What is Idle Time?
Idle time refers to the period during which resources such as employees, equipment, or machinery are not engaged in productive activities. This downtime can occur due to various factors like machine breakdowns, lack of orders, or waiting for materials to arrive.
Examples of Idle Time
- Equipment breakdowns
- Waiting for materials
- Employee unproductivity
Case Studies
In a manufacturing plant, idle time due to machine breakdowns resulted in a 20% decrease in production output. By implementing preventive maintenance practices, the company was able to reduce idle time and improve overall efficiency.
Implications of Idle Time
Idle time can lead to decreased productivity, increased costs, and missed opportunities. By effectively managing idle time, businesses can optimize their resources and improve overall performance.
Statistics
A study found that idle time accounts for an average of 5-10% of total production time in manufacturing industries. This highlights the importance of addressing idle time to enhance operational efficiency.
