Throughput Time The delay between receipt of raw materials and the availability of the finished goods produced from is throughput time The concept applies also to single components of the supply chain, example, we speak of the TPT for the plant or distribution center. For the whole system, TPT should be as short as possible. Consumers prefer to obtain goods or services in the shortest possible time. If TPTs are long, it is more likely that the customer's requirements will change The longer an order for material stays in the plant, the larger the work-in-process inventory will be, the larger the storage area required, and the more likely the material wil be damaged, lost, or stolen 4 6