A lead time chart is a tool used in project management to show how long it takes from the beginning to the end of a project or process. It helps find slowdowns and bottlenecks in a project or process and optimize the workflow to make it more efficient and productive.
Usually, a lead time chart has the following parts:
Tasks or activities: The chart shows the order in which all the tasks or activities that need to be done to finish the job or process are done.
Time: The chart shows the amount of time, usually in days, weeks, or months, needed to finish each job or action.
Dependencies: The chart shows what tasks or activities depend on each other, like when one job can’t start until another is done.
Lead time: The lead time is the total amount of time it takes from the beginning of the first task to the end of the last job to finish the project or process.
Work in progress (WIP) is the amount of work that is currently being done. This number can be used to find bottlenecks and delays.
You can make a lead time plan with tools like Gantt charts, flowcharts, and Kanban boards. During the project or process, the chart can be changed and updated as needed to represent any changes or tweaks to the routine. By looking at a lead time chart, project managers can get a better idea of how long it will take to finish a project or process and make decisions that will improve efficiency and shorten lead times.
Key Points
– Lead time is the overall amount of time it takes to execute a work or project, beginning with its inception and ending with its completion.
– The lead time chart shows how long it takes for each stage or activity in a project to complete.
– It aids in knowing how much time each activity requires and how they relate to one another throughout the project.
– It’s usually a visual depiction, such as a Gantt chart or timeline, that shows when tasks begin and conclude.
– This chart assists project managers with scheduling and planning, ensuring that activities are done within the periods specified.
– It also aids in the identification of bottlenecks or delays in the project workflow.
It is used in the following Project Performance Domains.
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