Which term refers to the time taken from the beginning to the end of a process?

The term that refers to the time taken from the beginning to the end of a process is lead time. Lead time encompasses the entire duration required to complete a process, starting from the initiation phase until the final output is delivered. This metric is crucial in business process management as it helps organizations assess efficiency, identify bottlenecks, and improve overall process performance. Understanding lead time is vital for meeting customer demands promptly and ensuring satisfactory service delivery.

The other terms listed do not relate to the overall duration of a process. Product launch variance refers to the differences in expected outcomes versus actual results when launching a new product. Market share describes the portion of a market controlled by a particular company or product, indicating competitive performance rather than process duration. Inventory supply days pertains to the measurement of how long inventory is held before it is sold or used, which is a different concept altogether. Hence, lead time is the appropriate and relevant term for defining the time taken from the beginning to the end of a process.