CPIM Practice Exam

What does run time measure in a manufacturing environment?

1. The duration of time required to process materials

2. The time spent waiting for job completion

3. The time taken to setup a machine

4. The time needed for transit between operations

The correct answer is: The duration of time required to process materials

Run time in a manufacturing environment specifically refers to the duration of time required to process materials during production. This includes the actual time when machines are actively transforming raw materials into finished products. It captures the efficiency of the production process, reflecting how long a particular operation takes to complete once it has started. In contrast, the other options represent different aspects of the production cycle that do not fall under the definition of run time. The time spent waiting for job completion pertains to idle time, which impacts overall efficiency but is not considered part of run time. Setting up a machine involves preparations that occur before actual processing begins, which are categorized as setup time. Similarly, the time needed for transit between operations relates to the movement of materials or products and does not pertain to processing time itself. Therefore, run time is distinctly focused on the active processing phase in production.