Time Study using MOST
Abstract
The purpose of this investigation was to practice using MOST for time studies and to compare the use of MOST with PDA time studies. This process was completed by observing a work cycle, recording the steps and using the information in MOST software to investigate the allowed time. As a result we were able to find an allowed time for the task and compare it with the allowed time for the same task found using a PDA time study.
Introduction
Our problem today was to determine how to properly take time studies in the work place and use the results from these studies to compare the use of MOST with the use of PDA time studies. This is important because you need to know how different time study methods can be used to get the information that you need and what the advantages and problems are with both. Today’s problem was investigated using the MOST software form to find the appropriate sample size.
Material and Methods
The materials need to complete today’s experiment were a workstation, and a computer with MOST Time Study Software. The following procedure was used:
- A worker was observed doing a task at a workstation
- The sequence of steps was recorded.
- The steps were broken down and entered into the MOST software to find the total allowed time.
- The allowed time was used to compare MOST with PDA time studies
Results
The total task time found using MOST was 31.68 seconds or 880 TMU. The PDA time study gave an allowed time of 84.7 seconds. The longest time was ID input (step 1). All times can be seen in Appendix A.
Discussion
A possible source of error in this experiment is the inexperience with the program being used. Since no one had ever used this program before, some sequence models may not be ideal because the users did not know where to find the most appropriate model or which model would be more appropriate. An example of this is in the ID input (step 1) which in the MOST study was the longest step even when combining steps that are combined in the PDA time study. In the PDA study, ID input was shorter than half the other steps. In MOST it is listed as “Write 7-9 Digits, Signature or Date” not as a typed input which would have a sequence model that did not include a grasp or a release or place. The difference between the total time found using MOST and the time found in the PDA time study is very large, less than half the allowed time. MOST estimated the times for nearly all the steps (excluding the computer input steps) to be shorter than the actual time recorded. If looking for a rough estimate of the times to perform a task in a workplace that exists and is easily accessible the PDA time study is probably a good choice. This time study method has less room for errors made by inexperienced users and is easier to learn to perform accurately. It is also much easier to identify errors in a PDA time study, such as a missed time or an unusually high or low time. However, if performing a time study on a workstation that does not yet exist or that is difficult to observe a worker in, MOST is a good tool. Users must be sure to be educated on the use of MOST and the subtle differences in choosing a sequence model. Errors are more difficult to identify if no actual data exists for the job being analyzed so an inexperienced user can get output that is very inaccurate and may not know. Appendix A shows the summary of data for this job.
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