What is 'Wait Time' in a work process?

In the context of a work process, 'Wait Time' refers to the period during which a task is idly waiting in a queue before any work is actually started on it. This time can occur due to various reasons such as resource availability, prioritization of tasks, or process bottlenecks. Understanding wait time is crucial for process optimization as it highlights potential inefficiencies where work is stalled, delaying overall delivery.

Identifying and analyzing wait time helps organizations pinpoint where improvements can be made to streamline operations, enhancing workflow efficiency and reducing cycle times. It allows teams to focus on reducing queues and improving resource allocation, ultimately facilitating more timely service delivery and higher productivity.

This definition aligns with the concept of wait time as it emphasizes the focus on the time tasks spend in a queue rather than other aspects like total task duration, active task execution, or specific workflow steps.