Time study and Work measurement (1)

Summary

This video discusses the importance of time study and work measurement techniques to design efficient work systems. It explains various methods, including direct time study, predetermined time systems, standard data systems, and work sampling, which help determine standard time for tasks. The goal is to identify optimal work methods, ensure productivity, and account for worker needs and unavoidable delays. Additionally, it touches on determining standard performance benchmarks and the factors influencing worker efficiency, offering a comprehensive view of how these techniques contribute to improving productivity in industrial settings.

Takeaways

• 😀 Time study is essential for determining the standard time of tasks in work systems.
• 😀 Standard time includes allowances for personal needs, rest, fatigue, and unavoidable delays.
• 😀 Time study and work measurement help organizations optimize work processes and improve efficiency.
• 😀 Direct time study involves observing and recording task durations using a stopwatch.
• 😀 Predetermined time systems use established time values for motions and tasks to calculate standard time.
• 😀 Worker performance influences standard time and is affected by skill, motivation, and working conditions.
• 😀 Historical data and estimation methods can also be used to determine standard time.
• 😀 The standard performance level is typically set at 130% of the average worker’s performance to account for variability.
• 😀 Factors such as tools, equipment, and work environment play a significant role in determining standard time.
• 😀 Implementing an ideal work method requires considering the worker's health, environment, and available resources.

Q & A

What is the significance of time in work systems?

Time is a crucial element in work systems, as it directly affects the efficiency and cost of producing products or services. The amount of time workers spend on tasks is often a key determinant of the cost of products or services, which is why understanding and managing time is essential for organizational effectiveness.

What is time study, and how does it relate to work measurement?

Time study is a method used to determine how much time is needed to complete a specific task. It is related to work measurement techniques, which include direct time study, predetermined time systems, work sampling, and standard data systems. These techniques aim to establish standard times for tasks to improve efficiency and productivity.

What are the main techniques used for time study?

The primary techniques for time study include Direct Time Study (observation and timing using a stopwatch), Predetermined Time Systems (based on data from standard movements), Standard Data Systems, and Work Sampling (random sampling of work to analyze time use). These methods aim to estimate the time required for different work tasks accurately.

What is the goal of a time study?

The main goal of a time study is to determine the standard time for a task or work process. This is the amount of time considered reasonable for an average worker to complete a task using standardized methods under normal working conditions, including allowances for personal needs and unavoidable delays.

What is the difference between standard time and estimated time?

Standard time refers to the time allowed for an average worker to complete a task under standard conditions, including allowances for breaks and delays. Estimated time, on the other hand, is an approximation based on the observation or judgment of an expert, and may not be as accurate as standard time established through more precise methods.

What factors need to be considered to determine standard time accurately?

To determine standard time, it is crucial to consider factors such as the method used to complete the task, the tools and equipment involved, the worker's performance level, environmental conditions, and allowances for personal time and delays. Additionally, the consistency and reliability of the work process should be assessed.

What is the importance of 'normal performance' in time study?

Normal performance refers to the average work speed that a trained worker can maintain throughout their shift, without compromising health or safety. This concept is important in time study because it helps define the standard time for tasks, ensuring that workers' time allowances are realistic and fair while still maintaining productivity.

How do worker performance variations impact time studies?

Worker performance variations, which can result from differences in age, gender, physical strength, skills, and motivation, can affect the accuracy of time studies. These variations are often accounted for using factors like performance ratings to standardize and normalize the data, ensuring more consistent and reliable time estimates.

What is 'work sampling,' and when is it used in time study?

Work sampling is a technique where random samples of work are observed and analyzed to estimate the time spent on different tasks. This method is particularly useful for tasks that are infrequent or difficult to measure continuously. It is often applied at higher levels of tasks, such as broad job functions, rather than at the level of specific movements or elements.

What are the advantages and limitations of using historical data for time studies?

Using historical data allows organizations to estimate standard times based on actual past performance, which can be more accurate than pure estimation. However, this method may have limitations if the conditions of previous tasks differ significantly from current ones, such as changes in technology, workforce, or operational procedures.