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The Secret of Time and Motion Study: How to Improve Work Efficiency?
In today's rapidly changing business environment, organizational efficiency is critical. How to improve productivity through efficient working methods has become the goal pursued by enterprises. This article will delve into the mysteries of time and motion study and how this technology can improve work efficiency. Let us enter this field together.
Background of Time and Motion Studies
The technique of "time and motion study" originated from Frederick Winslow Taylor's time study and Frank and Lillian Gilbreth's motion study, and was integrated into a scientific management method. This study aims to achieve a standardized workflow by quantitatively analyzing the work process.
This integrated approach is called process engineering and is applicable to both industry and services.
Implementation of Time Study
Time study is a technique in which direct and continuous observation of a specific task is performed, using a measuring instrument to record the time required to complete the task. This approach is useful in the following situations:
- Situations where repetitive work cycles exist.
- Perform a variety of different tasks.
- The workflow contains elements of process control.
Time study is defined as a technique for measuring work using time-measuring tools, taking into account various influencing factors such as unavoidable machine delays and rest periods required for fatigue.
Procedure for conducting a time study
The time study procedure can be divided into the following steps:
- Define and document standard methods.
- Divide tasks into work elements.
- Time the worker element to obtain the observed time.
- Assess workers' pace to determine normal time.
- Finally, calculate the standard time, taking into account the necessary allowance time.
Exploration of motion research
Different from Taylor's time research method, Gilbreth proposed a technical language that can scientifically analyze the labor process. They observed the workers' movements and postures through video recording and recorded the time. This method not only provides a visual record of the work process, but also effectively trains workers to master the best work methods, further improving productivity.
Gilbreth's work emphasizes the effectiveness of action rather than simply pursuing speed.
Criticism of Time and Motion Studies
Although time and motion study has performed outstandingly in improving work efficiency, it is also criticized. Unions generally believe that it is a tool used by management to standardize and enforce production speed, and is deeply influenced by the subjective nature of workers and their training.
Although Taylor and Gilbreth's methods have different focuses, what they have in common when facing criticism is that they lack a broad scientific basis, which leads people to question their research methods.
Application in medical care
In the healthcare industry, time and motion studies are used to improve the efficiency of nursing staff. Many hospitals have begun to implement targeted adjustments, increasing the time that nursing staff provide direct patient care during a shift to more than 70%, significantly reducing the incidence of errors and accidents.
ConclusionOn the road to exploring work efficiency, time and motion study provides a wonderful perspective and tool. Whether in industry or services, these methods can effectively redefine the way work is done and improve overall productivity. However, in the pursuit of efficiency, how can we balance productivity with the physical and mental health of workers?
