Module 7 · Lesson 12 of 24
Little’s Law and process-cycle efficiency
Learning objectives
- Explain the purpose of little's law and process-cycle efficiency in garment operations.
- Describe when and how to apply little's law and process-cycle efficiency on the shop floor.
- Identify common mistakes and how to avoid them.
Core idea
In a stable system, WIP = throughput x lead time; process-cycle efficiency = value-added time / total lead time x 100%.
Method
Use the same system boundary, period, and units; validate approximate stability; reduce queues and retest. Do not use the equation as exact during major demand/backlog change.
Garment-factory example
1,200 garments WIP / 600 garments per day = 2 days average lead time; 80 minutes value-added over 1,200 minutes elapsed = 6.7% PCE.
Method
- Use the same system boundary, period, and units;
- validate approximate stability;
- reduce queues and retest
Common mistakes
- Do not use the equation as exact during major demand/backlog change
Knowledge check
Pick one answer per question. Explanations appear after you submit.
1. Which statement best captures the core idea of Little's Law and process-cycle efficiency?
2. A common mistake when applying little's law and process-cycle efficiency is to:
Author: Sanjeewa Dehiwalage · Last reviewed: 2026-07-21