WHAT IS MOST?
The MOST (Maynard Operation Sequence Technique) time standard method is a predetermined motion time system used in industrial engineering to measure the time required to perform a specific task.
MOST breaks down tasks into basic motion elements and provides a standardized approach to time measurement.
FRAMEWORK OF MOST
PRIMARY SEQUENCE MODELS
There are 2 Primary Sequence Models in MOST:
General Move: Used for movements where an object is moved freely through space.
Controlled Move: Used for movements where an object is moved in a controlled manner, such as along a guide path.
SECONDARY SEQUENCE MODELS
There are also 2 Secondary Sequence Models:
Tool Use (T): Used for tasks involving the use of hand tools or the hands themselves. This would include cleaning an area with a rag, with a compressed air nozzle, etc.
Machinery (X): Used for tasks involving the use of machines. Also referred to as “Process Time” in the MOST system.
This type of work can also be described by a series of General and Controlled moves. Secondary Models were created to speed up the analysis time of this specific work type.
PHASES
Phases, the next branch of MOST, help describe segments of a work process. Typically, the Sequence Models contain 3 Phases:
Get, Put, and Return
General Move Sequence Model: [ A B G ] [ A B P ] [ A ]
Controlled Move Sequence Model: [ A B G ] [ M X I ] [ A ]
PARAMETERS
What does the letters [ A B G ] mean? Each Phase contains 3 Parameters, those are the letters you see as A, B, G, M, X, I. The Parameters are very different and describe common motion types.
Action Distance (A)
Quantifies the distance over which a specific action is carried out, such as moving an arm or traveling distance for an object. It typically measures the extent of the movement required to perform a task.
Body Motion (B)
Represents the physical movement of the body (such as walking or reaching) required to perform a task. The distance and effort involved in the body motion are considered
Gain Control (G)
Quantifies the action of acquiring control of an object, which could involve grasping, picking up, or otherwise securing the item before performing subsequent motions.
Placement (P)
Action of placing or positioning an object at a specific location. It includes actions such as setting down an item, aligning it, or securing it in its final position.
Controlled Move (M)
Action of moving an object in a controlled way, which might involve guiding, pushing, pulling, cranking, using a button/switch/knob, or otherwise performing controlled movements in multiple stages.
Process Time (X)
The time taken by a machine or automated process to complete a specific operation. This time does not involve manual intervention or movement by the operator.
Alignment (I)
The actions involved in aligning or adjusting objects, tools, or components to ensure they are correctly positioned relative to each other or to a specific reference point. This can involve fine adjustments or precise positioning.
WHAT ARE INDEX VALUES?
Numerical values assigned to each parameter within a sequence model to quantify the time required for each element of a task. Specifically derived from empirical data and standardized tables, allowing for consistent and repeatable time measurements.
HOW DO WE ASSIGN INDEX VALUES TO PARAMETERS?
Action Distance (A) based on the movement distance involved in the action, as well as the reach necessary to place or obtain an object.
Body Motion (B) both the distance and effort required for bodily movement, including efforts to navigate around objects like doors.
Placement (P) the complexity and precision required for the placement.
Gain Control (G) the amount of difficulty required to gain control of the object and if views are obstructed.
Controlled Move (M) assesses the complexity and level of control needed for the movement, especially if multiple stages are involved.
Process Time (X) based on the duration of the process. Commonly monitored using a standard stop-watch time study, often in conjunction with MOST.
Alignment (I) is assigned an index value based on the difficult of alignment and adjustments and amount of precision required.
MOST EXAMPLE
