**** Predetermined Motion Time Systems (PMTS): A Cornerstone of Enhanced Workforce
Productivity
Introduction
In the dynamic realm of industrial engineering, Predetermined Motion Time Systems (PMTS)
reign as a powerful tool for optimizing workforce productivity. By delving into the granular
elements of manual tasks, PMTS empowers organizations to establish precise labor standards,
illuminate areas ripe for process refinement, and secure a competitive edge amidst evolving
market landscapes.
PMTS: A Paradigm of Precision
The essence of PMTS lies in its meticulous dissection of manual operations into their
fundamental human motions. Each distinct motion—be it a reach, a grasp, a turn, or a release—
is meticulously assigned a predetermined time value, typically expressed in Time Measurement
Units (TMU). This intricate system of standardized tables and values grants organizations the
ability to forecast task completion times with remarkable accuracy, even prior to actual task
execution.
Key Advantages of PMTS Integration
Accuracy Ascendant: PMTS eclipses traditional time study methods in terms of precision, as it
gracefully sidesteps the pitfalls of observer subjectivity and fluctuating work paces.
Efficiency Embraced: The ability to apply PMTS without direct observation of task performance
fosters a streamlined approach to time estimation, conserving both time and resources.
Consistency Championed: Standardized time values weave a tapestry of uniformity across
diverse workforces and operational settings, ensuring the integrity of time standards.
Task Analysis Illuminated: The meticulous segmentation of tasks into their constituent motions
unveils latent inefficiencies and unveils fertile ground for process optimization.
Early Cost Insights Unlocked: PMTS empowers organizations to confidently forecast labor
expenditures for nascent products or processes even before their integration into the production
pipeline.
Common PMTS Systems: A Tapestry of Options
Methods-Time Measurement (MTM): This esteemed family of systems encompasses a
spectrum of detail levels, including MTM-1, MTM-2, MTM-3, and MTM-UAS.
Basic Motion Timestudy (BMT): A streamlined system that adroitly focuses on a concise
repertoire of fundamental motions.
MOST Work Measurement Systems: Renowned for their ease of use and training, this family
includes MiniMOST, BasicMOST, and MaxiMOST.
PMTS: A Catalyst for Transformation
The applications of PMTS ripple across a multitude of organizational domains, including:
Setting Labor Standards: Establishing equitable and consistent time expectations for the
workforce.
Improving Productivity: Pinpointing areas primed for process optimization and streamlining.
Costing and Pricing: Accurately determining labor costs, empowering informed pricing
strategies.
Ergonomics: Analyzing tasks to mitigate physical strain and champion a workplace culture of
safety and well-being.
Facility Layout: Orchestrating the design of workstations and workspaces to maximize efficiency
and harmonize with task requirements.
Training: Furnishing a robust framework for the seamless transmission of new skills and
techniques.
In Conclusion
PMTS stands as an invaluable asset within the arsenal of industrial engineering, poised to
propel organizations towards heightened productivity, cost-efficiency, and workforce
optimization. Its meticulous approach to task analysis and time estimation empowers informed
decision-making and a steadfast commitment to continuous improvement. Embracing PMTS
signifies a strategic step towards unlocking the boundless potential of workforce performance
and securing a position of strength in the ever-evolving industrial landscape.
Predetermined Motion Time Systems (PMTS) are work measurement techniques used to
analyze and quantify the time required to perform specific manual tasks under defined
conditions. These systems are commonly used in labor-oriented industries to set piece-rates,
wage-rates, and incentives, as well as for work measurement purposes.
Key Points about Predetermined Motion Time Systems (PMTS):
1. Basic Concept: PMTS involves breaking down work into basic human movements and
classifying them based on their nature and the conditions under which they are
performed [[2]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Predetermined_motion_time_system). These
movements can include reach, grasp, move, turn, position, disengage, release, and
more.
2. Time Measurement Units: Most PMTS use time measurement units (TMU) instead of
seconds for more accurate calculations. One TMU is typically defined as a fraction of an
hour, such as 0.036 seconds according to MTM100
[[2]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Predetermined_motion_time_system). These smaller
units allow for precise analysis without the use of decimals.
3. System Variations: PMTS can vary in complexity and detail. Some systems, like
Methods-Time Measurement (MTM) and MaxiMOST, provide highly detailed analysis
with individual TMU-level observations of motions
[[2]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Predetermined_motion_time_system). Other systems,
such as MTM-B and BasicMOST, group motions into larger time values for quicker
analysis [[2]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Predetermined_motion_time_system). The
choice of system depends on the need for accuracy, the length and repetitiveness of the
operation, and the distances involved.
4. Applications: PMTS are commonly used in labor-oriented industries, including apparel
and footwear manufacturing, to determine labor inputs in terms of Standard Minute
Value (SMV) or Stranded Allocated Minute (SAM)
[[2]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Predetermined_motion_time_system). They are also
used for labor costing, setting piece-rates, and establishing standards for work
processes.
5. Advantages and Limitations: PMTS require a detailed description of the working method,
making them useful for studying and improving work processes [[3]](https://www.imsproductivity.com/page.cfm/content/Predetermined-motion-time-systems-PMTS/).
However, they may not account for unnatural conditions, interruptions, or mental
processes. Some PMTS systems are proprietary, requiring training or royalty payments
for their use.
Learn more:
1. [Predetermined Motion Time System (PMTS) – Axsium
Group](https://axsiumgroup.com/glossary/predetermined-motion-time-system-pmts/)
2. [Predetermined motion time system –
Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Predetermined_motion_time_system)
3. [Predetermined motion time systems (PMTS)](https://www.imsproductivity.com/page.cfm/content/Predetermined-motion-time-systems-PMTS/)
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Explain Predetermined Motion Time Systems (PMTS) , with example ,
Predetermined Motion Time Systems (PMTS): A Comprehensive Framework for Workforce
Optimization
Introduction
In the realm of industrial engineering and operations management, Predetermined Motion Time
Systems (PMTS) occupy a pivotal position as a highly accurate and versatile approach to work
measurement. By meticulously dissecting manual tasks into their fundamental human motions
and applying predetermined time values, PMTS offer a robust foundation for establishing
equitable labor standards, identifying productivity improvement opportunities, and optimizing
resource allocation.
Key Principles and Methodology
PMTS are predicated upon two core principles:
Task Decomposition: The initial step involves a granular analysis of manual tasks, breaking
them down into their constituent micro-motions, such as reach, grasp, move, position, and
release.
Time Value Application: Each motion is meticulously assigned a predetermined time value,
derived from extensive empirical research and validated through rigorous statistical analysis.
These time values account for factors such as distance, weight, and motion complexity.
Standard Time Calculation
The aggregate of time values assigned to individual motions yields the total standard time
required for task completion, expressed in Time Measurement Units (TMU). One TMU is
equivalent to 0.036 seconds, offering a high degree of precision in time estimation.
Illustrative Example: Assembling a Widget
Motion
TMUs
Reach for part
5
Grasp part
3
Move part to assembly area
10
Assemble part
15
Repeat for other parts
(Variable)
Total standard time:
43 TMUs/part (0.1548 seconds/part)
Common PMTS Systems
Methods-Time Measurement (MTM)
Maynard Operation Sequence Technique (MOST)
Basic Motion Timestudy (BMT)
Industry Applications
PMTS have gained widespread adoption across a diverse spectrum of industries, including:
Manufacturing
Assembly
Packaging
Healthcare
Construction
Material handling
And numerous others
Benefits of PMTS
Accurate Time Estimation: Facilitate precise prediction of task completion times without
extensive observation.
Process Improvement: Uncover inefficiencies and streamline workflows for optimal output.
Cost Reduction: Minimize labor costs and enhance resource utilization.
Fair Labor Standards: Establish equitable wage rates and incentive structures.
Ergonomic Assessment: Evaluate tasks for potential ergonomic risks and proactively design
safer workplaces.
Predetermined Motion Time System
A predetermined motion time standard is a work measurement technique whereby times established
for basic human motions (classified according to the nature of the motion and the conditions under
which it is made) are used to build up the time for a job at a defined level of performance.
Each of these motions is assigned a previously established standard time value in such a way that the
timings for the individual motions can be synthesized to obtain the total time for the performance of the
activity.
Method Time Analysis (MTA)
A. B. Segur of Oak Park Illinois was one of the first to establish the relationship between the time
element and the motion itself.
Segur stated that the method_must be well defined before an attempt is made to estimate the time
standard for the motions involved in the task. No
He developed a table of improvement principles involving many of his basic motions such as hold, grasp,
preposition, position, avoidable delay and balance delay.
■ The improvement principle involved here is in the elimination of the left hand as a holding device.
In MTA, motion values are given up to fifth decimal.
Work Factor System
This is a system of PMTS in which it is possible to determine the work factor time for manual tasks by
the use of pre- determined data.
A detailed analysis of each of the task is made based upon the identification of major variables of work
and the use of work factor as a unit of measure.
■Then the standard time from the table of motion value is applied to each motion.
Four major variables of work factor system are:
Body member
Distance
Manual control
Weight or resistance
This system is applicable to highly repetitive work.
Factors for Selecting PMT System
Some important factors which be considered while selecting PMT system for application to particular
industry are:
Cost of Installation
Application Cost
Nature of Operation
Performance Level of the System ,Consistency of Standards
Applications of PMTS
Determination of time standards.
Comparing the times for alternative proposed methods so as to find the economics of the proposals
prior to production run.
Estimation of manpower, equipment and space requirements prior to setting up the facilities and start
of production.
Developing tentative work layouts for assembly line prior to their working.
Checking direct time study results.
Advantages of PMTS
Short cycle jobs can be timed accurately.
Rating, the most difficult part of time study is not necessary.
The results obtained are consistent.
A reasonable estimate of work content can be obtained before the task is actually carried out.
Method Time Measurement (MTM): Definition
MTM can be defined as :
■ “A procedure which analyses any manual operation or method into the basic motions required to
perform it and assigns to each motion a predetermined time standard which is determined by the
nature of the motion and the conditions under which it is made.”
Method Time Measurement (MTM):Introduction
Method Times Measurement (MTM) is one of the major predetermined motion time system (PMTS).
The objective of MTM is the establishment of tangible, understandable and acceptable data for the
scientific measurement of human comfort.
It was introduced in 1948 in the USA and presently exists in several variations, known as MTM-1, MTM2, MTM-3, etc.
These different variations of MTM system are applicable on different business models.
Method Time Measurement (MTM):Introduction
MTM system gives values for the fundamental motions of reach (R), move (M), turn (T), grasp (G),
position (P), apply pressure (AP), eye travel (ET), disengage (D), and release (RL).
Normal time values for MTM technique are given in Time Measure Units (1 TMU = 0.00001 hr = 0.0006
min = 0.036 sec) which are represented in a tabular form for fundamental motions.
MTM Versions
MTM-1 is the most accurate and it provides the most detailed method description but requires the
longest time for analysis.
MTM-2 was developed by constructing motion combinations from basic motion of MTM-1 and its
analysis can be done more quickly than MTM-1.
MTM-3 is the simplest of MTM systems and is intended for use with long cycle short run operations and
speed of analysis is seven times faster than MTM-1.