WELCOME TO THE COURSE

ON

Industrial Engineering
Course Code: MEBB314

BY
Dr. Chitragupt Swaroop Chitransh
Assistant Professor
Mechanical Engineering Department
NIT Delhi - 110040 INDIA
E-mail: [email protected]
 Course Objectives
 The objective of this course is to understand the evolution of industrial engineering.

Course Outcomes
 To understand the basic concepts of industrial engineering.
 To estimate the basic work content in a specific job and to calculate the standard time.
 To apply the fundamentals of materials management in industrial engineering
 To analyze the appropriate wage and incentive plan for the employees of an
organization.
 To develop the workplace for equipment and man machine system.

Department of Mechanical Engineering, NIT

 Course Assessment
Theory
60%

Continuous Mid End

Evaluation Semeste Semester
25% r 50%
(Class attend. + 25%
Theory : 60% Quiz +
Laboratory : 40% Assignment
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Laboratory
Total 100%
40%
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Continuous Other
Evaluation 50%
50%

Department of Mechanical Engineering, NIT

 Unit II

Industrial Engineering
Course Code: MEBB314
Topics to be covered…
Method Study
Definition
Objectives
Selection of jobs
Various recording techniques

Time Study
Calculation of standard time
Work Sampling
Establishment of standard time
Pre-determined motion time systems

Department of Mechanical Engineering, NIT

Method Study
Definition
Method Study can be defined as the procedure for systematic recording, analysis and critical
examination of existing or proposed method of doing work for the purpose of development and
application of easier and more effective method.
Method study, aims to achieve the better method of doing work and for this reason method study is
sometimes called work method design.
Method study is a systematic and scientific evaluation of existing and proposed plans and work
performance, assessing improvements through an analytical, critical examination process. It
encompasses a comprehensive investigation to improve the entire department, including the layout of
machines, equipment, the flow of materials, and the movement of personnel. Method study has two
levels of application:
(a) Motion study, and
(b) Micro-motion study.
Motion Study
This involves a more detailed investigation of individual operations or operators and
the layout of materials, parts, or tools around a working bench or machine. It includes
using jigs, fixtures, and consumables to perform the job effectively. The study of the
environment, body postures, gestures, noise level, temperature, pressure, and
humidity around the workplace are the significant concerns of motion study, now
known as ‘ergonomics’.

Micro-motion Study
This involves the most detailed investigation of the movements of hands, arms, limbs,
legs, head, etc., while performing a job. Tools such as motion pictures, cameras, and
filmed records are used to study the micro-motions of a specified job.
Foundations of Method Study
Industrial engineers consider that Method Study rests on three pillars: Economic, Technical, and Human factors.
Why are these factors referred to as pillars? The answer to this question is within the reader’s understanding. Yes, it
has to address these three factors in equal proportions. Method Study is represented as follows:
Method Study involves analyzing the following points:
•Economic factors
•Technical factors
•Human factors for Operation and Development

The procedure of Method Study consists of the following steps:

(a) Define the problem and select the work to be studied.
(b) Record all the relevant facts about the current method.
(c) Examine the facts critically and impartially.
(d) Develop the most practical, economical, and effective method that satisfies the three pillars: economic,
technical, and human factors.
(e) Define the new and improved method so that it can be identified.
Objectives of Method Study

The method study is conducted with the main focus on the following objectives:
(a) To bring improvement in the process or procedure.
(b) To improve the workplace, workshop, working environment, layouts, etc.
(c) To bring economy through human effort, thereby enhancing efficiency and productivity.
(d) To reduce unnecessary fatigue.
(e) To improve human comfort while doing work.
(f) To set up better physical working conditions.
(g) To explore ways to use materials, tools, machines, men effectively, and their movements .
The Procedure of Method Study
Different authors have proposed slightly different steps for the method study procedure. Initially,
International Labour Organization (ILO) suggested a basic system consisting of five steps: Select,
Record, Examine, Develop, and Define. Some authors have added a few more steps, including design,
installation, implementation, maintenance, etc. However, the standard procedure consists of the following
six steps:
1. Select
2. Record
3. Examine
4. Develop
5. Install
6. Maintain
Selection of Job for Method Study
Practically, any activity or a job is a potential project for improvement but as the work study engineer
is to sell his ideas and maintain his existence in the organization, he should always attempt to select
those jobs for improvement which are unpopular among employees or are considered “dirty” by
them. By improving such jobs, he would earn goodwill from the employees as well as the
management, and can expect their full cooperation for other studies in the future.

Considerations may be given to the following factors while selecting a job for method study

• Economic Factors

• Technical Factors

• Human Factors
Economic Factors:
If the economic importance of a job is small, it is not wise to start or continue a long study. Priorities should be
given to those types of job which offer greater potential for cost reduction. Such jobs are easily identifiable, as
they have

•High labor content, i.e. they consume more time

•excessive machine or man idleness

•higher frequency of occurrence, i.e. they have large demand

•bottlenecks in production line

•higher proportion of accidents

•movement of material or men over long distance

•high scrap and reprocessing costs

•High payment of overtime bills.

Technical Factors:
 The method study engineer must have the necessary technical knowledge about the job to be studied.
Only surface knowledge about the subject may not lead to the right solution to the real problem.
 To illustrate, consider that a particular machine tool in proving bottleneck.
 The output from this machine is not reaching the assembly line in the required quantity.
 Through a preliminary study, it is found that it is running at lower speed and feed than that
recommended for the pair of work and tool material used.
 Just increase in speed or feed may not be the solution of this problem.
 It may be possible that the machine itself is not rigid enough to operate at higher speeds or take a
deeper cut.
 Just increase in speed may increase the output but the quality of job may be seriously affected.
 Technical expertise in machine tools and metal cutting process would be essential to solve problem of
this kind.
Human Factors
Emotional reaction of the workers to the method study and changes in method are important
considerations. If the study of a particular job is suspected to cause unrest or ill feeling, it should not be
undertaken, however useful it may be from the economic point of view. It is always better to take up first
those jobs which are considered ‘dirty', unsafe, unpleasant, boring, or highly fatiguing, and improvements
brought about as a result of method study. This would possibly ensure cooperative from the workers for
the other jobs as well.

Work Measurement
Work measurement refers to the estimation of standard time for an activity that is the time allowed for
completing one piece of job by using the prescribed method. Standard time can be defined as the time
taken by an average experienced worker for the job with provisions for delays beyond the worker's
control.
Content

Introduction to method study

Recording techniques
Process Symbols
Different recording techniques
 Charts
 Diagrams
 Motion Study
 Method Study
• It is systematic investigation of existing method of doing job and
from that the aim is to develop and install an easy and efficient
procedure for doing the same job.
Recording Techniques
• For method analysis, certain tools and techniques are used to
record the activities. There are many techniques used to record
the activities.
Process Chart Symbols

1. Operation

Indicates the main steps in a process, method or procedure. Usually the part,
material or product concerned is modified or changed during the operation.

2. Inspection

Indicates an inspection for quality and / or check for quantity

3. Transport

Indicates the movement of workers, materials or equipment from place to place

4. Temporary Storage or Delay
Indicates a delay in the sequence of events : for example, work waiting
between consecutive operations, or any object laid aside temporarily
without record until required.
5. Permanent Storage

Indicates a controlled storage in which material is received into or

issued from a store under some form of authorization; or an item
is retained for reference purposes.
6. Permanent Storage
Indicates a storage of finished goods

7. Combined Activities
Indicates a controlled storage in which material is received into or
issued from a store under some form of authorization; or an item is retained for
reference purposes.
 RECORDING
TECHNIQUES

CHARTS MOTON STUDY DIAGRAMS

MICRO AND MACRO

FLOW PROCESS CHART FLOW DIAGRAM
STUDY

TWO HANDED
FILM ANALYSIS STRING DIAGRAM
PROCESSCHART

MULTIPLE ACTIVITY CYCLE GRAPH AND

SIMO CHART
CHART CHRONO CYCLE GRAPH

TRAVEL CHART THERBLING

OUTLINE PROCESS
CHART
Outline Process Chart
Definition:

An outline process chart is a process chart giving an overall picture by

recording in sequence only the main operations and inspections.

•While preparing the outline process chart we use Symbols of Operation and

Inspection

•A brief note of the nature of each operation is made beside the symbol

•In an outline process chart, only the principal operations and the inspections

carried out are recorded to ensure effectiveness

Outline Process Chart
Definition:
 Flow process charts are graphic representations of the sequences of
operations, transportation, inspections, delays and storages occurring
during a process or a procedure and include information considered for
analysis such as, time required and distance moved.

To develop an understanding how a process or work happening and

clearly documenting how a particular job is done, in addition of that
mapping a process in flow chart format helps us where the process can
be improved.
• Material or product type.
• Man type.
• Machine type or equipment.
Material or product type flow process chart:-
• Records what happens to the material or product i.e. the changes the
material or product undergoes in location or condition (includes
operation and transportation).
Material or product type flow process
chart
Records what happens to the material or product i.e. the changes the material or product undergoes
in location or condition (includes operation and transportation).
Records the activities of worker or operator i.e. what a worker or operator does. In this type of chart usually
storage term is not applicable.
Machine or equipment type flow
process
Records the mannercharts
in which a machine or an equipment is used.
• Two-Handed Flow Process Chart, is a motion study where the
study is done to analyse the motions used by the worker in
performing an activity.
• In this chart the activities of a worker’s hands (or limbs) are
recorded in their relationship to one another.
• A Two-Handed Process Flow Chart individually shows the
movement of each hand in a manual process. It is typically used for
repetitive operation when analyzing a manual assembly process, to
help make it easier to perform.
Two Hand Process Chart
• Definition : A Multiple activity chart is a form of process chart recording the related
sequence of work of a number of operators and/or machines on common time
scale. In it, the activities of more than one item, worker, machine or equipment are
recorded on a common time scale to show their inter relation ship.

• Multiple Activity Charts are very useful tool for understanding the flow of work in
a cyclic process and as a consequence understanding which resource is controlling
the overall progress of the work.

The tool can be used to model different scenarios to determine the

optimum mix of resources for the work.

MULTIPLE ACTIVITY CHART
Travel chart

 String diagram is good to explain movements and critical examination but

o it takes longer time to get constructed and
o many movement along complex paths may lead to a diagram with
maze of crisscrossing line.

 Therefore, when movements are very complex travel chart is quick and more
effectively manageable recording technique.
Travel chart

The distance mentioned in meter, column & row mentioned department to measure
distance
• Micro motion study is the study of fundamental element or subdivision of an
operation by means of a motion picture camera and a timing device which
accurately indicates the time interval on motion picture film.
• Micro motion study provides a valuable technique for making minute analysis
of those operation that are short in cycle contain rapid movement and involve
high production over a long period of time. For example. Sewing of garment,
assembly of small parts.
• Where the movements of a worker or machine are very fast, a movie camera
attached to a special type of clock (called micronometer) is used to record and
time each motion. Such a study is called micro-motion study. Pictures so taken
are later operated back at slow motion to identify needless and inefficient
motions.
 THERBLIG
Therbligs was the term coined by the
Gilbreths to describe any of the elemental
motions used to perform any task. Therbligs
can be described symbolically in a
Simultaneous Motion (SIMO) chart and were
given their own codes and colors.
Therbligs are elemental motions used in the
study of workplace motion economy. A
workplace task is analyzed by recording each
of the therblig units for a process, with the
results used for optimization of manual labour
by eliminating unneeded movements.
SIMO (Simultaneous-Motion Cycle) CHART

“SIMO” stands for

simultaneous-Motion Cycle
chart. It is one of micro
motion study devised by
Gilbreth and it presents
graphically the separable
steps of each pertinent limb
of the operator under study.
It is an extremely detailed
left and right hand operation
chart.
Diagram
• Diagrams gives pictorial view of the layout of workplace on which locations of
different equipment, machines etc. are indicated.
• The movement of subject(man or machine) is then indicated on the diagram by a
line or a string.
• The diagram are valuable in highlighting the movement so the analyst can take
steps to simplify or reduce it so as to obtain saving in time.
• The most commonly used method study diagrams are:
• Flow diagram
• String diagram
• Travel chart
• Cycle graph and Chrono cycle graph
Flow diagram
• It’s a top view of the work area correctly indicating the positions of
machining and other locations affecting the movement of subject.
• Therefor it gives “on-the-spot observation” of the paths of movement of
product sometimes using symbols of process charts.
string diagram
A scale plan or model on which a thread is used to trace and measure the
path of workers, material or equipment.
A thread is used to measure distance.
Necessary that the string diagram be drawn correctly to scale, whereas
regular flow diagram can be drawn only approximately to scale.
Thus, string diagram and flow chart can give clearest possible picture of
what is actually being done.
String diagram can be used to plot movements of material to know how
far the materials travel.
Most commonly, the string diagram is used for plotting the movements
of workers.
Practical steps for string diagram drawing and implementation.
•Draw a scaleable layout on appropriate software like Auto CAD, and NX CAD,
and also you can make Microsoft excel.
•Take a printout and define the scale of movement.
•On each workstation attached is a pin where the worker’s movement starts.
•Attached string on the pin as per the movement of workers.
•Measure the length of the string to capture the worker’s movement.
•Analyze the cross and major movement of workers between workstations.
•Identify opportunities for improvement to minimize movements.
•Draw a proposed layout similar to the current layout & shown the proposed
movement between workstations.
•Implement the proposed layout.
string diagram
• A record of path of movements, usually traced by a continuous source of a light
on a photograph.
• The path of movement of a hand, may be recorded on a photograph by putting
a ring carrying small light on worker’s hand.
• A path of light resembling a white wire is seen.
• Later it is used with a stereoscopic camera to show the path in three
dimensions .
 Chrono cycle graph
• This is a development of the cycle graph by interrupting the flow of current so
as to obtain, in the resulting sequence of flashes, a record of the time and
direction of the motions under observation. The resulting image was a
chronocyclograph.

• The path of light appears as a series of pear-shaped dots, the movement being
in the direction in which the dots point.

• The spacing between the dots indicate the speed of movement and show
acceleration and deceleration.

• This is done by using a turning fork, which is vibrating at a known speed, and
connected with a “make and break” contact.
Time Study

 Time study is a work measurement technique for recording the time of performing a
certain specific job or its element carried out under specific condition and for
analyzing the data so as to obtain the time necessary for an operator to carry out at a
defined rate of performance.
 Time study is a method of direct observation. A trained observer watches the job and
records data as the job is being performed over a number of cycles.
Time study equipment
Time
study

Stop
watch Decimal
minutes

Decimal
Fly back Continuous hours
Difference Between Time Study and Motion Study
Calculation of Standard Time
 Standard Time = (Observed time * Rating factor) + Relaxation
Allowances + Other Allowances

What is rating factor?

Rating factor is basically performance comparison based on standard data. Generally, for
standard time calculation rating factor is used to compare performance of manpower. For
rating factor category generally rating will be given to manpower in three categories such
as working as per normal performance, working as per more than normal performance and
working as per less than normal performance.
1. Pace rating
Pace rating is basically measure the manpower performance based on completion of work. In pace rating compare
actual work completion and normal work completion and calculate rating factor for manpower. Pace rating is very
simple and useful method for calculating rating factors.

2. Westing house system for rating

This system was introduced by Charles E. Bedaux in 1916.
In Westinghouse system rating factor is calculating based on considering 4 factors such as skill, efforts, condition and
consistency.
•Skill – skill is mainly considering as per usage of mind with hands on completion of task. Manpower skill improved as
per increasing on job experience. Skill evaluation is done based on certain 4 to 5 rating such as good, excellence,
average and many more.
•Efforts – efforts are monitor based on how manpower physically engage with the completion of job.
•Condition – Environment condition is very important for calculating rating factors like seasonal effect and other
parameters.
•Consistency – consistency is basically shown same performance certain period of time.
3. Objective rating
Objective rating is mainly calculated based on two different factors such as speed of movement and job difficulty.
There are also focusing several factors for are review for calculating ratings based on objective rating methods as per
mention below.
•Foot pedals
•Bimanual
•Eye and hand co-ordination
•Handling requirements
•Fatigue handle
Review below attached formula for calculating manpower rating based on objective rating method.
R=P*D
Where,
R = Rating factor
P = Pace rating factor
D = Job difficulty.
4. Synthetic rating
Synthetic rating method is able to decide rating factor based on pre-determined motion time system. Actual manpower
working condition data will be taken from PMTS study and compare with normal data for calculating rating factor with
synthetic rating method. Review below attached formula for calculating rating factor for synthetic rating methods.

R= P/A
Where,
R = Rating factor
P = manpower movement as per PMTS standard
A = manpower movement as per average actual observed time.
Types of Allowances
Allowances are the essential part for calculating time standard. Generally, allowances are the given to the manpower for
fulfilling basic requirements as per nature as well as fulfilling special requirements as per the nature of product, process or
organizational requirements. Allowances are categorized into four basic parts as per mention below. It can be further
classified into relaxation and variable allowances.

1. Relaxation allowance
Relaxation allowance is a basically categorized into two major parts. The main purpose for providing relaxation allowances
in basic time to fulfilling natural and organizational requirement. Each and every person working in organization, they
required some relaxation due to continuous working pressure.
1.1. Fixed allowance: – fixed allowance are the same for each and every people working within organization and it is also
categorized into two parts.
(a) Personal need allowances: – For fulfilling personal needs as per nature, the allowances to be given for man 5% and for
women 7%.
(b) Basic fatigue allowances: – For fulfilling organization work requirements basic fatigue allowances are also given to
everyone 4%.
Types of Allowances

1.2. Variable allowances: – Variable allowances is mainly depends on several parameters based on
operational requirements. It varies as per the task given to perform. Review below attached parameters for
better clarity for providing variable allowances.
•Work on standing – 2%
•Work on bending posture – 2%
•Work on lying down position – 7%
•For pulling, pushing or lifting – 3 to 17% as per the load carrying.
•Hot and moisture environment – 0 to 10%
•Noisy environment – 2 to 5%
Review above mention different category of variable allowances and as per the actual performance or
behavior of the operation add the variable allowances element into basic time.
 Allowances
2. Interference allowance
Interference allowance is providing to manpower where one manpower operating more than one equipment or more
than one process at same time. The main purpose for giving interference allowance is to sometimes chances of time
delay due to operating more than one entities same time.

3. Contingency allowance
Contingency allowance is providing to manpower for delay due to managing critical work or performing critical
operation. The allowances % depends upon the criticality of operation and its varies industry to industry.

4. Policy allowance
The main purpose for providing policy allowance in normal time due to some special activity performance. Policy
allowance is not part of routine activity, its added on special task performing. The allowances percentage decide by the
organization based on nature of work. In majority cases policy allowances to be provide due to fulfil imperfections or
abnormalities of operational processes.
Calculation of Standard Time – Other Method
Standard Time
Average time and normal time can be calculated, using the standard
time formula. This is the key metric that the time study is working to
uncover, and will tell the time it takes a normal worker to complete a
task under standard conditions. The standard time also takes into
account different allowances, like unplanned breaks or unexpected
delays. The standard time formula is typically written as such:
Standard Time = (Normal Time) x (1 - Allowances)
Calculation of Standard Time – Other Method

Normal Time
Normal time is a calculation that multiplies the average time by the
rating factor, which is a metric that records the abnormal standards of
a task. The rating system takes into consideration things like employee
skill, effort, and consistency. There are a few different rating systems
that your observer might use to determine the rating factor they will
use in the normal time calculation. The normal time formula is as
follows:
Normal Time = (Average Time) x (Rating Factor / 100)
Calculation of Standard Time – Other Method
Average Time
Average time, as you might assume from the name, is the average
time it takes for a worker to complete an individual task from start to
finish. If you are studying multiple individuals, then you would take the
average of all the recorded times to find your average time.
Average Time = (Recorded time 1 + Recorded time 2 + Recorded
time 3 +…) / Number of recorded times
 Work sampling
 Concept

 Definition

 Principle

 Terms used

 Procedure

 Examples

 Advantages and disadvantages

 Application
 Concept
 L.H.C. Tippet in 1934 for studying activities in the cotton industry.

 A technique for estimating the proportion of time that a worker or machine spends
on various activities and the idle time.

 Work sampling is a commonly used industrial engineering technique designed to

measure how resources such as people, machines, facilities, or equipment are used.

 The work sampling objective is to assess selected aspects of an organization's

operations. To find the frequency of occurrence of every work element.
 Brief observations of workers or machines.

 At random intervals.

 To estimate the allocation of time on various activities.

 Not the timing but the nature of the activity.

 Then based on the findings in this sample, statements can be made about the activity.

 The standards derived from work sampling might specify the proportion of time that
should be devoted to specific activities rather than the amount of time required to
perform a task.
 Definition
Work Sampling, (also referred to as random sampling or activity sampling) is a work
measurement technique where observations about work are collected at discrete
time intervals, either periodic or random.

Work sampling is broadly defined as the application of statistical sampling

techniques to the study of work activities.
 Principle

Statistically, when a sufficient number of discrete samples are observed, the overall
percentage occurrence of the samples begins to approach actual percentage of time
that each activity takes.

Work sampling projects were traditionally carried out manually using a paper and
random number tables.

Issues involved:
What level of statistical confidence is desired in the results?

How many observations are necessary?

When should the observations be made?

 Terms used in sampling

 Survey area

 Preliminary survey

 Knowledge workers

 Physical workers

 Group sampling

 Individual sampling

 Observation

 Observation time
 Terms used in sampling
 Nonworking activity

 Working activity

 Undesirable working activity

 Confidence level

 Precision range
 Work Sampling Procedure
Identify the specific activities or workers that are the main purpose for
the study:

The selected worker should be representative of the group and should be

familiar with standardized work methods.

The workers and supervisors should be notified of the purpose of the study.
 Work Sampling Procedure
Plan the sampling procedure:

 Determine the number of observations to be made:

i. Determine the confidence level.

ii. Set the accuracy limits.

iii. Apply the following formula.

Work Sampling Procedure
Z 2 p(1  p)
N
E2
where,
N= Number of observations to be made
Z= Number of standard deviations associated
with a given confidence level
p= Estimated proportion of time that the activity
being measured occurs
E= Absolute error that is desired
 Work Sampling Procedure
Determining the time to make observations:
 Random observations

 Use of a random number table. For example, a work sampling study is to

be conducted over a 1- week period of five 8-hour workdays, the total
number of minutes would be (60 x 8 x 5) = 2400 minutes. A four-digit
column of random number could be used to select numbers between 0000
and 2400.
 Work Sampling Procedure

 In case of few observations, some form of alarm watch or other system is used.

 The number of observations to be taken is usually divided equally over the

study period. For example, if 500 observations are to be made over a 10 day period,
observations are usually scheduled at 50 per day.
 Work Sampling Procedure
Convert the work sampling observations into proportions and calculate desired
standard time estimates:

 Compute the normal time per part

(%of time working) (performance rating)
number of units produced
 Compute the standard time per part
normal time + allowances
 Example

In a work sampling study, a mechanic was found to be idle for 20% of the time. Find
out the number of observations needed to conform to the above figures with a
confidence level of 95% and a relative error level by + 5%.
 Solution
number of observations required:
N = Z^2 p q
E^2
Where,
E = absolute error ( relative error x p )
p = percentage of idling
q = percentage of activity ( 1 – p)
Z = coefficient of the confidence level ( 1.96 for 95% confidence)
 Solution

Hence,
N = (1.96)^2 (0.2)(0.8)
(0.05 x 0.2)^2
= (3.84)(0.16)
(0.010)^2
= 0.61
0.0001
= 6100 observations.
 Example
The following are the results of a work sampling study:

Observation period (in hours) 300 hours

Units processed 27000 parts

Workers working during observation time 1600

Workers idle during observation time 400

Performance rating 80%

Allowances 10%

Find the standard number of units the worker should process in an hour.
 Solution

State Number Of Percentage

Observations

Working workers 1600 1600/2000 = 80

Idle workers 400 400/2000 = 20

Total 2000 100

Thus, actual working hours out of 300 hours = 80% of 300 = 240 hours .
 Solution

Normal time = Actual time x performance rating

100
= ( 240 x 80 )/ 100
= 192 hours
Allowances @10% in 300 hours = 30 hours
Standard time = 192 + 30
= 222 hours
Standard number of units produced per hour =
27000/ 222
= 122 parts
 Advantages
It is a less expensive procedure.

Observers with minimal specialized training can conduct the sampling.

It is an effective means of collecting facts that would not normally be

collected by other means.

Several operators or machines may be observed simultaneously by a

single observer.

No mechanical device needed.

 Advantages

 It results in less anxiety and agitation among workers.

 There is minimal interference with the worker's normal routine.

 It measures the utilization of people and equipment directly.

 A work sampling study may be interrupted at any time without affecting

the results.
 Disadvantages
 It is not economical for studying a single operator or machine, or for studying
operators or machines located over wide areas.
 It cannot provide a much detailed information .
 The operator may change his or her work pattern upon sight of the observer.
 It is of little value in helping to improve work methods.
 A lot of groundwork is required.
 A work sampling study made of a group obviously presents average results,
and there is no information as to the magnitude of the individual differences.
 Suitability

 Group activities,

 Non-Repetitive activities with long cycle times (example: maintenance operator,

support personnel, etc.),

 Activities that are not rigidly constrained from the time standpoint,

 Heterogeneous activities.
 Applications
 For ratio delay studies.

 To indicate the nature of the distribution of work activities within a gang

operation.

 To estimate the percentage of utilization of groups of similar machines or

equipment.

 To determine the productive and non- productive utilization of clerical operations.

 To measure performance.

 To indicate how materials handling equipments are being used.

 Applications

 To provide a basis for indirect labor standards.

 To determine the standard time for a non-repetitive operation as an alternative to

the stop watch period.

 To determine the allowances for inclusion in standard times.

 Conclusion

“ A work measurement technique whereby random observations are made for non-
repetitive activities so as to disclose underutilized workers, poor worker discipline,
overstaffing, inadequate training, inefficient plant layout, excessive delays (caused by
poor planning, material scheduling, or tooling), or other deficiencies.”
Thank You

Department of Mechanical Engineering, NIT