Time Measurement Training
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Time Measurement
Objective: By the end of this lesson you will be able to
identify process
elements and record the time
associated with each element.
The Purpose of the Time Measurement is:
•
To identify a fair measurement of the time needed to perform the process by capturing the most
repeating time for each work element.
•
To Identify and break down the elements of an operation or process, and capture the associated
time for each of the operation elements.
•
To identify fluctuations in cycle times due to abnormal conditions or problems occurring during
the process.
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Time Measurement Definitions
1. Time measurement is the determination of the actual time required to perform
a process, an element or a step by T/Ms or equipment.
2. A Time Study is the concrete observation, documentation and description of
operation elements and the associated time for each element.
3. Takt Time = total shift production time / total shift production requirement.
4. Target Cycle Time = Takt Time adjusted to meet a targeted efficiency.
5. Actual Cycle Time = Actual measured time it takes a T/M (or equipment) to perform one work cycle. (the sum of the times for the operation
elements)
6. If the Actual Cycle Time is less than the Target Cycle Time, the difference is Wait Time.
7. Time Fluctuation is the inconsistency of cycle times in a process. Fluctuation is the
difference in the high cycle time and the low cycle time.
8. Standard Time is the lowest most repeatable time observed rounded to the nearest
second. A standard time cannot be determined until time fluctuation is under control.
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Time Definitions - Visual Example
Example of Time Definitions (determined 95% efficiency)
Takt Time = 160 sec (1 unit every 160 sec)
Target Cycle Time = Takt Time x 95% efficiency = 152 sec
Actual Cycle Time = The actual time it takes a T/M to perform a process
Wait Time = Target Cycle Time - Actual
180
Wait Tim e
Actual Cycle Tim e
160
Target Cycle Tim e
Takt Tim e
140
Time (Seconds)
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
Cycle 1
Cycle 2
Cycle 3
Cycle 4
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Cycle 5
Practical Reasons for Time Measurement
Time Measurement is the basis for :
• Identifying and planning Standardized work
• Identification of the following:
• instabilities and variations of processes due to fluctuations in Cycle Times
• deviations from the Standardized Work
• inadequate tools
• lack of training / training differences
• equipment failure/breakdown
• Grasping the current condition of a process during C. I. activities.
• Developing an Elemental Wall.
• Breakdown of the process by noting specific elements or steps occurring during the
process.
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Work Cycle Definition
next work cycle
1 work cycle
1st element
1st element
2nd element
2nd element
3rd element
3rd element
4th element
4th element
• a work cycle is the repeated performance of elements in the same operation.
• First - watch the performed work process carefully
• Second - identify the single elements of the observed work process.
• The time between the start of the 1st element of the cycle and the end of the last element
of the cycle is the cycle time. If the cycle time is less than the target cycle time,
the difference is wait time.
• Cycle times can be measured both for team member and equipment
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Definition of Element Starting Points
1st starting point
1st ending point = 2nd starting point
2nd ending point = 3rd starting point
1st element
3rd ending point = 4th starting point
2nd element
4th ending point
3rd element
4th element
time for
element 1
time for
element 2
time for
element 3
time for
element 4
time for one work cycle = cycle time
• each element has a defined starting and ending point
• the ending point of an element is the starting point of the following element
• the time for one element is the difference of ending time and starting time
• the sum of all times of the single elements is the cycle time
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Using the Time Measurement Tool
1. Stop Watch
2. Time Measurement Tool
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Operating the Stop Watch
Press for all other starting points
beginning with 2nd (LAP). Also
Use to clear time.
Press for first starting point
Press for ending point
Times for each
operation element
or single step
Number of
element
Cumulative time
or cycle time
Press to review
individual element
times
Cycle through
Modes
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Time Fluctuation
• It is important to identify time fluctuation in a process in order to establish a standard
time for the process.
•Time Fluctuation is the inconsistency of cycle times in a process.
•Time Fluctuation allows the recorder to:
- identify abnormal conditions or inconsistent work occurring during the process
and the reasons why
- identify any high or low cycle times in a process and the reasons why
- identify production wastes due to process deviations and abnormal conditions.
•Time Fluctuation is used to identify and solve problems in a process:
- provides analysis for problem solving in a process to ensure that element and
cycle times are stable before documenting a standard time for the process.
Time Fluctuation Boundary scale
Time (sec)
0 - 10
11 - 20
21 - 60
61 +
TOTAL CYCLE TIME
Fluctuation Boundary (sec) =
High Time - Low Time
3
4
5
6
5%
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Time Measurement Tool
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Time Measurement Tool
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Time Measurement Tool
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Time Measurement Tool
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Time Measurement Tool
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Time Measurement Tool
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Time Measurement Tool
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Time Measurement Tool
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Suggestions for the Time Measurement
1. Inform Team Member in advance
2. Focus on average performer ( training / speed / efficiency)
3. It is best not to target Time Measurement directly at the beginning of shift or
directly after breaks.
4. Don’t interfere with the T/M observed
5. Confirm that Team Member is following standardized work .
6. Time Measurement for a minimum of 5 cycles for the same performer.
7. Identify fluctuations. Observe points such as interruptions, safety/quality
problems, irregular steps, and working ahead/behind which have impact on the
process.
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