Meaning of Motion Study:
Frank Gilbesth was the proponent of this idea. He described the research of movement as the "Science of eliminating wastefulness arising from inefficient and misdirected movements." Motion study's main goal is to find the least waste of labour scheme. The area of the Motion Study was subsequently expanded and called the Method Study.
The research technique can also be described as "Systematic recording and critical examination of current and suggested methods of working as a means of creating and implementing a simpler and more cost-effective technique." Method Study is a technique that includes equipment standardization, method and working conditions, and operator training to follow the standard method.
Objectives of Method Study/Motion Study:
The important objectives of the motion study are:
1. To enhance the job method
2. To enhance workplace layout design
3. Finding the greatest manner to do a task
4. To ensure that health hazards are reduced
5. To minimize human motions that are useless
6. Material, machinery and employees
7 must be used more effectively. Training the individual employee as per standardized technique in their exercise.
Procedure for Motion Study:
The following steps can be used to perform Motion Study:
Step I: Break up the operation of the job:
The first phase is to prepare a comprehensive list of all activities in the current manufacturing technique of the work. The list includes all details such as material handling, machine work and manual work. Using a process graph or movement and film analysis diagrams or models etc., this can be performed.
Step II: Question each detail of the job:
The motion study engineer should ask questions about how to perform these activities and about the instruments and equipment required. This interrogation method is referred to as "Critical Examination."
Step III: Develop a new method:
A fresh better technique is created after studying the above issues.
The following facts should also be considered during the motion study before finalizing the new method:
i) Elimination:
Every job operation should be considered and whether without any harm it can be eliminated.
ii) Combine:
In this sense, it should be noted that to save operating time, whether two or more can be coupled.
iii) Rearrangement:
If the rearrangement in the activities series helps to simplify or in any other part it should be performed.
For instance, the main sequence of activities in a plant was:
a) Assembling.
b) Storage.
c) Inspection.
d) Despatching.
In this sequence, inspection was carried out before despatching and the defective components were being sent back for correction.
If inspection takes place before storage, it can be avoided, then the sequence can be rearranged as follows:
a) Assembling.
b) Inspection.
c) Storage.
d) Despatching.
iv) Simplification:
If the procedure is feasible using any other simple, secure and cost-effective technique, this should be taken.
The work can be simplified by:
A) Using machinery for material handling.
B) Use both hands to do useful work.
C) Jigs and fixtures are used.
D) Installation of materials, tools and equipment in a suitable place of work.
Step IV: Installing the new method:
Install as a normal exercise the fresh technique.
The following procedure is performed to install the fresh technique:
i. Supervisors, employees and managers must approve the fresh technique.
ii. Then the workers have to be trained in the new method to work.
iii. Observe the method installed until it is successful.
Step V: Maintain the new method:
It should be carefully maintained after implementation to avoid unauthorized change in the method.
For maintaining the new method the following steps are advised:
a) A job instruction sheet should be given to the worker.
b) Scheduled checks should be done to compare what is actually being done against the job instruction sheet.
c) Selection and training of persons must be done according to the job specifications for this new method.
Recording Techniques – Charting:
Recording is the second step in Method Study's basic procedure. Just after selecting a specific job for research, the appropriate data concerning different procedures, inspection, transportation with regard to an current technique or a fresh process must be correctly registered. The charts were therefore developed for efficient recording.
To get a clearer picture, the recording of the details will be done in charts. Besides that it is also necessary to make a record before and after comparison to evaluate the study's efficacy. Charting is the graphic depiction of the facts registered. It is a technique that allows analyzes to be carried out rapidly and effortlessly to develop the method.
For easy understanding care should be taken during the time of the preparation of the chart.
The following details should be given in the chart:
1. It should have an adequate description of all of the method's activities.
2. It is necessary to show the present and suggested technique.
3. The specific reference should be given to the start and end of the activities.
4. The moment and scale pursued should be depicted.
5. The abbreviations and devices 6 should be explained. It should have the chart preparation date.
