Glossary
What Is Lead Time? Definition for Manufacturing Buyers
Lead time is the elapsed time between the start and completion of a process. In manufacturing it can include order preparation, queue, setup, run, move, inspection and putaway time.
Lead time is the elapsed time between the start and completion of a process. In manufacturing it may include order preparation, queue, setup, run, move, inspection and putaway time, while purchased-item lead time is often tracked separately. It is measured in workdays or calendar days, so the quotation or planning system must define the calendar.
What is lead time, explained
Lead time is the elapsed time from process start to completion. It is not the same as cycle time, which commonly describes processing duration only.
Example: a machined bracket sits in a queue, is set up, run, moved and inspected. The total elapsed time across those steps is the manufacturing lead time.
Typical lead time values and variants
| Variant | Typical range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing lead time | Workdays or calendar days; order-specific | Oracle and IFS documentation |
| Processing lead time | Days required to make or buy an item | Oracle Manufacturing |
| Cumulative manufacturing lead time | Total multilevel production time | Oracle Manufacturing |
| Supplier manufacturing lead time | Need recognition to supplier shipment readiness | IFS documentation |
How lead time is used in manufacturing
Lead time drives planning. Buyers use it to set order dates, schedule production and size replenishment buffers.
- Calculate manufacturing lead time from work-center and routing times.
- Calculate cumulative lead time through multilevel components.
- Use supplier quoted lead time from order acknowledgment to shipment.
Related terms
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FAQ
Common questions
What is manufacturing lead time?
Manufacturing lead time is the work time needed to complete an item through manufacturing activities, often assuming purchased inputs are available. It reflects setup, run, queue, move and inspection activities, and is calculated from work-center and routing times.
Are lead times calendar days or workdays?
Either can apply. The quotation or planning system must define the calendar, because a 10-day lead time means different dates on a workday calendar than on a calendar-day basis.
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