Cycle Time is defined as:

Cycle Time is defined as the total time spent creating a product or service, from the initial step of the process to the completion stage. This includes every aspect of the production process, such as processing time, waiting time, and any delays. Understanding Cycle Time is crucial in Lean IT as it impacts efficiency, capacity planning, and delivery timelines. By measuring the total time from start to finish, organizations can identify bottlenecks and areas for improvement, allowing for more streamlined operations and better resource allocation.

In contrast, other definitions address specific aspects of the process rather than the holistic view that Cycle Time represents. For instance, focusing solely on waiting time between processes captures only a fraction of the overall timeline and does not account for productive work. Similarly, considering only a single step in manufacturing misses the entirety of the production cycle. The maximum time allowed for production pertains more to manufacturing constraints rather than reflecting the actual time taken to complete a product or service from start to finish.