Work Measurement

Brief description of the various techniques used in work measurement is given in the following paragraphs.  They may be used separately or in combination depending on the nature of the work.  The Work Study Engineer must assess which technique or combination of techniques should be used in a given situation.

Time Study Definition

The application of techniques designed to establish the time for a qualified worker to carry out a specified job at a defined level of performance.  (BS 3138: 1979). 

Direct (Time Study) Measurement

Time Study is a technique for recording the times and rates of working for the elements of a specified job carried out under specified conditions, and for analysing the data so as to obtain the time necessary for carrying out the job at a defined level of performance.

Activity Sampling

Activity sampling is the name given to the process of collecting information about machine or human activities by making a large number of instantaneous observations of the subject instead of by continuous timing, as in the case of time study.  This technique provides a rapid and effective means of studying the pattern of almost any type of activity and its usefulness increases as the number of subjects to be observed becomes greater.  Click here for more information

Predetermined Time Systems

 Definition:

PMTS is an organised body of information, procedures and techniques employed in the study of evaluation of work elements performed by human power in terms of the method or motions used, their general and specific nature, the conditions under which they occur, and the application of predetermined times which their performance requires.

The development of the pre-determined Time System commenced in 1930 - 1940.
In this period, MTA (Motion-Time Analysis)
Work Factor and MTS (Motion-Time Standards)
were evolved.

The 1940’s in the USA brought rapid war mobilisation with shortage of material and manpower.  There was little time in which to achieve tremendous increases in productivity.  During this period, MTM (Method Time Measurement) originated and development began.