How Do I Compare Planned and Actual Production Times?
To compare planned and actual production times, set a standard time for each operation, record the actual time spent per order and operation and calculate the variance to see where estimates and reality differ.
In Jestor, standard times, actual records and variances are linked to orders, operations and products.
Why compare planned and actual times?
Production plans and quotes rely on time estimates. If they are wrong, plans fail and margins shrink.
Without actual times, the factory cannot tell whether estimates are realistic.
Improvement efforts lack a clear measure.
What problems does time comparison solve?
- Unrealistic production plans
- Quotes based on wrong times
- Hidden inefficiencies
- No measure of improvement
- Delivery dates missed
How do I compare production times in Jestor?
- Set standard times per operation and product.
- Record actual start and end per order and operation.
- Calculate actual time and variance with formula fields.
- Highlight operations with large variance.
- Review dashboards by product, operation and operator.
| Field | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Standard time | Planned duration |
| Actual time | Real duration |
| Variance | Difference in minutes or percent |
| Reason | Explanation for large variances |
How do I use the comparison?
Update standard times where actual times are consistently different.
Investigate operations with high variability, which often hide process problems.
Why use Jestor for production times?
- Standard times: planned durations per operation.
- Actual records: times captured on the floor.
- Variance formulas: differences calculated automatically.
- Better quotes: accurate times feed pricing.
What else helps you compare planned and actual production times?
- Linking variance reasons, such as missing materials or setup issues, connects time data with the real causes of delay.
- Comparing operators or shifts should be done carefully. Differences may come from product mix, machine condition or material quality rather than individual performance.
- The goal is to improve the process and the estimates.
- Sharing results with the team helps everyone understand where time is lost.
- Small improvements in frequent operations often bring the biggest gains.
- Revisiting standards every few months keeps plans realistic as processes and teams evolve.
This is how you compare planned and actual production times and plan more accurately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can operators record start and end times on a tablet?
Yes. Jestor works on tablets and phones.
Can I get free help setting this up?
Yes. Talk to the Jestor team at jestor.com.
Can I update standard times from actual data?
Yes. Dashboards show average actual times to update standards.
Get to know Jestor
With Jestor, you can automate workflows, connect teams, and build internal systems your way — all without code and powered by AI.
Discover Jestor at jestor.com and see how to take your company's operations to a new level of efficiency and control.