Turnaround time (TAT)

Turnaround time (TAT) is the time interval from the time of submission of a process to the time of the completion of the process. It can also be considered as the sum of the time periods spent waiting to get into memory or ready queue, execution on CPU and executing input/output. Turnaround time is an important metric in evaluating the scheduling algorithms of an operating system.

turn around time (tat)

What is Turn Around Time (TAT)?

Turnaround time (TAT) is the time taken to complete a process. It is measured as the duration between an order request and the task completion (execution). It sapplies to any process, task, operation, or activity but is usually used in manufacturing, computing, or logistics.

Many businesses use TAT to assess how fast they can serve their customers. Thus, firms aim for more work done in minimum TAT—customers also want the same thing. Thus, TAT directly correlates with customer satisfaction, market retention, and brand perception.

To reduce TAT, companies strategize and implement various ideas and tools. In computing, the firm attempts new algorithms.

The term is confused with other similar metrics—lead time, waiting time, etc. Each industry has different terminology. For example, in manufacturing, TAT refers to the time taken for maintenance, upgrade, and fixation. On the other hand, in the context of computing, TAT refers to the duration between submission and the output (result). TAT refers to the duration between order submission and order fulfillment in logistics.

Formula

The turnaround time formula is as follows:

Turnaround Time = Completion Time – Arrival Time

Alternatively, it is also calculated as follows:

TAT = Burst Time + Waiting Time

Example

Let us assume that arrival and completion data (in hours) for a process is as follows:

  • P1 (arrival time = 2, completion time = 3)
  • P2 (arrival time = 4, completion time = 6)
  • P3 (arrival time = 6, completion time = 9)
  • P4 (arrival time = 9, completion time = 11)

Here, P represents the process.

Now, according to the formula,

  • TAT = Completion Time – Arrival Time

We apply the formula and deduce values for each process.

  • P1 = 1
  • P2 = 2
  • P3 = 3
  • P4 = 2

Therefore, we get the following collaborative TAT:

  • Collaborative TAT = P1 + P2 + P3 + P4 (1 + 2 + 3 + 2)
  • Collaborative TAT = 8

Now the average TAT is computed as follows:

  • Average TAT = (P1 + P2 + P3 + P4) /4
  • Average TAT = 8/4 = 2

Thus, the turnaround time is 8 hours, whereas the average turnaround time is 2 hours.

Importance

The importance of turnaround time is as follows:

  • In business, time is often equated with money; the longer the process, the larger the monetary expenditure. In that context, a shorter TAT directly results in increased profits.
  • Services with less TAT help create goodwill and trust among consumers. Customers dislike waiting for long periods.  
  • A business that encounters a longer TAT struggles to survive in a competitive market.
  • To improve TAT, businesses cut unnecessary steps and reduce communication. Simultaneously, these measures also end up cutting costs. 

What is Waiting Time (WT)?

  • WT refers to the total time that a process spends while waiting in a ready queue before reaching the CPU.
  • The difference between (time) of the turn around and burst time is known as the waiting time of a process.

BT (Burst Time) – It is the total time that a process requires for its overall execution.

Thus, TAT – BT = WT

Now, we can also easily calculate the Turn Around Time using the Burst Time and the Waiting Time.

Here, BT + WT = TAT

Turnaround Time And Waiting Time

  • Turnaround time (TAT) is the duration between a process leaving the queue and getting completed. On the other hand, waiting time refers to the total time. Waiting time also includes the time spent in the queue.
  • TAT affects the speed of the output device or channel. In contrast, waiting time does not affect the output speed.
  • For the same process, an algorithm can produce multiple TATs. In contrast, algorithms cannot alter the waiting time.

Turnaround Time vs Lead Time vs Throughput

  • Turnaround time (TAT) defines a job’s total amount of time. On the other hand, the lead time is the gap between the order placement and delivery. In contrast, throughput is a data processing unit.
  • The turnaround and the lead are measured in time units. On the contrary, throughput is the rate at which a company can offer services or manufacture products.
  • A company will always seek to improve its turnaround and lead time by reducing it. On the other hand, businesses try to increase their throughput.
  • When a business reduces TAT or lead times, customers are happier (they have to wait less). In comparison, when a business increases throughput, it generates more revenue.

FAQs

How to calculate the average turnaround time?

there are five processes. First, TAT for each process is calculated. Then, the individual TATs are summed up and divided by the frequency of the complete process.

How to improve turnaround time?

TAT can be improved by taking these measures:
– Plan ahead.
– Work on post-TAT reporting.
– Induce better communication and transparency.
– Make quick management decisions during the turnaround.
– Vertical integration.

What is the turnaround time for shipping?

TAT is referred to as vessel turnaround time (VTT) in shipping. VTT is the duration between a vessel’s arrival and departure (from a port). Thus, VTT measures the time a vessel spends at a particular port. TAT is the time between placing an order and package delivery.

Practice area's of B K Goyal & Co LLP

Company Registration Services in major cities of India

Complete CA Services

RERA Services

Most read resources