by Select the Work Process:
The first step in the method study is to select the work process or activity to be studied. It is important to choose a process that is important, high-volume, or critical to the organization. The selected process should be a representative of the organization’s work process and should have a significant impact on the organization’s overall performance.
The process can be selected based on several factors, including customer complaints, high rejection rates, bottlenecks, or low productivity. The selection process should be done in collaboration with the relevant stakeholders, including management, employees, and customers.
Record the Current Method:
The next step in method study is to record the current method being used. This can be done through observation, interviewing employees, or reviewing documentation such as work instructions or standard operating procedures. This step helps to identify the various activities, tasks, and steps involved in the current work process. It provides a clear understanding of how the work is currently being performed.
It is important to document the current method accurately and in detail. The documentation should include all steps, materials used, tools and equipment, and the time taken for each step. This information will be used in the subsequent steps of the method study to analyze the process and identify areas of inefficiencies and waste.
Analyze the Method:
The third step in method study is to analyze the current method to identify inefficiencies, waste, and opportunities for improvement. This involves breaking down the process into smaller steps and analyzing each step individually. The aim is to identify non-value-added activities, bottlenecks, and areas of waste and inefficiencies.
Various tools and techniques can be used in this step, including flowcharts, process maps, and value stream mapping. The analysis can be done in collaboration with the relevant stakeholders, including management, employees, and customers. The aim is to gain a clear understanding of the current process and identify areas of improvement.
Develop a New Method:
The fourth step in method study is to develop a new method that eliminates waste and inefficiencies identified in the analysis phase. This may involve simplifying work processes, changing the sequence of tasks, or using new technology or equipment.
The new method should be developed in collaboration with the relevant stakeholders, including management, employees, and customers. It should be designed to address the identified inefficiencies and waste and should aim to improve efficiency, quality, and safety.
The new method should be tested to ensure that it is feasible and effective. Any adjustments or modifications should be made before implementing the new method.
Implement the New Method:
The fifth step in method study is to implement the new method. This can involve training employees on the new method, modifying work instructions or standard operating procedures, or purchasing new equipment or technology.
The implementation should be done in collaboration with the relevant stakeholders, including management, employees, and customers. It is important to communicate the changes to all affected parties and ensure that they are trained on the new method.
Maintain the New Method:
The final step in method study is to maintain the new method and monitor its effectiveness. This may involve tracking performance metrics, conducting audits or reviews, and making adjustments as necessary to ensure continued improvement.
The maintenance phase is crucial to ensuring the sustained success of the new method. It is important to continue monitoring the process to identify any areas of inefficiencies or waste that may arise over time. Any adjustments or modifications should be made to ensure continued improvement.
Techniques of work measurement
Work measurement is the process of determining the amount of time required to perform a task. It is an essential element of time and motion study, which involves analyzing the motions involved in a task and determining the most efficient way to perform it. Work measurement can be used to improve productivity, identify areas of waste and inefficiencies, and establish accurate time standards for planning and scheduling.
There are several techniques used in work measurement. Some of the most commonly used techniques are described below:
Time Study:
Time study is a method of measuring work by timing the various elements of a task and determining the standard time required to complete it. It involves breaking down the task into its constituent parts, timing each part, and adding the times together to obtain the total time required to perform the task.
Time study is typically conducted by trained observers using stopwatches or other timing devices. The data collected during the time study can be used to establish accurate time standards for planning and scheduling.
Predetermined Motion Time System (PMTS):
Predetermined motion time system is a method of work measurement that involves breaking down a task into its constituent motions and assigning a predetermined time value to each motion. The predetermined times are based on extensive time and motion studies and are designed to reflect the most efficient way of performing each motion.
PMTS is typically used for repetitive tasks where the same motions are performed repeatedly. The predetermined times can be used to establish accurate time standards for planning and scheduling.
Work Sampling:
Work sampling is a method of work measurement that involves taking random samples of a worker’s activities and determining the proportion of time spent on various tasks. Work sampling is typically used for tasks that are not repetitive and where it is not possible or practical to conduct a time study.
Work sampling involves observing the worker at regular intervals and recording the activity being performed at each observation. The data collected can be used to determine the proportion of time spent on various tasks and can be used to identify areas of waste and inefficiencies.
Analytical Estimating:
Analytical estimating is a method of work measurement that involves breaking down a task into its constituent parts and estimating the time required to perform each part based on historical data or expert judgment. The estimated times are then added together to obtain the total time required to perform the task.
Analytical estimating is typically used for tasks that are complex or difficult to measure using other techniques. The accuracy of analytical estimating depends on the expertise and experience of the estimator.
Synthesis:
Synthesis is a method of work measurement that involves combining elements from time study, PMTS, work sampling, and analytical estimating to determine the most accurate time standard for a task. Synthesis is typically used when other techniques are not sufficient to determine an accurate time standard.
Synthesis involves using historical data, expert judgment, and statistical techniques to determine the most accurate time standard for a task. The accuracy of synthesis depends on the quality of the data and the expertise of the estimator.
In conclusion, work measurement is an essential element of time and motion study, and there are several techniques used to measure work. Each technique has its strengths and weaknesses, and the choice of technique depends on the nature of the task being measured and the availability of data. By selecting the appropriate technique and applying it correctly, work measurement can help organizations to improve productivity, identify areas of waste and inefficiencies, and establish accurate time standards for planning and scheduling.
