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Created on 19/02/02 10:36

CATEGORY: 2.5 JOB DESIGN RECORDING TECHNIQUES

USED IN METHOD STUDY

See also:Job DesignMethod Study

INTRODUCTION

Method study uses formal techniques to record the sequence of activities, the timerelationship between different activities, the movement of materials and the movement ofstaff.

The main techniques used for recording the time relationships between parts are:

- Multiple-activity charts- Simo charts

The main techniques that are used to record movement are:

- Memo-motion analysis- Micro-motion analysis- Flow diagrams

The most commonly used technique is the flow process chart. There are three types ofprocess charts:

- Outline process charts- Flow process charts- Two-handed process charts

Process charts use five symbols to describe tasks as: operation, inspection, transportation,delay and storage. The symbols have marginally different meanings for each type. Thefigure shown below presents the symbols and their meanings in each process chart type.

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Created on 19/02/02 10:36

Figure Symbols used in process charts

TIME RELATIONSHIP TECHNIQUES

There are two main techniques used to describe the time relationship between different partsof the job, namely Multiple-activity charts and Simo charts.

Multiple-activity charts are used to record activities for each resource (operator or machine)using the same time scale. This helps to make time comparisons easy.

Outlineprocesschart

Operation Operation Operation Operation

Flowprocesschart(forpersonnel)

Flowprocesschart(for materials)

Two-handedprocesschart

Symbol

Not used Transportation TransportationTransportation

Not used Delay Delay Delay

Inspection Inspection Inspection Inspection

Not used Not used Storage Hold

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Created on 19/02/02 10:36

Figure: Example of a Multi-activity chart for a two operator team setting up a machin

Simo charts. These charts are basically combinations of multi-activity charts and two-handedcharts. They show a multi activity chart for each hand of a two-handed process. Figure Simo chart

Time in

0

0.1

0.

0.3

0.

0.5

0.6

0.7

Left hand

wait

Holdw/piec

wait

Holdtool

wait

Right hand

Pick up w/piece

OperationXXXXOperationYYYY

Operation ZZZZ

Get newtool

Operator 1

Removeexisting tool

Operator 2

Load newtool

Existing toolon machine

Machine

Setting upTool andadjustments

Assistremoval

Take oldtool back to

Measureand adjust

Trial run

Transportmaterial

Trial run

Productionoperation

Running

Time

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Created on 19/02/02 10:36

PATH OF MOVEMENT TECHNIQUES

These techniques are used to record movement of resources such as staff, materials, tools,etc. Two frequently used techniques are:

1. Memo-motion video recording:

This technique utilises video recordings of activities. Fast play-back of the recordingcan compress hours of activity into minutes a provide data for charts

2. Micro-motion analysis:

This technique also utilises video recordings but examines movement details byslowing down play-backs

Internet Resources

www.manu-online.co.ukThe website for the Manufacturing Institute. The Manufacturing Institute is an educationalcharity, focused on the research, expansion and dissemination of knowledge of best practicein manufacturing and is a partnership between the North West’s leading manufacturingcompanies and universities.

www.lmu.ac.uk/This is the website for the Leeds Metropolitan University where there is information onMethod Study and other related topics.