Capacity, flow & constraints · Working
Touch time
Also called: active processing time
ELI5
Time during which a person or machine actively works on an item.
Used in conversation
“How are we defining touch time in this deck?”
Pitch context
You will see “Touch time” in operating plans, procurement packs, supplier reviews and supply-chain reports when the discussion reaches capacity, flow & constraints.
Why it matters: In capacity, flow & constraints, the definition can change ownership, capacity, process, cost or safety decisions.
Sources & evidence · 3
Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Productivity programmeDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Acquisition.gov — Federal Acquisition Regulation Part 15 — Contracting by NegotiationSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- UK Government — Groceries Supply Code of PracticeSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16