety
General Office Safety
General Safety
Evacuation Program
NPI Process Procedure

Engineering Toolkit
Design Process Procedure
Design Quality Plans
Design Review Handbook
Design Reviews Procedure
Design Standards Procedure
Drafting Standards Procedure
ECN Procedure
Electrical Design Standards Procedure
Engineering Change Orders Procedure
Engineering Notebook Procedure w/ Invention Disclosure Form
Firmware Vaulting
Interchangeability Rules and Document Control
Mechanical Design Standards Procedure
New Production Introduction Process
NPI Document & Data Control
Optical Design Standards Procedure
Planning BOM Management
Product Development Process
Software Configuration Management
Software Control System Procedure
Software Vaulting and Retrieval
Sub Contract Design Procedure
Visual Basic Coding Standards
Visual C++ Coding Standards
Design Review Template
DFMA Analysis Worksheet
Engineering Work Request Form
NPI Material Movement and Inspection
Phase Checkoff Form
Risk Probability Analysis Example
Beam Profile Calculator
NPI Process Procedure
NPI -Gate Deliverables Form

Marketing Toolkit
Contract Review
Custom Products Contract Review
Customer Contract Acceptance
Customer Order Acceptance
Customer Service Call Handling
Customer Training Procedure
On Site Field Service Procedure
Price List Control
Proposal, Order, Invoicing
Service Parts Pricing Procedure
Servicing of Customer Equipment
Professional Services Agreement
Proposal and Quotation
Non-Disclosure Agreement
Product Sales Release Form

Six Sigma Toolkit
Cause-Effect Matrix
Control Plan
Critical to Quality Characteristics
Data Collection Plan
Design FMEA Template
Detection Matrix
DOE 2x2 Design
DOE 2x3 Design
DPMO Calculator
DPMO - Sigma - CpK Conversion
Failure Occurence Matrix
Failure Severity Matrix
Fishbone Diagram
Five Forces Model Analysis
FMEA Information
Function Deployment Matrix
Gage Control Plan
Economic Order Quantity Worksheet
House of Quality Form
PPM Calculator
Process Analysis Worksheet
Process Output Variable Capability Sheet
Process-Product FMEA Form
Project Action Plan
Risk Assessment Form
Rolled Throughput Yield Calculator
Root Cause Analysis Timeline
Root Cause Brainstorm Form
Sigma Level Calculator
SIPOC Worksheet
Sigma PM Plan
Six Sigma Process Control Plan
Six Sigma Project Template
Six Sigma Project Timeline
Solution Evaluation Form
X-Y Measure Relationships
Z Table

ESD Toolkit
ESD Control Program for Protection of Electrical and Electronic Parts, Assemblies, and Equipment
ESD Control Handbook for Protection of Electrical and Electronic Parts, Assemblies, and Equipment
Workstation, ESD Control
Marking for Shipment and Storage
Protection of Electrical and Electronic Parts, Assemblies and Equipment
Requirements for Wrist Strap, Electrostatic Discharge
ESD Control Program
Reporting Results of ESD Sensitivity Tests
Handling Procedures for ESD Sensitive Items
Monthly ESD Checklist
Introduction ESD Control Program
ESD Standards and Specifications
Conducting ESD Audits
Controlling ESD in Flooring
ESD Basics
ESD Facility Survey
ESD Glossary
ESD Overview
ESD Protected Area
Graphics Folder

Biosafety Toolkit
Chemical Safety Checklist
Biosafety Level 2 Safety Checklist
Biosafety Level 3 Safety Checklist
Biological and Radiological Safety Checklist
Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Incident Report
Biological Spill Inside Biological Safety Cabinet
Biological Spill Inside Lab and Outside Biological Safety Cabinet
Biological Spill Outside Lab, During Transportation
Biological Spill Inside Centrifuge
Spill of Corrosive Materials
Spill of Flammable Solvents
Spill of Toxic Material
First Aid Report
Hazardous Materials Exposure Report
Hazardous Waste Label (sample)
Regulated Waste Management Tree
Radioactive Nonreportable Spill
Radioactive Reportable Minor Spill
Radioactive Reportable Major Spill
Shipper's Declaration (sample)
Training Documentation Form
Biosafety for Laboratory Workers
Chemical Spill
Hazardous Waste
Pesticide Safety
Regulated Medical Waste

Videos

• Life in a Workcell
• Batchin'
• What is Lean?
• The Lean System
• 5S Workplace Organization
• Visual Controls
• Lean Accounting
• Quick and Easy Kaizen
• Human Side of Manufacturing
• Shigeo Shingo