The rhythm of production — the rate at which a product must be completed to meet customer demand. Calculated as available production time divided by customer demand rate. If customers need 480 units in an 8-hour shift, takt time is 1 minute. Every workstation must complete its operation within takt time for flow to work. Takt time is the heartbeat of one-piece-flow and the basis for standard-work: operations are designed to fit within the takt time window, and deviations signal problems. The word "takt" comes from the German word for the baton's beat in an orchestra — the concept was used in German aircraft manufacturing before Toyota adapted it. Takt time makes demand visible and concrete at every workstation, connecting shop-floor reality to customer requirements.