Expert: Aaron Overbeek - 4/29/2009

Question
Hi Aaron

    I am trying to do a Takt vs Cycle Time graph for the first time, and have no idea of how to do this.  I tried in Excel but if I have a bar graph, how would I do the line for the takt time, then I remember Minitab and maybe here they have something for this.   I want the graph to stack different operation for 3 differnet stations, and the operation will be different in each of the stations.  So basically about 3 different operation in each of the stations, so I can compare this with the takt time for each station.  Also the takt time are not the same for all the stations.   can this be done?!  I hope it can, and you can help me!   Thank you so much!

Answer
Hi Cristina, this can be done in Excel relatively easy if you have your data laid out correctly.     Lay out your data in the excel spreadsheet.  Example:         
            Station 1  Station 2  Station 3
  Operation 1    20         20   15
  Operation 2    15         25   15
  Operation 3    25      
       Takt Time (sec)    50         35   25

Next, go to Insert --> Chart.

Highlight the "Stacked Column" chart, Press Next.

In the DATA RANGE cell, highlight the the entire data field.  

Below the DATA RANGE cell is a field called "Series In:", select ROWS, then press NEXT.

Fill out your chart option titles, etc., and press NEXT.

Create as OBJECT and press FINISH.

You should have a stacked bar graph with NO LINE at this time.  In the top part of the bars (This represents your takt), single click in the bar.  You should see a box in all three "TAKT" bars showing that the individual data points are highlighted.  

Right Click on one of the boxes and select "CHART TYPE..."

In the Standard Types column click on the LINE type.

Select the type of line you would like to see your takt respresented as.  I typically use the "Line with Markers".

Click OK and the Takt bars should turn into lines.

Hope this helps.  If you have any questions please feel free to ask follow ups.