1. What is Lead Time?

Lead time is the amount of time that passes from the start of a process until its completion. In business, it often refers to the time between placing an order and receiving it.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the lead time formula:

Where:

• \( end \) — Completion date
• \( start \) — Start date
• \( non\_working\_days \) — Days when work doesn't occur (weekends, holidays, etc.)

Explanation: The formula calculates the total calendar days between two dates, then subtracts any non-working days to get the actual working days.

3. Importance of Lead Time Calculation

Details: Accurate lead time calculation helps in project planning, inventory management, and setting realistic customer expectations.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the start and end dates in YYYY-MM-DD format, and specify any non-working days (weekends, holidays, etc.). The end date must be after the start date.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the difference between lead time and cycle time?
A: Lead time measures the total time from request to delivery, while cycle time measures the time spent actually working on the item.

Q2: Should I include weekends in non-working days?
A: Yes, unless your organization works weekends. The calculator lets you specify all non-working days.

Q3: How precise is this calculation?
A: It provides calendar day precision. For hour-level precision, you'd need a more detailed calculator.

Q4: Can I use this for project management?
A: Yes, it's useful for estimating task durations, but consider also using project management software for complex projects.

Q5: What if my non-working days vary?
A: You may need to calculate periods separately or use an average value for non-working days.