Definition
Downtime is the period during which a process, machine or system is unable to perform its intended function due to planned or unplanned interruption.
Human Explanation
Downtime represents lost operating time caused by failures, maintenance, changeovers, shortages or other interruptions.
Why it Matters
Understanding downtime helps improve availability, reliability, planning and overall system performance.
Conceptual Boundary
Not all downtime is undesirable. Planned maintenance may reduce unplanned failures and improve long-term performance.
Practical Perspective
Reducing downtime should focus on eliminating its underlying causes rather than simply restarting operations more quickly.
Related Concepts
Related INGENS Resources
Performance EngineeringDesign of measurement logic that connects operational results, losses and decisions.Operational DiagnosticsEvidence-led examination of process behaviour, losses, variation, constraints and decision gaps.Industrial Problem MapOperational situations involving unstable processes, weak results and recurring losses.