Conveyors calculator
Starved and Blocked Time Calculator
Use this calculator when a conveyorized line is not running but the root cause is flow, not the machine itself. It helps separate upstream starvation and downstream blockage from equipment downtime.
What this calculator does
- Calculate the percentage of observed line time lost because equipment was starved for product or blocked downstream.
- a line performance team needs to quantify flow losses between machines
- The result shows the share of observed time lost to flow starvation or downstream blockage.
Formula used
- Starved/blocked time = starved or blocked minutes ÷ total observed minutes × 100
- Gap to target = target flow-loss time − actual flow-loss time
Inputs explained
- Starved or blocked minutes: Count time waiting for upstream product or unable to discharge downstream.
- Total observed line minutes: Use the same observation period as the starved/blocked minutes.
- Maximum acceptable flow-loss time: Use the flow-loss target from the improvement project or line standard.
How to use the result
- Use it when OEE is low but the machine is waiting on material flow rather than failing mechanically.
- It does not identify the exact upstream or downstream cause; pair it with time-stamped state data or observations.
Common questions
- What is Starved/Blocked Time for? Calculate the percentage of observed line time lost because equipment was starved for product or blocked downstream.
- What information do I need before using it? You need starved/blocked minutes, total observed minutes, and a target maximum flow-loss percentage.
- When is the result only an estimate? The result is only valid when starved/blocked time is classified consistently during the same observation window.
- How can I use the result on the line? Use the percentage to decide whether to add buffer, fix transfers, adjust speeds, or focus on upstream/downstream reliability.
Last reviewed 2026-05-12.