Which term best describes the total time from start to finish of a process?

The term that best describes the total time from start to finish of a process is cycle time. Cycle time encompasses the entire duration that a single unit takes to move through a process from the beginning to the end, including all steps and delays. It measures how efficiently a process operates and is crucial for identifying areas for improvement.

Lead time typically refers to the time between the commencement of an order and its fulfillment, often considering aspects such as waiting for materials. Processing time is more specific and pertains to the actual time taken to perform tasks on a unit during the production. Response time generally measures how quickly a system reacts to a request or demand, which may not cover the full scope of a process from beginning to end.

Cycle time, therefore, provides an overall view of process efficiency, making it the most appropriate term for describing the total duration from the start to the finish of a process. Understanding this concept helps businesses optimize their operations by analyzing and reducing cycle time to enhance productivity and customer satisfaction.