MTM

"MTM" stands for Methods-Time Measurement. It is a procedure for improving methods

and establishing time standards by recognizing, classifying, and describing the motions used
or required to perform a given operation and assigning pre-determined time standards to
these motions.

MTM evolved into a dynamic family of systems. It is continuing to grow and meet more
needs of its practitioners and users. It has developed from a single system of work
measurement and analysis to a family of systems that meets the varied demands of different
users.

The basic MTM data was developed by H B Maynard, J L Schwab and G J Stegemerten of
the Methods Engineering Council during a consultancy assignment at the Westinghouse
Brake and Signal Corporation, USA in the 1940's. This data and the application rules for the
MTM system were refined, extended, defined, industrially tested and documented as a
result of further work in later years.

In 1948 Maynard, Stegemerten and Schwab published the book "Methods Time
Measurement" giving full details of the development of the MTM system and its application
rules. The use of MTM spread, firstly in the USA, and then to other industrialised countries.
In 1951 the US/Canada MTM Association for Standards and Research was formed by MTM
users. The system originators then assigned the MTM copyrights to the MTM Association.
(http://www.ukmtm.co.uk/systems/mtm-1.asp )

In 1963, a new member of MTM family with the name MTM-GPD (General Purpose Data)
was introduced. The original MTM of 1948 was termed as MTM-1.

MTM-1

The unit of time used in MTM tables is one hundred-thouandath of an hour (0.00001 hour).
The time units of MTM aer referred to as Time Measurement Unit (TMU). One TMU is
equal to 0.0006 minute.

The basic motions used in MTM-1 are:

Reach - R
Move - M
Turn - T
Apply Pressure - AP
Grasp - G
Position - P
Release - RL
Disengage - D
Eye Travel - ET and Eye Focus - EF
Leg Foot Motions: FM, FMP, LM_,
Horizontal Motions - Side Step - SS_C1, SS_C2, Turn Body TBC1, TBC2,
Walk: W_FT, W_P, W_PO
Vertical Motion SIT, STD, [B,S,KOK], [AB,AS,AKOK], KBK, AKBK

Source: Barnes, Ralph M., Motion and Time Study: Design and Measurement of Work,
Seventh Edition, 1980, Chapter 28. 

Generic Systems of MTM

MTM Systems designed to do work measurement in multiple environments.

MTM-1®

MTM-1 is the basic system form which all other MTM systems have been developed. This
system is used worldwide. It determines the time necessary for performing a given
operation by analyzing the manual motions required and assigning a time value to each.
MTM-1 is ideally suited to use in high volume production environments.

MTM-UAS®

MTM-UAS represents a second generation of synthesized data, based on the MTM-1 system.
It was constructed through use of statistical analysis of basic MTM-1 motion patterns. This
system is best-suited for use in environments which exhibit the characteristics of batch
production.

MTM-MEK®

MTM-MEK, a third generation system based on statistical analysis of MTM-1 data, is

designed for economical measurement of small lot or one-of-a-kind production, with long-
cycle times, as well as other infrequently performed tasks previously considered too costly
or difficult to measure.

THE 4M® SYSTEM

4M is a second level system used to convey MTM-1 level information to the MTM-LINK
software for use in methods analysis and standards development. It is suited to long run
production.

MTM-BTM
MTM-B represents a third generation of synthesized data, based on the MTM-UAS system.
It was constructed through use of statistical analysis of basic MTM-UAS motion patterns.
This system is best-suited for use as an estimating tool where the primary focus is speed of
application. MTM-B is offered as a data module of the MTM-LINK Software System.
Manual application is not supported.

Functional MTM Systems

MTM Systems applicable to specific work measurement environments.

MTM-HC® (Healthcare)

MTM-HC is a standard database devoted specifically to healthcare activities.

MTM-C® (Clerical Activity)

MTM-C is designed specifically for measuring clerical activity.

MTM-V® (Machine Shop)

MTM-V is a standard data system for measuring difficult-to-time long cycle manual
machine shop tasks.

MTM-TE® (Electronic Test)

MTM-TE is a standard data system for measuring mental and manual activity in the
electronic test environment.

MTM-M® (Work Under Microscopes)

MTM-M is the only system available which is capable of accurately measuring assembly,
wiring, soldering and other work performed under microscopes.