OnTimeRate

OnTimeRate is a performance metric used to assess how often tasks, orders, or projects are completed on or before their target due dates. It provides a simple measure of scheduling effectiveness and is often used in project management, manufacturing, logistics, and software development.

Calculation: OnTimeRate = (On-time completions / Total tracked items) × 100. An item is considered on-time if it is completed by or before its defined due date, under agreed scope, and without an unauthorized scope change that would create new due dates. Data sources include task trackers, ERP systems, issue trackers, and order management systems. Define the period (e.g., sprint, month) and clearly establish the due-date policy.

Applications include monitoring sprint performance, supplier on-time delivery, and customer order fulfillment. It can guide planning, capacity management, and process improvements. Best practices include consistent due-date definitions, separating timing from quality, and using benchmarks for your industry.

Limitations: OnTimeRate does not measure output quality or rework; it can be influenced by conservative due-date setting or scope changes; it may distort performance if sample sizes are small or cherry-picked. It should be used alongside other metrics like throughput, cycle time, and quality metrics.

Example: In a software sprint with 50 tasks, 42 are completed by their due dates. OnTimeRate = (42/50) × 100 = 84%. Related metrics include On-Time Delivery (OTD) and OTIF (On-Time In-Full).