In the context of process metrics, what does increased lead time typically indicate?

Increased lead time typically indicates potential delays and inefficiencies within a process. Lead time refers to the total time taken from the initiation of a process until its completion. When lead time rises, it often signifies that there are bottlenecks, obstacles, or other factors slowing down the workflow.

This increase may stem from various causes, such as poor resource allocation, ineffective communication, delay in material supply, or lengthy approval processes. These delays typically hinder the overall performance of the process, suggesting that improvements are needed to streamline operations and enhance productivity.

In contrast, efficient processes should ideally aim to reduce lead times, thereby ensuring quicker delivery of products or services and better responsiveness to customer needs. Therefore, recognizing increased lead time as an indication of potential issues allows organizations to investigate and identify areas for improvement.