CPIM Practice Exam

How is wait time defined in a production setting?

1. The time a job waits to be set up

2. The period a job remains after an operation until the next task

3. The total duration for a job to be completed

4. The time a job spends in the queue

The correct answer is: The period a job remains after an operation until the next task

In a production setting, wait time represents the period a job remains after completing one operation until it starts the next task. This downtime is critical to understanding workflow efficiency since it can highlight bottlenecks or delays in the production process. Effective management of wait time can lead to improved throughput and overall operational efficiency, as it minimizes idle periods that can affect productivity. The other options focus on different aspects of time within a production environment. For instance, the time for setup relates to the preparation needed before starting a job, while the total duration for a job’s completion encompasses all times associated with setup, processing, and wait. The time a job spends in the queue pertains to the wait before it begins processing at a specific operation, but wait time specifically refers to the interval between successive operations, making the second option the most accurate definition.