In the work measurement field, MODAPTS is one of several predetermined time systems; however, it is the fastest growing and easiest to use system in the world. Other PDTS include MTM, MOST, Mini MOST, Work Factor, and Master Standard Data. These are all sophisticated systems for developing “production standards.” Developing a production standard is similar to setting a goal, or a benchmark. The purpose of which is to measure progress. For example, a goal might be to reduce direct or indirect labor by .10 hours per unit, or reduce overtime to 5%. Using periodic reports, management can determine whether or not the goal is being reached.
Production standards
Production standards are goals, calculated for the 100%, or normal employee, experienced in performing the process and working a comfortable work pace. When the goal is exceeded an “atta-boy” is often awarded and employees are recognized for their efforts. Not meeting set goals based on capacity planning usually ends up with management getting involved, not always a pleasant event.
As such, typical production standard might be expressed as .329 minutes/piece. Some organizations, however, might prefer to use hours instead of minutes. Others prefer to use 100 pieces instead of 1 piece as their unit of measure. It makes no difference at all how the standard is expressed; just keep in mind; a production standard has a unit of time and a unit of production.
Production standards are developed around body parts used, not on performance rated stopwatch observations which is a slow process for the calculation of standards. Stopwatches are not required when using a predetermined time system. All that is necessary is to write down the motions required of the employee. The time values for each motion are taken from a table of predetermined times. When analysts in an organization use the same set of data, the variation is minimized. With all analysts using the same data the consistency of standards is improved.
Predetermined Time-Standards = Predictability, Productivity, Profit
In the world economy all business depends on accountability, reputation and quality – establishing pre-determined time-standards for frequently repeated manual tasks has become more important than ever for reliably predicting your plant’s manufacturing capacity.
Tightly managed time-schedules can lead to expanded profits when exact timing, labor costs and precise calculations for deliveries can be relied on.
When expanding plant capacity to meet your customer needs is the issue – breaking down labor activity into predictable and precise cost-effective components becomes necessary. When working to establish dependable plant capacity planning estimates, productivity, profit or loss, having access to reliable and objective work measurement data is key. Determining if your plant capacity can be expanded even more by utilizing a pre-determined time standard is often worth the time to investigate.
Are you interested in learning more about how predetermined systems can be used to train and teach your employees? If so, contact us for more information. We have helped others, maybe we can help you too.