Direct Labor Standards and Work Measurement techniques

[EddieK]

Which Work Measurement method is preferable to establish Direct Labor Standards? Stop Watch Studies or Predetermined Time Standards?

[jclark]

Predetermined time standards are the preferred method and they are widely accepted and used today around the globe. MODAPTS® (MODular Arrangement of Predetermined Time Standards), MTM® (Methods-Time Measurement), MOST® (Maynard Operation Sequence Technique), etc., are some of the most widely used. Predetermined time standards have several advantages over the traditional stopwatch method; including:

a. Absence of stopwatch reduces Hawthorne effect
b. Excessive values alert analyst to potential Ergonomic issues
c. Methods sensitive (‘How’ task is done is recorded)
d. No performance rating eliminates inherent inaccuracies
e. Consistent regardless of who performs the work or by whom the study is performed
f. Requires fewer observations, thereby reducing the amount of time required to develop standards
g. Can be understood by personnel at all levels of the organization
h. Widely accepted by labor unions as an impartial “umpire”

[rbuchelli]

Hello,

It is to my knowledge these predetermined methods often involve strings of code that must be recorded and ultimately converted into some unit of time. This seems like it may make the process of developing labor standards a tedious operation. Also, this might increase the probability for human error during these calculations. Any comments on my concerns?

Arriverderce!

[jclark]

It is true that predetermined time standards require strings of code for the development of labor standards. MODAPTS is a third generation method and has simplified the process of "coding" the job. Also, there are some software packages (EASE®, etc.) that can aid in the recording and calculation of the codes. These packages can also be customized to allow the user to select commmon elements from a list.

[The Rivet]

I have also heard about Work Sampling as one of the Work Measurement techniques. Why can’t we use that to establish Direct Labor Standards?

The Rivet

[jclark]

This is an excellent point. ‘Work Sampling’ or ‘Activity Sampling’ is a statistical method based on the principle that random samples taken from a large group tend to keep the same distribution characteristics as the group. It can be defined as ‘a technique in which a large number of observations are made over a period of time of a group of machines, or operators, or processes. Each observation records what is happening at that particular instant.’ Work Sampling can be performed either at fixed intervals or random intervals.

Now, coming back to your question. Work Sampling is useful when there is a need to study multiple operations at one time, such as set-ups, tear-downs and changeovers in which data needs to be collected concurrently from more than one operator. Thus Work Sampling is an ideal technique to observe:

-Work that can be accomplished via different means
-Work centers with many different work processes
-Non-Standardized Work
-Machine Up and Downtime
-Personal, rest, & delay allowances

To summarize, while choosing a work measurement technique, the following factors have to be accounted for:

-The purpose of the measurement
-The level of detail required
-The time available for measurement
-Existence of available predetermined data
-Cost of measurement

[hector olvera]

I ahve been asked to do a predetermined time study for the equipment. This is semiconductor assembly. We can to study each of the internal movements of the equp and see if we can optimize to the level of the supplier's performace UPH. Any recommendation of the technique to use? Or tool? Thanks!

[kvasudevan]

Hector,

What do you mean by time study for the equipment? Are you talking about a specific equipment or a group/flow of equipment? Also can you define supplier performance UPH?
We have time study experts who can give you sugestions once we understand your problem better.

[Shine]

What is the difference between direct work measurement & indirect work measurement?