Glossary
Setup time
The time to prepare equipment before a run can start.
Technical definition
The non-productive time to configure, tool, and validate a machine before production, a major component of changeover.
Manufacturing example
Loading and calibrating a die before a run is setup time.
Common misconception
Setup time is not always internal; some setup can be done while the machine still runs the prior job (external setup).
Why it matters operationally
Reducing and externalizing setup directly increases available capacity.
Related terms
Put setup time to work
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