What does variation in any mass production industry affect?

Variation in any mass production industry primarily affects cycle time because inconsistencies in processes or materials can lead to delays. When a production line experiences variation, it can slow down the flow of work, as adjustments must be made to accommodate these inconsistencies. This can result in increased idle time, extended processing times, and ultimately lengthened cycle times, which is the total time taken to complete one cycle of production from start to finish.

While overall efficiency, quality control, and cost of goods sold can indeed be impacted by variation, their direct correlation to cycle time is crucial because cycle time is a key metric in evaluating process performance in mass production. If cycle time is extended due to variation, it can lead to reduced output, which can, in turn, affect efficiency and costs.