Toimittamisaika

Toimittamisaika is a Finnish term that denotes the period from when an order is placed to when the goods or services are delivered. In practice it is used as a lead time measure in procurement, manufacturing, and logistics.

Although it is similar to the more common toimitusaika, toimittamisaika can carry nuance. In many contexts they are used interchangeably, but some organizations reserve toimittamisaika to emphasize the supplier's internal processes, including order processing and production, whereas toimitusaika may focus more on the external delivery to the customer.

Components of toimittamisaika typically include order confirmation, processing, manufacturing or assembly, quality checks, packaging, handling, and transportation, as well as customs clearance where applicable. The duration is influenced by supplier capacity, product complexity, stock levels, and logistics arrangements.

Use and management: in contracts and procurement planning, toimittamisaika is specified as a target delivery window or service level. Companies monitor actual delivery against the agreed timeframe and may include penalties, late-delivery charges, or adjustments in planning. Strategies to shorten lead times include supplier diversification, implementing supplier-managed inventories, improving production scheduling, and nearshoring.

In practice, toimittamisaika is treated as a form of lead time in procurement and supply chain discussions, shaping inventory levels, scheduling, and risk management. Related concepts include lead time, delivery time, and service levels.