WHAT ARE TIME STANDARDS?

Time standards in production and manufacturing serve as crucial benchmarks for measuring productivity and efficiency.

They enable companies to establish realistic goals, accurately estimate production costs, and ensure optimal resource allocation.

By providing a standardized framework, these methods facilitate continuous improvement efforts and help organizations streamline operations for maximum profitability.

TYPES OF STANDARDS

We can categorize Standards under the following umbrellas:

DIFFICULTY OF IMPLEMENTATION

Time Standard Mountains - Ease of implementation

WHICH TIME STANDARD METHOD SHOULD I USE?

This is highly dependent on various factors including –
– Cycle Time of Products
– Number of Engineers in Business
– Yearly Volume of Product

Time Standard Method Selection
Volume Translates to Build Variability, if we don’t build something a lot it is likely to be more variable and more difficult to build.
Less Volume means Higher Variability but Less Historical Data, which means a heavier leaning on Direct Observation/Engineered Time
More Volume means Less Variability, can place more emphasis on Time Estimates and use previous build data to predict future builds

PRO vs CON

Overview of Benefits and Cons of Time Standard Type

PRO’s

Time Estimation
Relies on real-world data from past performances, offering a practical basis for estimating future time requirements.
Offers a pragmatic approach when historical data or resources for engineered standards are unavailable.
Engineered Time Standards
Utilizes systematic analysis and observation to establish precise time standards, offering consistency and reliability in estimating task durations.
Objective method for calculating time and is not sample sensitive. Enables standard development at the planning stage.
Direct Observation
Provides detailed insight into how time is allocated, allowing for a thorough analysis of workflow efficiency and potential areas for improvement.
Allows for more precise measurement of time spent on tasks or activities, minimizing errors that may occur with estimation methods.

CON’s

Time Estimation
Susceptible to variability due to factors like worker skill level, equipment condition, and external influences, potentially leading to inaccuracies.
Prone to subjectivity and bias, leading to inaccuracies in time predictions.
Engineered Time Standards
Requires significant time and resources to develop, involving detailed measurement and analysis of work elements.
May overlook situational factors or unique circumstances that can impact performance.
Direct Observation
Constant observation may feel intrusive to workers, potentially affecting their behavior and productivity.
Can be time-consuming, requiring dedicated observers to monitor tasks continuously.