Predetermined Time Systems

 Frank and Lillian Gilbreth broke work into

therbligs (elements).
 The next step is to assign time values to the
elements.
 Times for elements are added to obtain a total
time.
 Independence and additivity are assumed.
 PTS are based on the concept that there are
basic, universal units of work with standard
amounts of time.
Methods-Time Measurements (MTM)
 Developed in 1946
 Simplified versions are available.
 A training course is required for using the system
correctly.
MTM-1
 10 categories of movements
 Times in TMUs (1 TMU = .000 010 h)
 Times are for an experienced worker working at
a normal pave.
 No allowances are included in the times.
Reach
 Reach to an object in a fixed location or in the
other hand.
 Reach to a single object whose general
location is known.
 Reach to an object jumbled with others in a
group.
 Reach to a very small object or where
accurate grasp is required.
 Reach to an indefinite location.
Move
 Move object to the other hand or against stop.
 Move object to an approximate or indefinite
location.
 Move object to an exact location.
Turn
 A movement that rotates the hand, wrist, and
forearm about the long axis of the forearm.
 Time depends on degrees of turn, weight of the
object, and resistance against turn.
Apply Pressure
 Application of force without resultant movement.
Grasp
 Pickup grasp
 Regrasp
 Transfer grasp
 Jumbled grasp
 Contact, sliding, or hook grasp
Position
 Aligning, orienting, or engaging one object with
another
 Position times vary with:
 Amount of pressure needed to fit
 Symmetry of the object
 Ease of handling
Disengage
 Breaking contact between one object and
another
 Times vary with:
 Class of fit
 Ease of handling
 Care in handling
Release
 Relinquishing control of an object by the hand or
fingers
 Two types:
 Simple opening of the fingers
 Contact release
Other Motions
 Body, leg, and foot motions
 Eye motions
 Combined motions
 Limited motions
MTM Form
MTM-2

 Takes about 40% of the time of MTM-1 to

analyze a task.
 Has only 37 times in all.
 Key categories are GET and PUT.
 Provides decision trees to determine case.
 User estimates distance and uses time from
table.
 Includes 7 other motions.
MTM-2 Analysis
MTM-3
 Takes about 15% of the time of MTM-1 to analyze
a task.
 Has only 10 times.
 Key categories are HANDLE and TRANSPORT.
 Provides decision trees to determine case.
 User estimates distance (< 6 in. or > 6 in.) and
uses time from table.
 Includes 2 other motions.
MTM-3 Analysis
MOST Work Measurement System
 Based on observation that the majority of
activities are associated with a limited number of
motion sequences.
 Significantly reduces time required to perform an
analysis.
 4 sequence models.
General Move Sequence Model
MODAPTS
 Based on the concept that the body member
used is the key variable.
 All body movements are multiples of a MOD (1
MOD = .129 s).
Comments about PTS

 In theory, PTS can accurately predict task times.

 Evidence shows reality and theory don’t agree.
 One problem is that analyst judgment is required.
 Most managements are not concerned with a great
deal of accuracy.
 Managements are concerned with cost of analysis.
Purposes of PTS Studies
 Make a methods analysis to determine an
efficient work method
 Determine the amount of time necessary to do
the job