Define lead time and cycle time; how do they differ in a manufacturing process?

• A. Lead time is total time from order placement to delivery; cycle time is the time to complete a single unit or batch through the process.
• B. Lead time is the time to complete a unit; cycle time is the time from order placement to delivery.
• C. Lead time equals cycle time.
• D. Lead time is processing time only.

Answer: (A)