Changeover Time
Changeover time is the elapsed time required to switch equipment or a production process from one product, format, batch, or operating condition to another.
What this term means in maintenance
Changeover time is the elapsed time required to switch equipment or a production process from one product, format, batch, or operating condition to another.
What changeover may include
Activities may include:
- Cleaning
- Tool change
- Part replacement
- Adjustment
- Recipe change
- Material change
- Inspection
- Trial production
- Quality approval
Practical example
A packaging line changes from one bottle size to another in 45 minutes.
Start and end points
The organization should define whether timing runs from last good product to first good product.
Maintenance contribution
Equipment design, quick-release parts, standard settings, and tool condition affect changeover.
Common mistake
Measuring only mechanical adjustment while excluding cleaning and first-good-product approval understates the full changeover.
How this term differs
Changeover Time is the full time to switch from one product, format, batch, or condition to another. It is related to Single-Minute Exchange of Die and Setup Time, but these terms describe different records, measures, roles, strategies, or decisions and should not be used interchangeably.
Related concepts
Related maintenance terms
Keep exploring connected CMMS, reliability, and maintenance planning terms.
Setup Time
Setup time is the time required to prepare equipment, tools, materials, settings, and controls before production or maintenance activity begins.
Single-Minute Exchange of Die
Single-Minute Exchange of Die, or SMED, is a structured method for reducing equipment setup and changeover time.
Planned Downtime
Planned downtime is an approved period when equipment is intentionally unavailable for maintenance, inspection, setup, modification, cleaning, or other scheduled work.
Changeover Time FAQs
- What is changeover time?
The time required to switch equipment from one product, format, batch, or condition to another.
- What start and end points are common?
From last good product of the old run to first good product of the new run.
- How can maintenance reduce changeover?
Improve equipment condition, fixtures, access, quick-release parts, guides, and adjustment mechanisms.