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Lead Time

Lead time is the total duration from placing a purchase order until inventory becomes available for sale, including production, transit, and receiving processes.

Why It Matters

  • Determines how long capital stays locked before generating revenue.
  • Limits how many inventory cycles are possible within a year.
  • Affects replenishment decisions and safety stock requirements.
  • Longer lead times reduce the flexibility to react to changes in demand.

Connection to Capital

Longer lead times increase capital lock, lower capital efficiency, and reduce annualized return.

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