Lean Manufacturing & Operations worked example

Pitch Time with takt time per unit of 1 min/unit: a worked example

This worked example runs the pitch time numbers for a tougher week than the baseline: takt time per unit of 1 min/unit instead of the typical 2 min/unit. Calculate pitch time by multiplying takt time by pack-out quantity (units per container) to set the production release interval.

The inputs for this scenario

  • Takt time per unit: 1 min/unit (the input this scenario stresses; the baseline uses 2)
  • Container pack-out quantity: 10 units/container (held at the documented default)
  • Pitch adjustment factor: 1 x (held at the documented default)

Working through the calculation

  • The calculation starts from the formula this tool documents: Pitch = Takt Time x Pack-Out Quantity x Adjustment Factor.
  • Pitch time (minutes per container) works out to 10 min at these inputs, and this is the headline figure for the scenario.
  • Base product works out to 10 value at these inputs.
  • Multiplier works out to 1 x at these inputs.
  • Factor A x B works out to 10 value at these inputs.

How this compares with the baseline

  • Against the tool's baseline example, where takt time per unit sits at 2 min/unit and the headline result is 20 min, this scenario comes in 50% below the baseline at 10 min.
  • Use it when designing a leveled pull system, sizing heijunka time slots, or setting material handler route frequency. A result at this level usually justifies acting on the stressed input before touching anything else, because every other figure in the table is downstream of it.

Results at a glance

  • Pitch time (minutes per container): 10 min (headline result)
  • Base product: 10 value
  • Multiplier: 1 x
  • Factor A x B: 10 value

Run it with your numbers

  • To rerun this with your own numbers, open the live Pitch Time calculator, set takt time per unit to your actual value, and adjust the remaining inputs to match your operation.

Last reviewed 2026-05-12.