How to Calculate Throughput
What is Throughput?
Measures the rate at which a process produces output (units per hour/day). Indicates production efficiency and constraint locations.
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1Record units completed in time period
- 2Account for downtime and changeovers
- 3Divide total units by total time available
- 4Track over time and by shift
- 5Identify bottlenecks
Worked Examples
Input
100 parts/8hrs
Result
12.5 parts/hr
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✕Not accounting for quality in throughput (counting defects)
- ✕Ignoring equipment downtime impact
Frequently Asked Questions
What's good throughput?
Varies by process; track trends to ensure improvement; 5-10% annual gains typical with optimization.
How do I increase throughput?
Remove bottlenecks, improve equipment, better scheduling, reduce waste, and improve worker training.
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