STANDARD DATA:

Definition and Concept of Standard Data:

Standard data is a catalogue of 'normal time' values for different elements of jobs or for minute
movements involved in different jobs. This catalogue is prepared by compiling the timings of a
number of standard elements.
Generally, similar elements or motions are involved in many jobs. (As an example, drilling holes
is a common feature of many machine shop jobs). If time study is to be conducted for every new
job, it is naturally wasteful to retime those elements of the new job which are in common with
the previously timed jobs. In such cases it is always economical to use the previously timed and
compiled data, called Standard Data. Once the standard data is ready, one requires to list the job
elements or the minute motions of an operation, read their times from the standard data catalogue
and add them up. The total time thus obtained is an estimate of normal time for a job which can
be converted into standard time by adding proper allowances.
Types of Standard Data:
Two types of standard data are used and each is calculated by a different method.
(1) Standard data (Macro data) is based upon elements of a job, is also known as 'Element
Standard Data' and is compiled for a representative group of elements by macroscopic methods.
It is for families of jobs and gives normal time for various elements of jobs. The time values are
procured from the actual stop watch (or other) measurements of the tasks (within I the job
family) carried out previously. This type of data is restricted to particular operations such as
machining on lathe, etc. Operations are broken down into elements ; which are then, timed to get
a system of data showing normal elemental time for any and all jobs (completed on that lathe
but) having different sizes, materials, feed, speed, depths of cut, and method of holding the job,
etc. Thus compiled large data helps considerably in timing a new job, without going into any
more time study. This shortens considerably the amount of time and labour needed to find the
standard time for a new job.
(2) Universal standard data (Micro data) is based upon minute movements (i.e., therbligs-
reach, carry, hold, etc.) involved in an operation and is compiled by microscopic methods. The
methods, lie on the principle that all jobs consist of very little movements called therbligs or in
other words, all jobs can be broken into therbligs. Micro data compiles normal time for a work
cycle or a task by analysing the fundamental types of motions (therbligs). This analysis is carried
out by frame to frame study of the film of the work cycle recorded by movie camera (Micro
motion Analysis). M-T-M (Method-Time-Measurement) and Work factor system are examples
of universal standard data. Macro data deals with (big) elements and micro data with (minute)
motions. Macro data is collected by time study (say stop watch study) whereas micro data is the
result of micro motion study and analysis, but both lead to normal time for a work cycle.
Developing the Standard Data:
The steps involved in developing standard data are given below:
(1) Decide the range of applicability of the standard data.
(2) Break the jobs into elements. There are three types of elements, namely constant elements,
variable elements and machine elements
(3) Obtain or conduct time studies for wide varieties of jobs/job families under different sets of
parameters and conditions.
(4) Summarize time studies using a summary form.
(5) Separate constant elements from variable elements.
(6) Using statistical methods calculate the average standard time for constant elements.

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(7) Explore the job characteristics leading to variability in elements.
(8) Compile the standard data
(9) Test the data for its correctness and accuracy.
Comparison of Standard Data with Individual Time Studies:
Compiling the standard data is economical and advantageous in following respects:
1. Standard data eliminates the need for large number of time studies.
2. Standard data being collected from a large number of observations is naturally more reliable.
It possesses greater accuracy and scope of coverage.
3. Being more accurate, it gives a better estimate of production times.
4. Production schedules for incoming jobs can be better planned.
5. Standard data finds universal application.
Use of Standard Data:
Standard data is used for the following:
(1) To estimate standard time for new jobs of repetitive of non-repetitive nature, quickly and
economically
(2) For estimating production times for pricing inquires made by customers or for quotation
purposes
(3) In job design, process planning and scheduling
(4) To measure productive labour for cost checks
(5) For balancing production operations
(6) As a realistic basis for incentive plans
(7) For constructing time formulae
(8) To calculate the number of automatic machines which an operator can handle effectively
(9) To find percentage efficiency of manual operations
(10) In machine (or other) shops where similar jobs are manufactured in different sizes
(11) To find standards for short runs of custom order products, i.e., for production runs too small
to employ time study
(12) Repair and maintenance
(13) Building construction
(14) Machining and assembly
(15) Typing and clerical jobs
(16) Filing
(17) Warehousing
(18) Packaging
(19) Planning team work activities as in garment making industries