How do you conduct a work measurement study to determine the optimal method and time for a task?

1 Define the objective and scope

Before you start a work measurement study, you need to have a clear objective and scope for the project. What is the purpose of the study? What are the expected outcomes and benefits? Which task or process are you going to measure? How will you measure it? Who will be involved in the study? How long will it take? These are some of the questions you need to answer to define the objective and scope of your work measurement study.

2 Select the measurement technique

When measuring work, the selection of technique depends on the type and complexity of the task or process. A stopwatch time study involves using a stopwatch to measure the time taken by a worker to complete a task, while observing and recording the details of the work elements, methods, and conditions. Alternatively, you can use a predetermined motion time system (PMTS) which uses a standard table of motion times for basic human movements to calculate the time required for a task. Work sampling involves taking random observations of a group of workers or machines over a period of time, and recording whether they are working or idle. Lastly, standard data uses existing data from previous studies, industry standards, or historical records to estimate the time for a task or process. The most suitable technique should be chosen based on its accuracy, reliability, and feasibility of data collection and analysis.

3 Collect and record the data

Once you have selected the measurement technique, you need to collect and record the data for your work measurement study. You need to prepare the necessary tools and equipment, such as stopwatch, clipboard, forms, camera, or software, and follow the guidelines and procedures for the chosen technique. You also need to ensure that the data collection is done in a consistent and ethical manner, without disrupting or influencing the normal work flow or performance. You should collect enough data to represent the average or normal conditions of the task or process, and account for any variations or factors that may affect the time or method.

4 Analyze and evaluate the data

After you have collected and recorded the data, you need to analyze and evaluate the data for your work measurement study. You need to process and organize the data, using statistical methods, such as mean, median, mode, range, or standard deviation, to calculate the average or representative time for the task or process. You also need to apply any adjustments or allowances, such as personal, fatigue, or delay factors, to account for the differences between the observed time and the normal or standard time. You should also identify and eliminate any outliers, errors, or anomalies in the data, and check the validity and reliability of the results.

5 Improve and standardize the method

The final step of a work measurement study is to improve and standardize the method for the task or process. You need to use the data and analysis from the previous steps, as well as your knowledge and experience, to identify and eliminate any waste, inefficiency, or variability in the work method. You should also look for opportunities to simplify, combine, rearrange, or modify the work elements, motions, or sequence, to optimize the work method. You should then document and communicate the improved and standardized work method, using diagrams, charts, instructions, or codes, and train and monitor the workers or machines to follow the best method.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?