Predetermined Motion Time Systems (PMTS) are a set of techniques and procedures

used to establish standard times for performing specific tasks based on predetermined
motion times. These systems are widely used in industrial engineering and time and
motion studies to estimate the time required to perform a particular job or task. PMTS
methods are developed through extensive analysis of basic human motions and are
expressed in time values, usually in units of time per motion (such as seconds per
motion).

Key Concepts of Predetermined Motion Time Systems:

1. Basic Motions: PMTS breaks down tasks into fundamental movements or

motions. These motions are basic human movements that can be universally
applied to a wide range of tasks. Examples of basic motions include reaching,
grasping, lifting, moving, and releasing.
2. Time Values: Each basic motion is assigned a predetermined time value,
representing the average time it takes to perform that motion under standard
conditions. These time values are established through empirical studies and are
often documented in reference tables provided by PMTS organizations.
3. Elementary Motions: Tasks are further broken down into elementary motions,
which are combinations of basic motions required to complete a specific task. By
summing the time values associated with these elementary motions, the total
standard time for the task can be calculated.
4. Rating Factor: A rating factor is applied to the calculated standard time to
account for variations in the work pace of individual workers. This factor adjusts
the standard time to reflect the efficiency of the worker performing the task.
5. Allowances: Allowances are added to the standard time to accommodate factors
such as rest breaks, delays, and personal time. These allowances ensure that the
standard time is realistic and achievable in real-world working conditions.

Advantages of Predetermined Motion Time Systems:

1. Standardization: PMTS provides a standardized method for estimating task

times, allowing for fair comparisons between different workers and tasks.
2. Efficiency: By breaking tasks into basic motions and optimizing these motions,
PMTS helps in identifying the most efficient way to perform a task.
3. Workload Balancing: PMTS allows for workload balancing by accurately
estimating the time required for different tasks, enabling organizations to
allocate resources efficiently.
4. Process Improvement: PMTS analysis can identify inefficient motions or
processes, leading to process improvements and increased productivity.

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 5. Cost Estimation: PMTS can be used to estimate labor costs accurately for
specific tasks, aiding in budgeting and cost control efforts.

Example of PMTS Application:

Consider a task that involves assembling a product. The task can be broken down into
basic motions such as reaching for components, grasping them, assembling the parts,
and releasing the assembled product. PMTS assigns predetermined time values to each
of these basic motions.

 Reaching: 1.2 seconds

 Grasping: 1.5 seconds
 Assembling: 2.0 seconds
 Releasing: 1.0 second

If a worker performs these motions in sequence, the standard time for the task can be
calculated as the sum of these time values (1.2 + 1.5 + 2.0 + 1.0 = 5.7 seconds). After
applying a rating factor and adding allowances, the final standard time for the task is
determined, providing a benchmark for evaluating worker performance and task
efficiency.

Overall, Predetermined Motion Time Systems play a significant role in industrial

engineering by providing a systematic approach to setting realistic and achievable
standards for various work tasks, leading to improved productivity and workflow
optimization.

Explain the importance of measuring the work content

Measuring work content, often referred to as workload measurement or work content
analysis, is a crucial activity in various fields such as manufacturing, project
management, healthcare, and service industries. It involves quantifying the amount of
work or tasks involved in a particular job or project. The importance of measuring work
content can be understood through several key points:

1. Resource Allocation:

Accurate measurement of work content helps in effective allocation of resources such as

manpower, time, and materials. By understanding the workload, organizations can

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assign tasks to the appropriate number of workers and ensure that resources are utilized
optimally.

2. Workforce Management:

Workload measurement aids in determining the appropriate staffing levels. It helps

organizations identify periods of high workload, enabling them to hire additional staff or
redistribute tasks among existing employees to prevent burnout and maintain
productivity.

3. Capacity Planning:

For businesses, especially in manufacturing, understanding work content is vital for

capacity planning. It allows companies to assess their production capabilities and plan
for future growth or diversification based on the existing workload and workforce
capacity.

4. Performance Evaluation:

Measuring work content provides a standard basis for evaluating employee

performance. By comparing actual work output with the expected work content,
managers can identify high performers and areas where additional training or support
may be needed.

5. Process Improvement:

Workload measurement helps in identifying bottlenecks and inefficiencies in processes.

By analyzing the work content, organizations can streamline workflows, eliminate
redundant tasks, and implement process improvements to enhance overall efficiency.

6. Project Management:

In project-based industries, understanding work content is crucial for project planning

and scheduling. Project managers use work content analysis to estimate the time and
resources required for various project tasks. This information is essential for creating
realistic project timelines and budgets.

7. Cost Estimation and Budgeting:

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Accurate measurement of work content is essential for estimating costs and budgeting
projects. It helps in determining the labor costs, material requirements, and time needed
for completing specific tasks, allowing organizations to create realistic budgets and
financial forecasts.

8. Client Satisfaction:

For service-oriented industries, understanding work content ensures that service

providers can meet client demands effectively. By accurately estimating the work
involved, service providers can set realistic expectations with clients regarding timelines
and service delivery, leading to higher client satisfaction.

9. Work-Life Balance:

For employees, understanding the work content helps in balancing workload and
personal life. By accurately measuring the work content, organizations can prevent
overloading employees with excessive tasks, leading to improved job satisfaction and
work-life balance

Why it is necessary to have a standard method defined for every process

1. Consistency and Quality:

Standardizing processes ensures consistency in how tasks are performed. Consistency is

critical for maintaining high-quality products or services. Standard methods define the
best practices that have been proven to yield reliable results.

2. Efficiency:

Standard methods optimize workflows. When everyone follows a standardized process,

it reduces unnecessary steps, minimizes delays, and eliminates redundancies. This
efficiency leads to time savings and increased productivity.

3. Training and Onboarding:

Standard methods serve as a training guide for new employees. They provide a clear
framework for teaching employees how to perform tasks correctly and efficiently.
Standardized processes facilitate quicker onboarding of new team members.

4. Problem Identification and Resolution:

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When a process is standardized, any deviations or issues can be quickly identified.
Standard methods create a baseline against which actual performance can be measured.
Deviations from the standard indicate potential problems, making it easier to identify
and resolve issues promptly.

5. Continuous Improvement:

Standardized processes provide a foundation for continuous improvement efforts. By

having a clear, defined standard, organizations can identify areas for enhancement,
experiment with changes, and measure the impact. This iterative process leads to
ongoing improvements.

6. Effective Communication:

Standard methods create a common language within an organization. When everyone

understands and follows the same procedures, communication is clearer, and
instructions are more precise. It reduces misunderstandings and promotes effective
collaboration.

7. Compliance and Regulations:

In certain industries, there are legal and regulatory requirements that need to be met.
Standardizing processes ensures that these requirements are consistently fulfilled,
reducing the risk of legal issues and penalties.

8. Resource Optimization:

Standard methods help in optimizing the use of resources, including time, materials, and
labor. By eliminating unnecessary steps and improving efficiency, organizations can
achieve more with the same resources.

9. Customer Satisfaction:

Standardized processes lead to consistent, high-quality products or services. This

consistency enhances customer satisfaction, as customers can rely on receiving the same
level of quality every time they interact with the organization.

10. Knowledge Preservation:

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Standard methods help preserve institutional knowledge. When processes are
standardized, organizations are less reliant on individual employees' specific knowledge.
This knowledge is captured in the standardized procedures, making it less vulnerable to
loss due to employee turnover.

In time study, allowances are additional times added to the observed or measured
basic time to account for various factors that cannot be precisely measured but have an
impact on the time taken to perform a task. These allowances are important because
they help in establishing a fair and realistic standard time for a task, considering factors
that are beyond the worker's control.

Types of Allowances in Time Study:

1. Rest Allowance:
 Definition: Time allowed for the worker to rest during the task.
 Purpose: Accounts for normal physiological needs for rest and recovery,
ensuring the worker's well-being and preventing fatigue.

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  Example: If a task takes 10 minutes to complete, and a 2-minute rest
allowance is given, the standard time would be 12 minutes.
2. Delay Allowance:
 Definition: Time allowed for unavoidable work delays, such as waiting for
materials or equipment.
 Purpose: Accounts for interruptions or delays that are beyond the worker's
control, ensuring the standard time reflects the true work content.
 Example: If a worker spends 45 minutes working and 5 minutes waiting for
a machine to start, the observed time is 50 minutes. If a 5-minute delay
allowance is given, the standard time would be 50 minutes.
3. Personal Allowance:
 Definition: Time allowed for personal needs, like going to the restroom,
drinking water, or addressing personal emergencies.
 Purpose: Accounts for essential personal breaks, promoting the worker's
comfort and well-being.
 Example: If a worker spends 8 hours working and a 30-minute personal
allowance is given, the standard time would be 8 hours and 30 minutes.
4. Fatigue Allowance:
 Definition: Time allowed to account for the natural decrease in productivity
and concentration over a work shift.
 Purpose: Prevents workers from overexertion and maintains productivity
levels throughout the shift.
 Example: If a worker's observed time for a task is 60 minutes and a 10%
fatigue allowance is given, the standard time would be 66 minutes.
5. Contingency Allowance:
 Definition: Additional time added as a buffer to account for unforeseen
circumstances or occasional variations in the work environment.
 Purpose: Provides flexibility to adapt to unexpected events without
affecting the productivity standards.
 Example: If a task's observed time is 20 minutes and a 5% contingency
allowance is given, the standard time would be 21 minutes.

Ergonomics, also known as human factors engineering or human ergonomics, is the scientific
discipline that focuses on designing products, systems, and environments to fit the people who
use them. It is concerned with optimizing the interaction between human beings and their work,
tools, equipment, and environments to enhance efficiency, comfort, safety, and overall well-
being. Ergonomics draws from various fields, including psychology, engineering, design, and
physiology, to create user-friendly and efficient systems.

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Scope of Ergonomics:

1. Workplace Ergonomics: Ergonomics plays a vital role in designing workspaces,

seating arrangements, lighting, and tools to ensure the health and well-being of
employees. Proper ergonomic design in the workplace can prevent
musculoskeletal disorders, eye strain, and fatigue.
2. Product Design: Ergonomic principles are applied in the design of products such
as chairs, computer peripherals, kitchen appliances, and automobiles. Products
are designed to be comfortable, efficient, and safe for users, taking into account
human body dimensions and movements.
3. User Interface Design: In the digital age, ergonomics is essential in designing
user interfaces for software, websites, and mobile applications. User-friendly
interfaces enhance user experience and satisfaction, leading to higher efficiency
and reduced errors.
4. Healthcare: Ergonomics is crucial in healthcare settings, from designing medical
equipment and instruments to arranging patient rooms and workstations for
healthcare professionals. Proper ergonomics in healthcare environments can
improve patient care and reduce the risk of injuries among healthcare workers.
5. Transportation: Ergonomics is applied in the design of vehicle interiors,
including seats, controls, and displays. It ensures driver and passenger comfort,
safety, and ease of use, contributing to a more pleasant and secure travel
experience.
6. Sports and Recreation: Ergonomics is utilized in sports equipment design,
sports facilities layout, and the study of human movement patterns. It helps
enhance athletic performance, prevent sports-related injuries, and improve
overall user experience in recreational activities.

MOST, short for "Maynard Operation Sequence Technique," is a predetermined motion

time system (PMTS) used in industrial engineering to establish standard times for
performing specific tasks. Developed by John L. Miller and introduced by Charles E.
"Doc" Piggott in the 1940s, MOST is widely used in various industries to analyze and
optimize work methods. The goal of MOST is to provide a scientific, systematic
approach to setting realistic and achievable standards for various work tasks.

Key Concepts of MOST:

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 1. Basic Motions: MOST breaks down tasks into basic motions or movements, such
as reach, grasp, move, release, and position. These basic motions are
standardized and have predetermined time values associated with them.
2. Work Elements: Tasks are analyzed and divided into smaller work elements, each
corresponding to a specific basic motion. For example, assembling a product
might involve reaching for parts, grasping them, positioning them, and releasing
them.
3. Time Values: Each basic motion has a predetermined time value associated with
it. These time values are established through empirical studies and are
documented in reference tables provided by MOST organizations. Time values
are typically expressed in units like TMUs (Time Measurement Units).
4. Synthesis: The predetermined time values for individual motions are combined
based on the specific sequence of work elements in a task, along with allowances
for various factors, to calculate the total standard time for the task.

Benefits and Applications of MOST:

1. Standardization: MOST provides standardized time values for common motions,

ensuring consistency in estimating task times across different tasks and workers.
2. Efficiency: By breaking tasks into basic motions and optimizing these motions,
MOST helps in identifying the most efficient way to perform a task, leading to
improved productivity.
3. Process Improvement: MOST analysis can identify inefficient motions or
processes, leading to process improvements and increased efficiency.
4. Resource Allocation: MOST allows for accurate estimation of the time required
for different tasks, enabling organizations to allocate resources efficiently and
balance workloads.
5. Cost Estimation: MOST can be used to estimate labor costs accurately for
specific tasks, aiding in budgeting and cost control efforts.
6. Training and Skill Development: MOST provides a structured framework for
training workers, ensuring that they follow standardized methods, leading to
consistent quality and productivity.

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