Time and Motion study plays very important role in to manufacturing domain to enhance production quality and utilize maximum resource capacity in minimum time. Now a days T&M also used in to offices, Hospitals, Departmental stores and service industry to ensure maximum utilization of resources in the lowest possible timeline with customization of the Best Management cycle by T&M Analyst.

Time & Motion study is combination of Motion study invented by Frank B. Gilbreth, Lillian M Gilbreth and Time study invented by Frederick W. Taylor in 1881. Frederick W. Taylor
said that “Time study is the one element in scientific management beyond all others making possible the transfer of skill from management to men ”.

Time and Motion study invented around century back in 1885 by observing process of bricklaying on construction site. The simple yet effective observation Time and Motion study was “The horizontal line consume more time then vertical line.” So Just a minor change improves the motion such a way that more and more construction can be done in less time. another observation was to get all tools near by or handy will help to save potential time of gathering it for bricklaying purpose. So, all necessary tools like cement and water would be near by while bricklaying improved productivity and decrease span for construction for each worker.

To derive the enhancement we use tools like stop watch, bar codes, video camera, 360 degree camara, softwares and computers. The formula to get standard Time and Motion is as under:

ST= (NT)(1-AF)

Where ST : Standard Time
NT : Normal Time
AF : Allowance Factor

You can see detailed presentation for Basic Time and Motion study overview here :

Now a days we do not analyze only physical motion but we can also go to the next level of motion analysis by psycho motion analysis. It shows how fast person can think and have a motion accordingly. for example we can compare the ratio of inquiry handled by 3 executives and compare who has sent quality reply with pre define format to the consumers with motion of replying. That will help us to understood how smooth we can handle more consumer or clients with quality services. IT companies, BPO and Call center can get maximum advantage of Time and Motion study.

I find the one of the most challenging case study while training train and plane manufacturer company Bombardiar INC for Time and Motion. They have multiple workers performing multiple roles in large area. To cover each movement 360 degree view is required but due to huge area it is not possible. Finally after brainstorm we derive that we can put remote camera on HAT of each worker to find their motion and activity and we can define different activities task to task by segregating it in multiple task base analysis.

The key to have successful time and motion study is you need to have a strong observation and analysis skills along with people management skills. To implement this you need to understand worker’s psychology and then you need to inform them how they can get better result of their energy investment by this change in motion and time strategy. for that I come across many case studies during my training session like T&M study Improved banking system of check clearance in Indian Banks from 5 days to 3 days now, one of the most successful case study for Time and Motion.

The key factor you can consider while doing time and motion study are as under:

– Experience of Resource
– Environment of work
– Physical & Psychological strength
– Domain knowledge
– Seasonal changes
– Tool upgrade

ETC.

We can also use it in six sigma process. As Time and Motion study is the key tool to improve process in analysis phase and also helps to enhance production for final outcome.

Success,

Vision Raval