Time and Motion Study Consulting

Maximize Efficiency and Minimize Waste with PMI's Time and Motion Study Consultancy Services

Our time and motion study consulting services are designed to improve the efficiency of your production and business processes.

PMI's experienced consultants will examine the duration and actions of specific tasks, breaking them down into their components and measuring the time it takes to complete each one. We can also observe the worker's movements to pinpoint areas of inefficiency. We provide detailed recommendations on how to streamline the process and increase productivity, minimizing waste.

Our time and motion study services are tailored to your specific needs, ensuring that your organization reaches peak performance.

Learn more about Time Study Methodology

Our Time and Motion Study Services Include

MODAPTS Time Study Consulting

MODAPTS (Modified American Time Study) is a method of time study that is used to measure the time required to perform a specific task or operation. It is typically used in manufacturing and assembly operations. It is a systematic method of breaking down a task into its component parts and measuring the time required to perform each part. The data collected is then used to optimize the workflow and improve efficiency.

MOST Time Study Consulting

MOST (Method-oriented Systems Technique) is another method of time study that is used to measure the time required to perform a specific task or operation. It is similar to MODAPTS, but it also includes an analysis of the motion used to perform the task. The goal of MOST is to reduce the amount of unnecessary motion and improve the efficiency of the task.

MTM-UAS Time Study Consulting

MTM (Methods-Time Measurement) is similar to MODAPTS and MOST, but also includes an analysis of the ergonomics of the task. The goal of MTM is to design a task that is efficient, ergonomic, and safe for the worker. It is mainly used in manufacturing and assembly operations. The data collected is used to optimize the workflow and improve efficiency by reducing unnecessary motions, reducing physical stress, and thereby increasing productivity.

Production Time Study Consulting

A Production Time Study typically involves breaking down the task into its component parts, measuring the time required to perform each part, and analyzing the data to eliminate bottlenecks and inefficiencies.

Stopwatch Time Study Consulting

The oldest time study methodology, a Stopwatch Time Study typically involves using a stopwatch to measure the time required to perform the task and then analyzing the data to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies in the workflow.

Work Sampling Consulting Services

Work Sampling involves taking a random sample of observations of the task or operation and then using statistical methods to estimate the proportion of time spent on different activities. This identifies the proportion of time spent on different activities and uses the data to optimize workflows and improve efficiency.

Our Experts

PMI is a certified applicator of PMTS techniques (Predetermined Motion Time Standards), giving us the ability to serve various markets. With vast experience executing projects across a wide spectrum of cycle times (0.3 sec to 23 hours), we can confidently target and address your specific goals.

Hands-on experience in the implementation of PMTS Work Measurement Techniques
Successfully completed 250+ projects using PMTS techniques
Team of domain experts and trained professionals with a total experience of 75+ man-years
Global industrial exposure spread across India, USA, Mexico, Europe, and beyond
80% of customers continued business with PMI

PMI Delivers:

Applying the appropriate technique with respect to your problem statement
Apply best methods with respect to your industry type
Provide time and motion optimization recommendations and reports

What is a Time & Motion Study?

A time and motion study is the study of time as it relates to human motion. This study is commonly used for repetitive tasks performed by a fully trained average worker. Tasks are simplified into measurable steps, and the proper time is assigned to each movement according to the joint being moved to complete the motion. Industrial Engineers use Time and Motion Analysis to decompose work tasks into Value Added versus Non-Value-Added segments. Understanding these work segments enable the creation of efficient labor standards.

Work Measurement

How is work measured?

Work can be measured using the following work measurement techniques:

PMTS (Predetermined Motion Time Standards)
- MODAPTS
- MOST
- MTM-UAS
Work Sampling
Production Study
Stopwatch Time Study

PMTS Techniques

PMTS uses Work Measurement to break down each element of work and the motion of a task. Each work element duration (in seconds) is referenced in the PMTS Database. The Industrial Engineer compiles these discrete movements & work elements to compute the total task duration or work content.

PMTS Methods

MODAPTS® - Modular Arrangement of Predetermined Time Standards
MTM® UAS - Methods Time Measurement – Universal Analysis System
MOST® - Maynard Operation Sequence Technique

How to Prepare for a Time and Motion Study

Firmly establish reasoning for the study to identify desired outcomes

What is the purpose of the study?

Choose what is to be measured

Determine which aspects are to be measured, important variables, and set boundaries
Ensure all applicable work content is captured
The more cycles recorded, the more accurate the study will be

Determine the best time to accurately capture data

When are the workers active?
Are there factors like vacations or inoperable machines that would cause a change in average performance?

Follow best practices for collecting data samples

Make sure collected data samples are unbiased according to work instructions
Ensure that data is collected consistently based on earlier determined parameters, preferably in a templated format

How to Conduct a Time and Motion Study

Break down the process

It is important to understand the process that you're studying. This could be a manufacturing process, an assembly line, or even a service-based process.
Identify the specific task or tasks you want to study, and create a detailed process map. This will help you to break the task down into smaller, more manageable components.
Determine the criteria for measurement, such as the specific actions required to complete the task, the equipment and tools used, and the specific time intervals for each step.

Use pre-determined data, observe, and measure

Utilizing the predetermined criteria of measurement, document the process and time required to perform tasks.
Observe how the process takes place. Take note of the workers' movements, the tools and equipment they use, and any potential hazards or inefficiencies in the process.
Document the process by timing the worker completing the task, taking note of the specific actions and time intervals.
Pay attention to the sequence of tasks, and how they flow together. This will give you a good overall understanding of the process and help identify areas for improvement.
Collect data based on beginning and end points, this will be used to calculate the time required to complete the task.

Analyze the captured data

Using time study formulas, analyze the data. Compare and contrast the data recorded and notice waste and NVA (Non-Value Added activities) in the process.
Identify the specific steps that are taking too long, or that could be eliminated entirely.
Look for patterns and trends in the data, and use this information to make informed decisions about how to improve the process.
The goal of the time and motion study is to understand the process, identify areas of inefficiency, and suggest ways to streamline the process and increase productivity, minimizing waste.

PMI Industrial Engineering Advantages & Benefits

Identify inefficiencies and bottlenecks
Optimize and set standards for regular pace of work
Determine the best work methods of applications observed
Provides basic building blocks for process improvement & labor utilization

Industries that Benefit from Time & Motion Studies

Automotive Manufacturing
Warehouse and Logistics
Industrial Manufacturing
Food and Beverage
Healthcare and Hospitals
Logistics & Supply Chain

Aerospace
Energy and Utilities
Renewables, Oil, and Gas
Retail
Telecommunications
Architecture, Engineering, and Construction

Industrial Engineering Training

PMI offers a variety of Industrial Engineering training courses. From Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing Techniques, 8S Core Courses, and beyond, PMI can help you enhance your organization's manufacturing capabilities and drive operational excellence with our comprehensive courses.

Expertise: Specialized knowledge and experience in industrial engineering provide your employees with the latest techniques and best practices in the field.

Tailored Solutions: Conduct an analysis of your organization's operations and provide tailored training solutions. This can help your organization to achieve its unique goals and objectives.

Implementation Support: Training alone is not enough! We can provide support in implementation which will ensure that learned techniques drive effective changes.

Long-term benefits: Implementing industrial engineering solutions can lead to improvements in productivity, efficiency, and profitability.

View our full Industrial Engineering Course offering