Motion Study
Motion Study
INTRODUCTION
A time and motion study (or time-motion study) is a business efficiency technique
combining the Time Study work of Frederick Winslow Taylor with the Motion Study work of
Frank and Lillian Gilbreth (the same couple as is best known through the biographical 1950
film and book Cheaper by the Dozen). It is a major part of scientific management
(Taylorism). After its first introduction, time study developed in the direction of establishing
standard times, while motion study evolved into a technique for improving work methods.
The two techniques became integrated and refined into a widely accepted method applicable
to the improvement and upgrading of work systems. This integrated approach to work system
improvement is known as methods engineering and it is applied today to industrial as well as
service organizations, including banks, schools and hospitals.
MOTION STUDY
In contrast to, and motivated by, Taylors time study methods, the Gilbreths proposed
a technical language, allowing for the analysis of the labor process in a scientific context. The
Gilbreths made use of scientific insights to develop a study method based upon the analysis
of work motions', consisting in part of filming the details of a workers 'activities and
their body posture while recording the time. The films served two main purposes. One was
the visual record of how work had been done, emphasising areas for improvement. Secondly,
the films also served the purpose of training workers about the best way to perform their
work. This method allowed the Gilbreths to build on the best elements of these work flows
and to create a standardized best practice.
The efficiency of workers is increased because they are asked to follow correct
methods, use proper tools and eliminate wasteful motions. Effective use of men and machines
is ensured. It helps in simplifying the existing operations by laying down the best sequence of
essential operations. It leads to economy in labour and reduction of fatigue.
1
TIME STUDY
The Industrial Engineering Terminology Standard, defines time study as "a work
measurement technique consisting of careful time measurement of the task with a time
measuring instrument, adjusted for any observed variance from normal effort or pace and to
allow adequate time for such items as foreign elements, unavoidable or machine delays, rest
to overcome fatigue, and personal needs." The systems of time and motion studies are
frequently assumed to be interchangeable terms, descriptive of equivalent theories. However,
the underlying principles and the rationale for the establishment of each respective method
are dissimilar, despite originating within the same school of thought.
The standard time, ascertained with the help of time study, serves as a basis for
wage payment and calculating the premium or bonus payable under incentive
schemes of wage payment.
The labour requirements are correctly assessed because standard times for various
jobs are known.
2
These studies help in exercising cost control through proper production control.
Attention of the management can be drawn to the causes of idle time of men and
machines when more than the standard time is taken.
These studies can help in the determination of correct costs because labour cost
standards are based on the basis of results of these studies.
TIMEKEEPING
Timekeeping is the process of tracking and reporting work and leave time. Everyone
is responsible for accurate timekeeping:
Manual Methods
Mechanical Methods
IDLE TIME
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machinery is not being used but could be. Idle time could also be associated with computing,
and in that case refers to processing time.
EXAMPLE
METHOD OVERTIME
4
MyTime calculates overtime for any hours worked in excess of 40 hours in a
workweek. A workweek for Non-Exempt employees is defined as 40 working
hours from Sunday to Saturday.
MyTime determines the overtime hours for an employee based on the employee's
overtime designation and the hours reported on the timecard. The system will
calculate whether the overtime is premium or straight.
CONCLUSION
Method for establishing employee productivity standards in which (1) a complex task
is broken into small, simple steps, (2) the sequence of movements taken by the employee in
performing those steps is carefully observed to detect and eliminate redundant or wasteful
motion, and (3) precise time taken for each correct movement is measured. From these
measurements production and delivery times and prices can be computed and incentive
schemes can be devised. Generally appropriate only for repetitive tasks, time and motion
studies were pioneered by the US industrial engineer Frederick Winslow Taylor (1856-1915)
and developed by the husband and wife team of Frank Gilbreth (1868-1924) and Dr.
REFERENCES
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time_and_motion_study
https://www.payrollservers.us/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Timekeeping
http://www.careerride.com/fa-idle-time-explained.aspx
http://blink.ucsd.edu/finance/payroll/timekeeping/mte/overtime.html
https://prezi.com/hgmfu47ll9dw/time-keeping-methods/