Introduction to Work Measurement

Introduction

Work measurement is an essential technique used in work study and ergonomics to determine the time required to perform a specific task or job. It involves breaking down the job into smaller elements, timing each element, and determining the standard time for the job. Work measurement plays a crucial role in improving productivity, setting realistic production targets, and optimizing staffing levels in various industries.

Definition of Work Measurement

Work measurement can be defined as the process of establishing the time required by a qualified worker to perform a specific task, with a defined method, under specified conditions, and at a defined level of performance.

Importance of Work Measurement

Work measurement is important for several reasons:

1. Productivity Improvement: By accurately measuring the time required to perform a task, organizations can identify inefficiencies and implement measures to improve productivity.

2. Setting Realistic Production Targets: Work measurement helps in setting achievable production targets based on the time required to complete each task.

3. Optimizing Staffing Levels: By knowing the time required for each task, organizations can determine the optimal number of workers needed to meet production targets.

Objectives of Work Measurement

The objectives of work measurement are as follows:

1. Standardization: Work measurement helps in establishing standard times for performing tasks, ensuring consistency and fairness in evaluating worker performance.

2. Cost Control: By accurately measuring the time required for each task, organizations can control labor costs and allocate resources efficiently.

3. Process Improvement: Work measurement provides valuable data for identifying bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement in work processes.

Key Concepts and Principles

Basic Procedure of Work Measurement

The basic procedure of work measurement involves the following steps:

1. Selecting the job to be measured: The first step is to select the job or task that needs to be measured. It is important to choose a representative job that is typical of the work being performed.

2. Breaking down the job into elements: The job is then broken down into smaller elements or steps. Each element should be distinct and measurable.

3. Timing the elements: The time taken to perform each element is measured using appropriate timing techniques and equipment. This can be done through direct observation or by using electronic timing devices.

4. Determining the standard time for the job: The standard time for the job is calculated by summing up the times for each element and adding allowances for rest, fatigue, and other factors.

Time Study

Time study is a commonly used technique in work measurement. It involves the following steps:

1. Definition and purpose: Time study is the systematic observation, measurement, and analysis of human work in order to establish the time required to perform a task.

2. Steps involved in conducting a time study: The steps involved in conducting a time study include selecting the job, breaking down the job into elements, timing the elements, and determining the standard time for the job.

Work Sampling

Work sampling is another technique used in work measurement. It involves the following steps:

1. Definition and purpose: Work sampling is the statistical technique of estimating the proportion of time spent by workers on different activities by taking a series of random observations.

2. Steps involved in conducting a work sampling study: The steps involved in conducting a work sampling study include selecting the job, determining the number of observations, taking random observations, and analyzing the data to estimate the proportion of time spent on each activity.

Predetermined Motion Time Systems (PMTS)

Predetermined Motion Time Systems (PMTS) is a technique used in work measurement to establish standard times for performing tasks based on predetermined motion units. It involves the following steps:

1. Definition and purpose: PMTS is a technique that breaks down tasks into basic motions or movements and assigns predetermined times to each motion.

2. Advantages and disadvantages of PMTS: PMTS offers advantages such as standardization, ease of use, and compatibility with other work measurement techniques. However, it also has disadvantages such as limited applicability to complex tasks and the need for trained analysts.

Typical Problems and Solutions

Problem: Inaccurate time measurements

1. Solution: Ensuring proper training of time study analysts: To minimize inaccuracies in time measurements, it is important to provide proper training to time study analysts. This includes training them on the use of timing techniques and equipment.

2. Solution: Using appropriate timing techniques and equipment: Using the right timing techniques and equipment can help improve the accuracy of time measurements. This may involve using electronic timing devices or conducting direct observations.

Problem: Difficulty in breaking down complex jobs

1. Solution: Conducting a detailed job analysis: When faced with complex jobs, conducting a detailed job analysis can help in breaking down the job into smaller, more manageable elements.

2. Solution: Seeking input from workers and supervisors: Involving workers and supervisors in the job analysis process can provide valuable insights and help in identifying the key elements of the job.

Problem: Resistance from workers

1. Solution: Communicating the benefits of work measurement to workers: It is important to communicate the benefits of work measurement to workers, such as improved productivity, fair evaluation, and potential for performance-based incentives.

2. Solution: Involving workers in the measurement process: Involving workers in the measurement process can help in addressing their concerns and gaining their acceptance and cooperation.

Real-World Applications and Examples

Application of Work Measurement in Manufacturing Industries

1. Improving productivity and efficiency: Work measurement is widely used in manufacturing industries to identify and eliminate inefficiencies, improve productivity, and reduce costs.

2. Setting realistic production targets: By accurately measuring the time required for each task, manufacturing industries can set realistic production targets and allocate resources effectively.

Application of Work Measurement in Service Industries

1. Optimizing staffing levels: Work measurement is used in service industries such as healthcare, hospitality, and transportation to determine the optimal staffing levels required to meet customer demand.

2. Improving customer service: By accurately measuring the time required to perform various service tasks, organizations can identify areas for improvement and enhance customer service.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Work Measurement

Advantages

1. Provides a basis for fair and equitable pay systems: Work measurement helps in establishing standard times for performing tasks, which forms the basis for fair and equitable pay systems.

2. Helps in identifying and eliminating inefficiencies: By accurately measuring the time required for each task, work measurement helps in identifying and eliminating inefficiencies, thus improving productivity and reducing costs.

Disadvantages

1. Can be time-consuming and costly to implement: Implementing work measurement techniques can be time-consuming and costly, especially in complex work environments.

2. May lead to increased stress and pressure on workers: The use of work measurement techniques may lead to increased stress and pressure on workers to meet the established time standards.

Summary

Work measurement is a technique used in work study and ergonomics to determine the time required to perform a specific task or job. It involves breaking down the job into smaller elements, timing each element, and determining the standard time for the job. Work measurement is important for improving productivity, setting realistic production targets, and optimizing staffing levels. Key concepts and principles include the basic procedure of work measurement, time study, work sampling, and predetermined motion time systems (PMTS). Typical problems in work measurement include inaccurate time measurements, difficulty in breaking down complex jobs, and resistance from workers. Solutions to these problems include proper training of time study analysts, using appropriate timing techniques and equipment, conducting detailed job analysis, seeking input from workers and supervisors, communicating the benefits of work measurement to workers, and involving workers in the measurement process. Work measurement has real-world applications in manufacturing and service industries, such as improving productivity, setting production targets, optimizing staffing levels, and improving customer service. It has advantages such as providing a basis for fair pay systems and identifying inefficiencies, but it also has disadvantages such as being time-consuming and costly to implement and potentially increasing stress and pressure on workers.

Summary

Work measurement is a technique used in work study and ergonomics to determine the time required to perform a specific task or job. It involves breaking down the job into smaller elements, timing each element, and determining the standard time for the job. Work measurement is important for improving productivity, setting realistic production targets, and optimizing staffing levels. Key concepts and principles include the basic procedure of work measurement, time study, work sampling, and predetermined motion time systems (PMTS). Typical problems in work measurement include inaccurate time measurements, difficulty in breaking down complex jobs, and resistance from workers. Solutions to these problems include proper training of time study analysts, using appropriate timing techniques and equipment, conducting detailed job analysis, seeking input from workers and supervisors, communicating the benefits of work measurement to workers, and involving workers in the measurement process. Work measurement has real-world applications in manufacturing and service industries, such as improving productivity, setting production targets, optimizing staffing levels, and improving customer service. It has advantages such as providing a basis for fair pay systems and identifying inefficiencies, but it also has disadvantages such as being time-consuming and costly to implement and potentially increasing stress and pressure on workers.

Analogy

Work measurement is like using a stopwatch to time how long it takes to complete different parts of a puzzle. By timing each part, you can determine the average time it takes to complete the entire puzzle. Similarly, work measurement involves timing different elements of a job to determine the standard time required to complete the entire task.