Methods Time Measurement

Methods Time Measurement

Methods Time Measurement (MTM) is a technique used in Industrial Engineering & Ergonomics to measure the time required to perform a specific task or operation. It is a systematic approach that helps in analyzing and improving work methods, optimizing processes, and setting standards for performance.

Importance of Methods Time Measurement in Industrial Engineering & Ergonomics

Methods Time Measurement plays a crucial role in Industrial Engineering & Ergonomics for several reasons:

1. Process Improvement: By accurately measuring the time required for each task, MTM helps in identifying inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and areas for improvement in a process.

2. Standardization: MTM provides a standardized method for measuring and comparing the time required to perform tasks, enabling organizations to set performance standards and evaluate worker productivity.

3. Work Measurement: MTM helps in determining the time required to perform a task, which is essential for workload analysis, capacity planning, and resource allocation.

Fundamentals of Methods Time Measurement

Methods Time Measurement is based on the following fundamental principles:

1. Definition of Methods Time Measurement: Methods Time Measurement is a technique used to determine the time required to perform a task or operation under specified conditions.

2. Purpose of Methods Time Measurement: The primary purpose of Methods Time Measurement is to establish standard times for performing tasks, which can be used for planning, scheduling, and evaluating worker performance.

3. Role of Methods Time Measurement in process improvement: Methods Time Measurement helps in identifying and eliminating waste, reducing cycle time, improving productivity, and enhancing overall process efficiency.

Key Concepts and Principles

Methods Time Measurement (MTM)

MTM is a widely used system for analyzing and improving work methods. It involves breaking down a task into basic motions or elements and assigning predetermined times to each element based on extensive time and motion studies. The total time required to perform the task is then calculated by summing up the times for each element.

MTM has several types of systems, including:

1. MTM-1: This system is used for analyzing manual operations and is based on predetermined times for basic motions such as reach, grasp, move, and position.

2. MTM-2: MTM-2 is an extension of MTM-1 and is used for analyzing more complex manual operations. It includes additional predetermined times for motions such as assemble, disassemble, and inspect.

3. MTM-UAS: MTM-UAS (Universal Analyzing System) is a comprehensive system that can be used for analyzing both manual and machine operations. It includes predetermined times for a wide range of motions and activities.

MTM finds application in various industries and processes, including manufacturing, assembly line operations, logistics, and service industries.

Some of the benefits of using MTM in industrial engineering include:

• Improved productivity and efficiency
• Standardization of work methods
• Accurate planning and scheduling
• Enhanced worker safety and ergonomics

Maynard Operation Sequence Technique (MOST)

Maynard Operation Sequence Technique (MOST) is another widely used method for work measurement and process improvement. It is similar to MTM but differs in certain aspects.

1. Definition of MOST: MOST is a work measurement system that focuses on analyzing and improving work methods by breaking down tasks into basic motions and assigning predetermined times to each motion.

2. Comparison of MOST with MTM: While MOST and MTM share similar principles, MOST is considered more flexible and easier to apply. It allows for greater customization and adaptation to specific tasks and industries.

3. Advantages and disadvantages of using MOST: Some advantages of using MOST include its simplicity, adaptability, and ease of training. However, it may not be as widely recognized or standardized as MTM.

Step-by-Step Walkthrough of Typical Problems and Solutions

Problem: Inefficient process with high cycle time

1. Identify the process steps and their sequence: The first step in addressing an inefficient process is to identify all the steps involved and their sequence.

2. Apply MTM or MOST to measure the time required for each step: Once the steps are identified, MTM or MOST can be used to measure the time required for each step.

3. Analyze the results and identify bottlenecks or areas for improvement: Analyze the time measurements to identify bottlenecks or areas where the process can be improved.

4. Implement changes to optimize the process and reduce cycle time: Based on the analysis, implement changes such as eliminating unnecessary steps, improving work methods, or reallocating resources to optimize the process and reduce cycle time.

Problem: Inconsistent performance across workers

1. Measure the time taken by each worker using MTM or MOST: To address inconsistent performance, measure the time taken by each worker using MTM or MOST.

2. Identify variations in performance and potential causes: Compare the time measurements to identify variations in performance and potential causes, such as differences in work methods, skill levels, or equipment.

3. Implement training or standardization measures to improve consistency: Based on the analysis, implement training programs or standardization measures to improve consistency and ensure that all workers perform tasks in a similar manner.

Real-World Applications and Examples

Application of MTM in assembly line operations

MTM has been successfully applied in assembly line operations to improve productivity and efficiency. For example:

1. Case study: Implementing MTM in an automotive assembly plant: An automotive assembly plant implemented MTM to analyze and optimize the work methods used in their assembly line. By identifying and eliminating unnecessary motions and improving work methods, they were able to reduce cycle time and increase productivity.

2. Benefits achieved through MTM implementation: The implementation of MTM resulted in improved worker safety, reduced fatigue, increased worker satisfaction, and enhanced overall process efficiency.

Application of MOST in service industry

MOST has found applications in the service industry, particularly in optimizing customer service processes. For example:

1. Case study: Using MOST to optimize customer service processes in a call center: A call center used MOST to analyze and improve their customer service processes. By breaking down tasks into basic motions and assigning predetermined times, they were able to identify areas for improvement and streamline their processes.

2. Improvements in efficiency and customer satisfaction: The implementation of MOST resulted in reduced call handling time, improved customer satisfaction, and increased efficiency in handling customer inquiries.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Methods Time Measurement

Advantages

1. Provides objective and standardized time measurements: MTM and MOST provide objective and standardized time measurements, enabling organizations to compare performance, set standards, and evaluate worker productivity.

2. Helps in identifying and eliminating waste in processes: By analyzing work methods and time measurements, MTM and MOST help in identifying and eliminating waste, such as unnecessary motions, redundant steps, or inefficient work methods.

3. Enables accurate planning and scheduling of operations: With standardized time measurements, organizations can accurately plan and schedule operations, allocate resources, and estimate production capacities.

Disadvantages

1. Time-consuming and requires trained personnel: Implementing MTM or MOST can be time-consuming and requires trained personnel who are knowledgeable in work measurement techniques.

2. May not capture all factors influencing time measurements: While MTM and MOST provide standardized time measurements, they may not capture all factors that can influence the time required to perform a task, such as worker skill levels, equipment conditions, or environmental factors.

3. Can be resisted by workers due to fear of increased workload: Workers may resist the implementation of MTM or MOST due to the fear of increased workload or perceived loss of autonomy in performing tasks.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Methods Time Measurement (MTM) and Maynard Operation Sequence Technique (MOST) are valuable tools in Industrial Engineering & Ergonomics for analyzing work methods, optimizing processes, and setting performance standards. They provide objective and standardized time measurements, help in identifying and eliminating waste, and enable accurate planning and scheduling of operations. While they have their advantages and disadvantages, their application can lead to improved productivity, efficiency, and worker satisfaction in various industries and processes.

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Summary

Methods Time Measurement (MTM) and Maynard Operation Sequence Technique (MOST) are techniques used in Industrial Engineering & Ergonomics to measure the time required to perform tasks and improve work methods. MTM involves breaking down tasks into basic motions and assigning predetermined times to each motion, while MOST focuses on analyzing work methods and improving efficiency. These techniques find application in various industries and processes, including assembly line operations and service industries. MTM and MOST provide standardized time measurements, help in identifying and eliminating waste, and enable accurate planning and scheduling of operations. However, their implementation can be time-consuming and requires trained personnel. Workers may resist their implementation due to fear of increased workload. Despite these challenges, MTM and MOST can lead to improved productivity, efficiency, and worker satisfaction.

Analogy

Methods Time Measurement (MTM) and Maynard Operation Sequence Technique (MOST) can be compared to using a stopwatch to time how long it takes to complete different tasks. Just as a stopwatch helps in accurately measuring time, MTM and MOST provide standardized methods for measuring and comparing the time required to perform tasks. They help in identifying inefficiencies, improving work methods, and optimizing processes, similar to how using a stopwatch can help in identifying areas where time can be saved or tasks can be performed more efficiently.