CPIM Practice Exam

Which type of time is primarily concerned with operational efficiency?

1. Setup time

2. Run time

3. Wait time

4. Move time

The correct answer is: Run time

Run time is primarily concerned with operational efficiency because it is the time during which a machine or process is actively engaged in producing goods or services. This measure is critical for identifying how effectively resources are being utilized within manufacturing or operation processes. By analyzing run time, organizations can determine the actual output relative to the desired output and find opportunities for improving production efficiency, optimizing workflows, and reducing waste. In contrast, other times such as setup time refers to the period required to prepare a machine or process for production, wait time indicates periods when resources are not being actively used due to delays or bottlenecks, and move time involves the duration spent moving materials between processes. While all these types of time can impact overall operational efficiency, run time explicitly reflects the performance of active production, making it the key focus for evaluating and enhancing operational effectiveness.