POLITECNICO

DI TORINO

WORK MEASUREMENT

Some definitions:

Work measurement is the process of establishing the time that a given

task would take, when performed by a qualified worker working at a
defined level of performance. (International Labor Office of Geneva)

Work measurement is the procedure with which the rate of output of an

existing or planned operation is measured or foreseen. Also the time spent
on productive or non productive actions of a process, a task or a job can
be determined. (G.B. Carson, Production Handbook)

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Frederick Taylor

Fair day’s work

The Principles of Scientific Management

Detailed instructions on work tasks

“The best results would come from the partnership between a trained and
qualified management and a cooperative and innovative workforce”.

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TAYLOR SCIENTIFIC MANAGEMENT

1. Replace rule-of-thumb work methods with methods based on a

scientific study of the tasks;

2. Scientifically select, train, and develop each employee rather than

passively leaving employees to train themselves;

3. Provide "Detailed instruction and supervision of each worker in the

performance of that worker's discrete task“;

4. Divide work nearly equally between managers and workers, so that

the managers apply scientific management principles to planning the
work and the workers actually perform the tasks.

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Frank and Lillian Gilbreth
THERBLIGS
(acronym of Gilbreths) Motion Study (1911)

classification scheme experiment

comprising 18 basic involved
hand motions bricklaying

Search Assemble Pre-position for next

operation
Find Disassemble Release load
Select Use (a tool) Unavoidable delay
Grasp Inspect Avoidable delay
Hold Transport loaded Plan
(carry)
Position Transport unloaded Rest to overcome fatigue
(empty movement)
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In studying bricklayers, Frank Gilbreth noted that individuals did not always
use the same motions in the course of their work. These observations led
him to seek one best way to perform tasks.

The Gilbreths made use of scientific insights to develop a study method

based upon the analysis of work motions, consisting in part of filming the
details of a worker’s activities while recording the time.
They used a motion picture camera that was calibrated in fractions of
minutes to time the smallest of motions in workers.

The films served two main purposes. One was the visual record of how
work had been done, emphasizing areas for improvement. Secondly, the
films also served the purpose of training workers about the best way to
perform their work.

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Example: To tighten a screw

N° Other hand Predominant hand
1 empty movement
up to the screw
2 grasp screw
3 carry screw

4 position screw
5 empty movement
up to the screwdriver
6 grasp screwdriver
7 carry screwdriver to
the screw
8 position screwdriver
9 use screwdriver

define micro-time standard one best way

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From their studies, Frank and Lilian Gilbreth pointed out that the time
needed by different workers to perform a task would basically
depend only on the METHOD used to carry out the task (one best
way), if workers with

equal level of training (capability)

equal level of qualification (suitability)

equal level of effort (physical stress)

were considered.

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Time and Motion Study

R.M. Barnes 1937

Human
Factors

human physiology
fatigue
work place motivational aspects

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1960 new movement

JOB EXPANSION

• job enlargement (horizontal)

expand job to increase number or variety of operations

• job enrichment (vertical)

involve operators in planning, organization and inspection as well as the
performance of their work

• job rotation
changing of work station and/or work task during the shift
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APPLICATION FIELDS OF TIME AND MOTION STUDIES

WORK MEASUREMENT

Production Estimation
Manning jobs (hourly / daily / weekly )

Workload distribution Production Planning

Delivery dates to
Worker difficulties customers

BUDGET

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Takt time TK pace of production flow (work time/demand). TK also

represents the maximum capacity of each workstation along the flow
Line balancing  process of equalizing the amount of work at each
workstation. Nearly impossible to reach perfect balance (inefficiency).
Two constraints: precedence requirements and cycle time restrictions
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DI TORINO WHY STANDARD TIME

Standard time  time required by an average skilled operator,

working at normal pace, to perform a specified task using a prescribed
method, allowing time for personal needs, fatigue and delay

Average skilled operator  operator representative of the people

performing the task
neither the best nor the worst

Normal pace  rate of work that can be maintained for the entire
workday
neither too fast nor too slow

PFD  Personal – Fatigue – Delay factors typically represent 10 to

15 percent of the workday
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WORK MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES

1. Observation and measurement;

• Time study;
• Work/Activity sampling;
• Physiological work measurement;

2. Standard Data System/ Predetermined Motion Time System

Observational methods are RETROSPECTIVE in that the job must be

seen in action in order to be timed
Database of standard times are PROSPECTIVE and can be used for
timing jobs before they start
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DI TORINO 1. OBSERVATION AND MEASUREMENT

a. TIME STUDY

The roots of time studies are back to the period between the two World
Wars. The aim is to establish a time for a qualified worker to perform a
specified work under stated conditions and at a defined rate of working.

This is achieved by a qualified practitioner (the work analyst) observing the

work, recording what is done and then timing and simultaneously rating
(assessing) the pace of working of the worker he/she is observing.

A complete job is usually too long and variable to time and rate in one go.
The analyst breaks the job into discrete smaller tasks (work elements)
which the analyst times and rates separately.

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Actual times for each element are usually recorded by using a stop watch
and are expressed in centiminutes (0.01 min). A timing series has to be
consider, for statistical reliability.

The timing for each element is then adjusted (rated) by the pace at which
the operator was working as assessed by the observer. This produces
normal times for each element of work and hence for the whole job.
Normal times ought to be independent of the operator that was taken as
reference and can be assumed as the time for a trained, experienced
worker to carry out the same job (100% efficiency, no delays)

Finally standard times take into account unavoidable delays (allowances

for personal factors, fatigue, shift adjustments…). Breaks are included here.

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DI TORINO TIME STUDY- MAIN STEPS
1. Identification of the task and the j work elements. Preliminary timing series
Reference time tj
2. Definition of the number of timing series (nj)

Timing & recording

3. Computation of the Standard Time

ST
3.1 Computation of MEAN times (t’i)
t’ j
3.2 Computation of NORMAL times (NTj) considering rating factors (RF j)

NTj RFj

3.3 Computation of the the TOTAL NORMAL time of the work task
NTC
3.4 Introduction of the allowance in normal time
A
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DI TORINO 2. DEFINITION OF THE NUMBER OF TIMING SERIES
(FROM SAMPLE OBSERVATIONS)

σi standard deviation from initial observations

ti (over barred) reference time (mean time from initial observations)

h limit of error, expressed as a %

Z factor related to the chosen level of confidence
Confidence Z
level
90% 1.65
95% 1.96
99% 2.58

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DI TORINO 3. COMPUTATION OF STANDARD TIME

3.2 Computation of the Normal Time for each work element

Normal Time j (NTj) = (t’ j) * (Fj) * (RFj)

t’ j is the mean time resulting from the entire time series

Fj is the frequency with which the work element is repeated in the task

RFj (Rating Factor) describes how much the performance of the

observed worker shifts from what can be considered average

NOTE: a rating factor above 1 means that, according to the analyst, the
observed worker is working at a pace faster than normal. A longer time
should therefore be allowed as compared to the one timed

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DI TORINO 3. COMPUTATION OF STANDARD TIME

3.3 Computation of Total Normal Time of the complete task

j = 1….m indicates the number of monitored work elements

3.4 Computation of Standard Time by introducing the allowance

into Normal Time
Standard Time = NTC * (1 + A)

the Allowance Factor A takes into account worker personal needs

as well as the necessity to recover from fatigue

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DI TORINO EXAMPLE- Time Study
(source C. Noè)

The task under study consists in folding a carton box, position 6 aluminum
supports inside and close the box.
The analyst decides to divide the task into 4 main elements and times each
element for a preliminary series of ten boxes.
ELEMENT REFERENCE STD DEVIATION NUMBER OF
TIME (min) (min) OBSERVATIONS
1. TAKE 2 BOXES 0.50 0.03 5
2. FOLD + INSERT 0.11 0.02 10
BOX DIVISOR
3. POSITION 1 0.12 0.02 60
SUPPORT
4. CLOSE BOX 1.10 0.03 10
The analyst wants to define the standard time for the task, ensuring a
confidence level of 95% with an accuracy level of 4%.
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As a first step, we need to compute the number of timing series that is

necessary to ensure the requested statistical reliability.

Additional observations are indeed needed for steps 1, 2 (especially) and

3, as the data scattering is high compared to the mean time.

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Let’s imagine that as a result of the total required observations, the

average cycle time of each step (t’) and the assessed rating factor (RF)
have resulted in:
STEP t’ F RF
1 0.53 0.5 1.05
2 0.10 1 1.00
3 0.13 6 1.10
4 1.08 1 0.90

Note that the frequency F of step 1 is 0.5, as the worker takes two boxes
at a time but the task is referred to filling and packing of one box.
For step 3, the six supports need to be considered.
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We then compute the normal time for each step

Normal Time (NTj) = (t’ j) * (Fj) * (RFj)

obtaining

NT1= 0.53*0.5*1.05= 0.28 min

NT2= 0.10*1*1.00= 0.10 min
NT3= 0.13*6*1.10= 0.86 min
NT4= 1.08*1*0.90= 0.97 min

for a total time NTC= 2.21 min=132.6 sec

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By assuming an allowance factor A of 15%, the standard time for the

task under study can finally be computed

Standard Time = NTC * (1 + A)

ST= 132.6 (1+ 0.15)= 152.3 seconds/ box =153 seconds/box

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DI TORINO 2. OBSERVATION AND MEASUREMENT

b. ACTIVITY SAMPLING (WORK SAMPLING)

Traditional Time Study requires observation of the entire work cycle.

Application in case of medium-long working cycles is very time consuming.

An effective alternative is activity sampling, where a large number of

snap observations is made over a period of time.

Each observation records what is happening at that instant to the

production line or for the observed worker. The percentage of
observations recorded for a particular activity or delay is a measure of the
percentage of time during which the activity or delay occurs.

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LARGE number of SNAP observations taken at FIXED or RANDOM

time intervals.

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In RANDOM activity sampling, the intervals between observations are

selected at random (e.g. from a table of random numbers).
In FIXED interval activity sampling, the same time interval exists between
observations.

A FIXED interval can be chosen only for activities which do not follow
specific schemes, but are performed by a person or group of people who
have a degree of control over what they do and when they do.

RANDOM intervals will normally be used where there are a series of

automated tasks or activities as part of a process, that have to be run in a
pre established regular pattern. With fixed intervals, there is a risk of the
sampling point occurring always at the same point in the activity cycle.

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Activity sampling is normally used for collecting information on the

percentages of time spent on activities, without the need to devote the time
that would otherwise be required for any continuous observation.

One of the great advantages of this technique is that it enables lengthy

activities or groups of activities to be studied economically and in a way
that produces statistically accurate data.

- analysis of delays: estimation of the percentage of time workers lose in

inevitable delays (activity cost)

- determine the level of machine utilization

- refine previously set working standards

- (periodic) evaluation of worker performance /difficulties

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ACTIVITY SAMPLING – MAIN STEPS

1. Definition of the activity and decision on how to make observations

2. Definition of the time length of the study

3. Evaluation of a preliminary sample to obtain the

parameter value estimation

4. Estimation of the sample size

5. Creation of a random/fixed observation schedule

6. Data recording and decision on whether to

continue or stop observation

7. Computation of the NORMAL time and Standard Time

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4. ESTIMATION OF THE SAMPLE SIZE

Confidence Z
level
90% 1.65
95% 1.96
n = sample size
99% 2.58

Z = factor related to the chosen level of confidence

p = estimated % time spent on the activity

h = limit of error, expressed as a %

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7a. COMPUTATION OF NORMAL TIME

Normal Time = ( Tt ) * ( Pw ) * RF / N

Tt total time of observation

Pw % of time in which the observed worker is busy or the
machine is active
RF performance rating factor
N number of pieces produced

7b. COMPUTATION OF STANDARD TIME

Standard Time = NORMAL Time / (1 - A )

A= Adjusting factor (personal factors, fatigue…)

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DI TORINO Example - Work Sampling
(source C. Noè)

The standard time of a work activity needs to be re-evaluated. From first

initial observations, the analyst estimates that, with current productivity, the
worker is inactive for about 25% of the working time.

The time cycle is quite long, thus the analyst decides to adopt a work
sampling method.
At first, he assumes a confidence level of 96%, with a limit error of 4% and
computes that he has to make a total of 450 observations.

n 
1.96 0.25(1  0.25) 
2
 450
0.04 2

To reduce the number of observations, the analyst decides for a confidence

level of 90% (given the same limit of error) and computes that, in this case,
319 observations are requested (z=1.65).
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The conducted observational study runs over a week period (38 hours or
2280 minutes), during which the analyst makes 319 snap observations.
Each time, he notes down whether the worker is active or inactive at the
time of observation.

Over the 2280 minute period, the number of pieces produced is 110, which
roughly corresponds to a standard time of 20.73 min/piece.
Out of the 319 snap observations, the worker results active in 250 cases;
thus after work sampling the time of inactive work is set at about 21.6%.

Rate of performance is rated average; no abnormal situation occurred in

the production during the time length of the study to justify a correction of
observational data.
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The normal time is then computed to be:

Normal Time = ( Tt ) * ( Pw ) * RF / N

NT= (2280*0.784*1)/110= 16.25 min/piece

If the analyst decides for an adjusting factor of 12%, productivity of the line
can be increased with respect to the current situation and a new standard
time introduced in productivity computation.

Standard Time = NORMAL Time / (1 - A)

ST= 16.25/(1-0.12) = 18.47 min/piece

Expected week productivity is now 123 pieces.

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DI TORINO 2. OBSERVATION AND MEASUREMENT

c. PHYSIOLOGICAL WORK MEASUREMENT

Physical work results in changes in oxygen consumption, heart rate,

pulmonary ventilation, body temperature, and lactic acid concentration
in the blood.

Heart rate and oxygen consumption may be used for measuring the
physiological cost of human work.

If they result too high, the working pace has to be relaxed or additional
breaks need to be introduced to compensate.

Oxygen consumption is usually considered the most reliable

indicator and it has been linked to energy expenditure.

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DI TORINO 2. OBSERVATION AND MEASUREMENT

For maximum energy expenditure rate, indications of the American

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) suggest
2.2-4.7 kcal/min as cut-off values.
An average value of 3.5 kcal/min is often taken as the reference
value for a healthy (young) person working a standard 8 h shift.

No distinction is made on gender. Obvious caution is suggested for older

workers.

Today, the most widely used metabolic rate prediction model is the one
published in the American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal by
A. Garg, D.B. Chaffin, G.D. Herrin “Prediction of metabolic rates for
manual materials handling jobs”.
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DI TORINO 2. OBSERVATION AND MEASUREMENT

The model predicts the energy demands of a given job based on worker
characteristics (gender and BW) and job elements (task analysis as in MTM)

E job  Ebasal   ( Etask _ i / Ttask _ i )

i
Ebasal = metabolic energy rate to maintain basal metabolism and gross
posture (standing, seated…)

Etask_i = maintenance of task-induced posture + metabolic cost of task

Maintenance of body posture is a function of BW only

Metabolic cost of task depends on BW, load handled and gender

Energy demands are significantly affected by BW; females are in general

more efficient, especially at moderate work loads
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3. STANDARD DATA SYSTEMS (SDS)

A standard data system (SDS) in work measurement is a data base

of normal time values, usually organized in work elements.

Data are used as a basis for determining time standards on work

similar to that from which data were determined, without making
actual time studies.

The normal time values for the work elements are usually compiled
from previous direct time studies.

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PREDETERMINED MOTION TIME SYSTEM (PMTS)

A PMTS is frequently used to set labor rates in industry by quantifying

the amount of time required to perform specific tasks.

In PMTS, each motion that is described and coded has a specific time
allowed for its completion. By completely identifying all of the motions
required, the entire time for a sequence of motions or for an entire
operation can be synthesized.

The basic principle behind the method is that the time required for any
manual operation or task can be estimated, given that it is performed by
a skilled operator under the same working conditions.

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The first predetermined motion time system is known as Methods Time

Measurement (MTM), released in 1948 and today existing in several
variations, commonly known as MTM-1, MTM-2, MTM-UAS (or a slight
variation known as MTM-SAM, which is used mainly in Sweden), MTM-
MEK and MTM-B.

Obsolete MTM standards include MTM-3 and MMMM (4M).

MTM-2 standard has also largely been phased out by the organization, but
is still used in some commercial applications.

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Unlike time studies, in which the analyst uses a stopwatch and

subjectively rates the operator's effort to calculate a standard
time, a PMTS requires that the analyst:

- breaks apart the task into its component actions,

- assigns codes and consequently time values to each action,

- sums the times to calculate the total standard time.

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Predetermined time systems

basic human motions

Depending on the level of aggregation of singular elements in which the

task is broken apart, predetermined time systems can be:

Motion-based cannot be broken down into smaller elements

Action-based combination of basic motion into actions

Activity-based element that are combinations of basic motions or

action elements

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DI TORINO MTM DEFINITION

MTM is the acronym for Methods-Time Measurement

MTM is a procedure which analyzes any manual operation or

method into the basic motions required to perform it and assigns to
each motion a predetermined time standard which is determined
by the nature of the motion and the conditions under which the
motion is made.

By summation of the individual time standards, the time needed to

perform a task is determined.

The data is suited to evaluating the method actually performed and

ought to be independent of the type of work, workplace layout and
equipment.

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DI TORINO BRIEF HISTORY

The origin of any predetermined time system may be linked primarily to

the motion studies of the Gilbreths (1911).

The THERBLIGS indeed represent the core of a basic and universal

terminology apt at describing the work methods and to define a
relationship between motions and time.

Main aim of the therbligs was that of explaining – thus making it easier
– the different aspects of the manual task from the point of view of the
people who had to make the job, i.e. the workers.

By providing the method of work, performance could be standardized.

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DI TORINO MTM-1 (1948)

The basic MTM data was developed in the 1940's during a consultancy
assignment at the Westinghouse Brake and Signal Corporation, USA.

Films were taken using constant speed cameras, running at 16 frames per
second, of the work performed by qualified workers on the shop floor.

Each sequence was rated during filming by three qualified industrial

engineers. These ratings had to agree within a close band, otherwise the
sequence was not used.

The rating, or LEVELING, system used was the Westinghouse or LMS

system – so called after its originators Lowry, Maynard and Stegemerten.

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DI TORINO MTM-1 (1948)

The LMS system considers 4 factors independently:

SKILL – proficiency in following the given method
EFFORT – will to work
CONDITIONS – general work surroundings
CONSISTENCY – of performance

Each factor is assigned an alpha rating, e.g. “B-“, “C+”, “A”, etc. which has
a numeric value which is applied later. This reduces the possibility of “clock
rating” and ensures that all factors are considered in the composite rating.

Layout, distances, sizes of parts and tools and tolerances were accurately
measured and recorded on the shop floor to complement the later
analyses.

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DI TORINO MTM-1 (1948)

The films were then projected frame-by-frame and analyzed and classified
into a predetermined format of Basic Motions.

A motion was taken to begin on the frame in which the hand first started
performing the motion and was taken to end on the frame in which the
motion was completed. This allowed a time for each recorded motion to be
calculated in seconds, by means of a frame count, and then “leveled” to a
common performance.

Plots of the leveled times for the various motions were drawn. Analysis
determined the best definitions of limits of motions and their major, time-
determining variables, and resulted in, more or less, the structure which the
manual motions of MTM-1 have today.

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DI TORINO MTM-1 (1948)

Later work, using Time Study, gave the table of Body Motions.

All data and the application rules for the MTM system were refined,
extended, defined, industrially tested and documented as a result of further
work in later years.

In 1948 the book "MethodsTime Measurement” was published, giving full

details of the development of the MTM system and its application rules.
The use of MTM spread, firstly in the USA, and then to other industrialized
countries. In 1951 the US/Canada MTM Association for Standards and
Research was formed by MTM users.

System originators then assigned the copyrights to the MTM Association.

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DI TORINO MTM TODAY
Numero di professionisti certificati MTM

250000
221700
200000
N. certificati MTM

160544 194520

150000

100000
99321

50000
0
0
1965 1975 1985 1995 2003 Ripartizione certificati
Anni

Francia Altri
USA
8% 5%
25%

Germania
25% UK
13%
Svezia
(source MTM Italia) 24%

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•#
DI TORINO MTM ADVANTAGES
• Work methods and time values can be determined at a detailed level
PRIOR to production (even for first-time productions)

• Helps PLANNING manpower requirements and capacity calculations

with greater accuracy.

• Shows a relationship between the work method and work layout and
the time required for a task. An OPTIMAL work method can therefore
be established before the design phase.

• Eliminates the need to RATE operator performance; values are set to

a defined standard, thereby eliminating an area of subjective judgment
and common dispute.

• Internationally known and accepted.

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DI TORINO MTM LIMITATIONS

• MTM analyses describe in great details the sequence and type of

movements, however giving NO indication on DIRECTION.

• MTM refers solely to MANUAL operations under complete control of

workers. A PROCESS TIME needs to be estimated – through timing or
calculation - and added to the analysis for any process that is not
completely under worker control.

• MTM does NOT consider MENTAL workload. It is therefore applicable

to work tasks that imply only simple binary decisions (yes/ no)

• MTM time values do NOT consider any adjustment factors for

PERSONAL NEEDS.

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DI TORINO MTM PLATFORM

MTM-1 is the basic system form which all other MTM systems have been
developed. MTM-1 is ideally suited to use in HIGH VOLUME production
environments.

MTM-2 is a simplified synthetic (second generation) system of measuring

manual work which embraces the principles of MTM-1. Developed in the mid
1960’s, as MTM-1, it describes the manual motion pattern chronologically for
EACH hand.

MTM-UAS represents a second generation of synthesized data, based on

statistical analysis of basic MTM-1 motion patterns. Developed in the 70’s,
the system is best-suited for environments which exhibit the characteristics
of BATCH production. The technique is based on the PREDOMINANT hand.

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DI TORINO MTM PLATFORM

MTM-MEK, a third generation system based on statistical analysis of MTM-

1 data. Developed in the late 1970’s, it is designed for economical
measurement of SMALL LOT or ONE-OF-a-KIND production, with long-
cycle times, as well as other infrequently performed tasks previously
considered too costly or difficult to measure. As MTM-UAS, the technique
is based on PREDOMINANT hand

MTM-B represents a third generation of synthesized data, based on the

MTM-UAS system. It was constructed through use of statistical analysis of
basic MTM-UAS motion patterns. This system is best-suited for use as an
ESTIMATING tool where the primary focus is SPEED of application.

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DI TORINO
MTM PLATFORM

The choice of which variation of MTM analysis to use is dependent on the

need for accuracy in contrast to the need for quick analysis, as well as the
length of the operation, the distances involved in the operation, and the
repetitiveness of the operation.

Longer operations often take place on a larger spatial scale, and tend to
be less repetitive, so these issues are often treated as one.

For longer, less repetitive operations, statistical analysis demonstrates

that the accuracy of less detailed systems will generally approach the
accuracy of more detailed systems.

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DI TORINO
MTM PLATFORM

(source MTM Italia)

Cycle times required for leveling at 95% confidence level, limit error 5%

COMPARISON AGAINST MTM 1

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DI TORINO MTM PLATFORM

(source MTM Italia)

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DI TORINO MOST PLATFORM

Another popular PMTS is the Maynard Operation Sequence Technique,

which was first released in 1972. The method also has several
variations, with the most commonly used being BasicMOST, and others
being MiniMOST, MaxiMOST, and AdminMOST.

As for MTM, the variations MOST systems differ from each other based
on their level of focus.

MiniMOST (as MTM-1) is suitable for short processes with only small
hand motions. BasicMOST, MODAPTS (as MTM-UAS) are more
suitable for processes that average around 1 to 5 minutes, while
MaxiMOST (as MTM-B) are more properly used for longer processes
that are less repetitive.

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DI TORINO MTM and MOST TIME UNIT

Basic time unit: TMU = Time Measurement Unit

1 TMU = 0.00001 hour
= 0.0006 min
= 0.036 sec

This time unit was a result of the picture technology

The smaller units allow for more accurate calculations without the use of
decimals (at least for systems where the level of aggregation is higher).

TMU enables investigating much shorter motions (around 3-4 hundredth

of a second) than using a stopwatch.

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DI TORINO MTM-1 (1948)

MTM-1 is the most detailed and the most accurate of the MTM methods.

MTM-1 is suited to use in HIGH VOLUME production environments.

MTM-1 is based on 23 basic motions (upper limb; body/leg/foot motion;

eye movement) and consists of approximately 5000 time values (4988)

Time codes are given through an alpha-numerical series identifying the

type of movement, and – when applicable- additional factors affecting the
time required for the basic action.

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DI TORINO MTM-1 (1948)

Elements are stand alone and do not relate to the sequence of the
operation

Standard time tables comprise 8 tables - corresponding to the 8

elementary movements for the upper limbs - 1 table for the body, leg
and foot motions and 1 for eye movements.

Each upper limb is to be considered separately.

The TMU obtained for the right arm are to be summed to the TMU
obtained for the left arm. Simultaneous motions are to the worker
advantage.

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DI TORINO

MTM-1
Elementary
Movements
UPPER LIMBS
Reach
Grasp
Move
Turn
Position
Apply Pressure
Release
Disengage

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DI TORINO
MTM-1
REACH (R): move the hand or finger to a destination.
Affected by the length of the motion and the type of reach
(ex. R6C reach at a distance of approx. 6 cm -5 to 7- tight on a small
object among mixed items)

GRASP (G): secure sufficient control on one or more objects with the
fingers or hand in order to permit the performance of the next required
motion.
Affected by the size, shape and location of the object

MOVE (M): transport an object to a destination.

Affected by length of a motion, the weight of the object and the type of
move

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DI TORINO

MTM-1
UPPER LIMB

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DI TORINO

MTM-1
UPPER LIMB

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DI TORINO MTM-1

TURN (T): the motion employed to turn the hand, either empty or
loaded, by a movement that rotates the hand, wrist, and forearm about
the long axis of the forearm.
Affected by the degree of rotation and eventually by the weight of the
object

POSITION (P): align, orient, and engage object with another object
(when only minor motions required).
Affected by the ease of handling, symmetry and the amount of
pressure required for insertion

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DI TORINO MTM-1
UPPER LIMB

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DI TORINO MTM-1
APPLY PRESSURE (AP)

RELEASE (RL): relinquish control of an object by the fingers or hand

DISENGAGE (D): break contact between one object to another.

Affected by the amount of effort required

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DI TORINO MTM-1

BODY, LEG and FOOT MOTION (BMF): other motions which are
associated with the body and legs (walking, standing, bending etc.)

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DI TORINO MTM-1

EYE TRAVEL (ET): considered only when the eyes must direct the
hand or the body movements (includes eye focus and eye travel
time).
Affected by the distance between the travel points and the distance
between the eye to the line of travel

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DI TORINO MTM-1 vs. MTM-UAS

MTM-1

5.40 s

MTM-UAS

6.66 s

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DI TORINO MTM-UAS
MTM-UAS (Universal Analysis System) is characterized by
AGGREGATION of predetermined elementary motions to describe
SEQUENCES of ELEMENTARY OPERATIONS.
Based on STATISTICAL analysis of basic MTM-1 motion patterns,
MTM-UAS was developed for application in environments with the
characteristics of BATCH production.
Desired characteristics:

higher speed of analysis smaller amount of data

sufficient level of accuracy widespread applicability

In 2004, MTM-UAS was recognized by the International MTM-

Directorate (IMD) and accepted at international level.

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DI TORINO MTM-UAS TABLES

As for MTM-1, the code is

given by an alpha-
numerical series which
identifies the type of
operation and additional
factors that influence the
time needed (distance,
accuracy in the task,…)

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DI TORINO MTM-UAS TABLES

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DI TORINO MTM-UAS: BASIC OPERATIONS

1. GET AND PLACE

2. PLACE

3. HANDLING TOOLS

4. OPERATE

5. MOTION CYCLES

6. BODY MOTION

7. VISUAL CONTROL

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DI TORINO GET AND PLACE

One of more objects are taken under control by the hand or fingers
and are subsequently placed in a predetermined location

INCLUDED MOTIONS: Elementary

REACH, GRASP, MOVE, POSITION, RELEASE Movements
UPPER LIMBS
Reach
Grasp
Move
Turn
Position
Apply Pressure
Release
MTM-1 Disengage

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DI TORINO GET AND PLACE

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DI TORINO MTM-UAS: DISTANCE RANGE

• Range 1: <=20 cm

• Range 2: >20 cm and <=50 cm

• Range 3: >50 cm and <=80 cm

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DI TORINO DISTANCE RANGE: BASIC RULES

 the working area is included in between the first and second range and it

is usually consider with range 2

 the distance between the beginning and the end of a movement must be
evaluated on the real trajectory

 the distance range is determined by the highest distance covered by the

“get” and the “place”.

 when the distance covered exceeds 80-100 cm, body motion codes must
be added (in this case, the Get and Place code uses residual distance 1
and a Place code must be added. See examples for body motion codes)

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DI TORINO

GET AND PLACE: WEIGHT RANGE

• <=1 kg

• >1 kg and <=8 kg

• >8 kg and <=22 kg

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DI TORINO

GET AND PLACE: BASIC RULES FOR WEIGHT RANGE

 the weight to consider is the effective weight of the object handled

 however, when the handled object is bulky

(one dimension >80 cm

two dimensions >30 cm X 30 cm

and it is handled with no transport medium in the working area),

the UAS code for the next higher weight range must be considered.

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DI TORINO For small objects only, we
characterize the easiness of “getting” GET AND PLACE

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DI TORINO GET AND PLACE: CASE OF GET

EASY DIFFICULT HANDFUL

- isolated items - mixed items
- items that can - side by side - piled objects or
be taken one by cylindrical objects stacked items
one
AD_ - AE_ - AF_
UAS AA_ - AB_ - AC_ AH_ - AJ_ - AK_ AG_
CODES AL_ - AM_ - AN_

Example: if the operator has to take a M12 bolt, I can reduce the time needed for
the operation if the container contains only M12 bolts (easy get) instead of bolts
of different sizes (difficult get).
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DI TORINO For all objects, we characterize
the precision required for “placing”
GET AND PLACE

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DI TORINO
GET AND PLACE: CASE OF PLACE

APPROXIMATE LOOSE TIGHT

clearance > 12 mm clearance ≤ 12 mm clearance ≤ 12 mm
INSERT or no pressure, no with pressure,
to a stop deceleration to end and/or deceleration
to end
accuracy > ± 6 mm
or ± 1,5 mm < accuracy ≤ ± 1,5
ALIGN
to a stop accuracy ≤ ± 6 mm mm

UAS AA_ - AD_ - AG_ AB_ - AE_ AC_ - AF_

CODES AH_ - AL_ AJ_ - AM_ AK_ - AN_

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DI TORINO GET AND PLACE: EXAMPLES

1. Get a box (<1kg) from a pallet and place it on the work bench (40 cm):

2. As above, but the box is taken at 40 cm and place at 60 cm:

3. Get a piece (< 1 kg) of dimensions 45 x 40 x 10 cm and place it on the

work bench (40 cm):

4. Get a handful of screws from a box and place them on the work bench
(30 cm):

5. Get a hexagonal nut from mixed items (15 cm) and place it on a screw
(25 cm):

6. Get an adhesive label (diameter: 20 mm) from a dispenser and place it

over a precise target (diameter: 22 mm). Distance 30 cm:

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DI TORINO GET AND PLACE

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DI TORINO
GET AND PLACE: SIMULTANEOUS HAND ACTIONS

RIGHT HAND

NO CONTROL WITH CONTROL

NO SIMULTANEOUS SIMULTANEOUS
CONTROL (1 code) (1 code)
LEFT
HAND
WITH SIMULTANEOUS RESIDUAL DISTANCE
CONTROL (1 code) (2 codes)

A motion is considered “with control” if the GET is DIFFICULT and/or the

PLACE is LOOSE or TIGHT;

When using two codes, the first, more critical (predominant value time), will
be associated to the effective distance range, the second to a residual
distance range 1.
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DI TORINO
GET AND PLACE: EXAMPLES

1. Get a washer from mixed items (30 cm) with one hand and an isolated
nut with the other hand (30 cm) and place the washer on the nut in
front of the operator:

2. Get 2 nuts from mixed items with the two hands and place them on 2
screws searching for the thread (35 cm):

3. Get 2 nuts from a container of equal nuts with the two hands and place
them on 2 screws searching for the thread (35 cm):

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DI TORINO
PLACE

One or more objects that are already under control of the worker are
placed with the hand or fingers in a predetermined location.

INCLUDED MOTIONS
MOVE, POSITION, RELEASE the object

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DI TORINO
PLACE: EXAMPLES

1. Place a washer on a bolt (10 cm):

2. Place a screw in the hole searching for the screw thread (15 cm):

3. Get a handful of washers (40 cm) and then place four washers
adjacent to four nuts (16 cm):

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DI TORINO
HANDLING TOOLS

One or more TOOLS are taken under control with the hand or fingers,
moved to the working site where they are to be used and, after use, are
re-positioned in an approximate way.

TOOLS are objects that are of help in the execution of a task: ex.
cleaning a surface with a cloth, screw in a bolt with a wrench, insert a
pin with a hammer.

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DI TORINO
HANDLING TOOLS

INCLUDED MOTIONS
REACH, GRASP, MOVE, (first) POSITION, RELEASE *

NOT INCLUDED MOTIONS

TOOL USE (must be considered either as a motion cycle or through a
process time) and TOOL POSITION at additional points – if present.

* the distance range is determined by the longer motion between

reach, position and release

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DI TORINO HANDLING TOOLS: EXAMPLES

1. Get a wrench at 20 cm, position on bolt (fasten, not included) and

release it at 60 cm:

2. As before but 4 bolts are to be fasten, at a distance of 10 cm from one

another :

3. Screw a bolt with electric screw driver and release it after use (distance
30 cm):

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DI TORINO HANDLING TOOLS: SIMULTANEOUS HAND ACTIONS

GET
TOOL
NO HXX
simult. ?
HX1
YES
RELEASE
TOOL

NO
simult. ?

YES
PLACE
TOOL
NO
simult. ? HXX
PB1 / PC1
YES

HXX

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DI TORINO HANDLING TOOLS: EXAMPLES

1. Push a nail out of its home by means of a hammer and punch (40
cm):

2. As above but the punch is located at 60 cm:

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DI TORINO OPERATE

A DEVICE is taken under control either by the hand or the foot to

execute a single or compounded action

Operating devices are levers, switches, wheels, cranks, pedals….

INCLUDED MOTIONS
REACH (the device), GRASP, OPERATE, RELEASE

NOT INCLUDED MOTIONS

CORRECTIVE and AUXILIARY MOVEMENTS
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DI TORINO OPERATE: CASES AND EXAMPLES

EASY (SINGLE) operate cycle: BA_

(no need for accuracy, no need to connect/disconnect the device before/after)

- devices driven with hand, finger, foot (push a pedal/switch,

turn a knob, move a lever)
- single round (complete or partial) of a crank

DIFFICULT (COMPOUNDED) operate cycle: BB_

- single round of a crank to a defined position on a scale
- disconnect, turn a crank and re-connect
- operate a lever up and down (no actions in between)
- shift gear (driving)
- operate the lever of a fixed drill to approach the drill tip to a mark
- pull a panel of switches to oneself and press a switch
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DI TORINO OPERATE: BASIC RULES AND EXAMPLES

 Distance range is determined by the distance traveled by the hand or

the leg to reach the device to operate

Example: - Push a switch at 40 cm to start an hydraulic press BA2

 “Operate” includes just ONE single or compound cycle.

Additional movements that are made afterwards, with the device still
under control, must be analyzed as “motion cycles”.

Example: Turn a crank three times:

BA2 (reach the crank with the hand and do the 1st round)

ZA2 x 2 (do the other 2 rounds)

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DI TORINO MOTION CYCLES
MOTION CYCLES are to be used when sequences of movements that
are repeated in cycles are executed by hand, finger or foot, with or
without the use of tools.
The sequence of movements must be repeatable.

INCLUDED MOTIONS
MOVE, PLACE, APPLY PRESSURE
NOT INCLUDED MOTIONS
REACH, GRASP, RELEASE the object

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DI TORINO MOTION CYCLES: EXAMPLES

Single movement: ZA_

- turn keys or cranks, 1 round
- cut with scissor / pliers (first movement of cut)
- hammering (only moving outward)

Compound movement: ZB_

- outward and inward movements with ratchet, scissors, hammer, file, etc..
- manual fastening of screws
Compound movement+ place: ZC_ (prerequisite: the use of a tool)

- resume working with a wrench on the same piece, insert and tighten
(in practice: ZC_ = ZB_ + place)

Tighten or untighten: ZD
- ex. tighten/untighten a bolt after/before screwing/unscrewing (no
distance range is specified as the distance covered is insignificant)

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DI TORINO MOTION CYCLES: BASIC RULES AND EXAMPLES

The distance range is determined by the distance of the longest

movement.

In turning a crank, the distance range is determined by the trajectory

made by the hand or the finger at any round and not by the diameter of
the crank.
Example: wind a cable 3.4 m long (already at hand) with four rotations
(diameter d= 25 cm)
each winding counts for πd= 78.5 cm (DT3) ZA3X4

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DI TORINO BODY MOTION

Leg and trunk movements that are determinant for the time cycle

WALK ROTATE
BEND STOOP (LOWER)
KNEEL SIT
STAND

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DI TORINO BODY MOTION: BASIC RULES AND EXAMPLES

WALKING / m: KA

- movement of the body axis (forward, backward, lateral, rotation),

made by steps for a distance ≥ 1 m KA x 1 (per meter)
- body rotation > 90° and ≤ 180°  KA x 1
if body rotation is followed by walking, rotation is not analyzed but
included in the first step (consider only walking)
- climb stairs  KA x 1 (per step)
- climb stairs carrying a load > 8 kg or bulky  KA x 2 (per step)

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DI TORINO BODY MOTION: BASIC RULES AND EXAMPLES

A box is taken from the work bench and placed on a shelf located 3
meters away AA1 (get box)
KA x 3 (walking 3 meters)
PA1 (place box)

A box is taken from the work bench (30 cm) and placed on a shelf
which is opposite to the bench (the operator needs to rotate the trunk)
AA2 (get and place box)
KA (trunk rotation)

An operator turns (180°) and walks (2m) to reach a pallet placed

behind him KA x2 (body rotation is disregarded)

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DI TORINO BODY MOTION: BASIC RULES AND EXAMPLES

BEND, STOOP, KNEEL (including ARISE): KB

- trunk or knee movements necessary to lower the hands at or below

knee level and then arise
- kneel down onto the two knees and then arise  KB x 2

SIT DOWN AND STAND: KC

- sit down and stand, including adjusting movements

- sit down on a high seat, having the feet off the ground  KC x 2

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DI TORINO VISUAL CONTROL

Execute a control or a visual inspection (time determinant) with the aim

of taking a decision

INCLUDED MOTIONS
EYE MOVEMENTS and EYE-FOCUS

NOTE
The normal visual field (that requires no head movement) is a cone,
whose vertex is on the observer’s head, its base is on the working
surface and whose diameter depends on the distance from the working
plane. At 40 cm, the diameter is about 10 cm.
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DI TORINO VISUAL CONTROL: BASIC RULES AND EXAMPLES

 A visual control must be analyzed only if it is time determinant

 Reading 3 digits, words of 3 syllables max and simple signs  VA x 1

 Difference between CONTROL and INSPECTION (quality control)

Observing a defined characteristics Observing a defined characteristics

without making a detailed evaluation and making a detailed evaluation

Ex.: Ex.:
check the presence of 6 holes in an area check the edge of 6 holes in an area
having a 10 cm diameter: VA x 2 having a 10 cm diameter : VA x 6

 Check the surface of a cylindrical object

- diameter ≤ 30 mm  VA x 2
- 30 mm < diameter ≤ 100 mm  VA x 3
- diameter > 100 mm  VA x 4

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DI TORINO UAS- STANDARD OPERATION

To make the analysis even faster, UAS codes were developed to

account for standard operations which are typical of batch production
and are common to the assembly lines of many industries.

UAS Standard Operation Codes are made up of 5 characters

(ex M-EH3)
The first character is always a M, which stands for the German word
“Montage” (assembly)
The second character is the dash
The last 3 characters depend on the type of operation described

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DI TORINO UAS- STANDARD OPERATION

UAS Standard Operation Codes refer to:

- UNPACK (open up packages and take out the content) M-A__
- TREAT (cleaning of surfaces) M-R__, (application of products.. ) M-B__
- SCREW (use of screwdriver, drill, wrench, ratchet…) M-S__
- CLAMP/LOOSEN (through vices, pliers, clamping lever…) M-F__
- STICK (adhesive labels, tapes..) M-K__
- MOUNTING OF CABLES (includes fixing, making electric connections..)
M-L__
- STAMP (use of punches/matrixes, stamps, brushes, pens..) M-M__
- ASSEMBLE STANDARD PARTS (O-rings, split pins, washers, splines)
M-N__/ M-C__
- CONTROL/ MEASURE (with a caliper) M-P__

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