Motion Study Vanni Legaspi IR212

Introduction Achieving work efficiency and productivity through the elemental use of body motion; ‘arrangements and conditions’ of the workplace; and the design of appropriate tools and equipments. Main concern is to reduce or eliminate ineffective motion and make possible a more effective movement in doing tasks.

Goal of motion study? Scheduling and sequencing of work Efficient and best way of doing work Safe and easiest way of accomplishing tasks

What is motion study? “The study of the body motions used in performing an operation, to improve the operation by eliminating unnecessary motions; simplifying necessary motion and establishing the most favorable motion sequence for maximum efficiency.” Andris Freivalds Methods, Standards and Work Design

Early contemporaries of motion study Carl G. Barth – developed a production slide rule for determining the most efficient combinations of speeds and feeds for cutting metals considering the depth of cut, size of tool, and lifespan of the tool used.

Early contemporaries of motion study Harrington Emerson – applied scientific methods to work by enforcing procedures for efficient work operation – reorganized the company; installed standard costs and bonus plan; utilizing tabulating machines to do accounting work (efficiency engineering).

Early contemporaries of motion study Henry Gantt - developed simple graph aimed at ‘measuring performance while visually showing projected schedules’ (Gantt chart) and compare actual work accomplishment vs. set target. - Recognized the wage payment system to reward exemplary workers

Frederick Taylor “Frederick Taylor (1900’s) Studied motions of iron workers –attempted to “mechanize” motions to maximize efficiency – including proper rest, ergonomics, and other body movements.”

Frank and Lillian Gilbreth The Gilbreths pioneered the study of manual motion and developed basic laws of motion economy through detailed motion picture studies, known as the ‘micromotion studies’ – analysing highly repetitive manual operations.

Motion study technique “Study of the body motions used in performing an operation, to improve the operation by eliminating unnecessary motions, simplifying necessary motions, and then establishing the most favorable motion sequence for maximum efficiency.”

Motion study Detailed study of body motions to increase production, reduce fatigue, and utilize the best method of performing tasks.

17 basic motions (therbligs) Effective therbligs directly advance the progress of work; they can often be shortened but not totally eliminated. Ineffective therbligs do not advance the progress of work and should be eliminated.

17 basic motions (therbligs) Transport empty (TE) – reach for an object Grasp (G) – grasp an object Transport loaded (TL) – move and object with hand and arm Hold (H) – hold an object Release load (RL) – release control of an object

17 basic motions (therbligs) Use (U) – manipulate a tool Pre-position (PP) – position object for next operation Position (P) – position object in defined location Assemble (A) – join two parts Disassemble (DA) – separate multiple parts that were previously joined

17 basic motions (therbligs) Search (Sh) – attempt to find an object using eyes and hand Select (St) – choose among several objects in a group Plan (Pn) – decide on an action Inspect (I) – determine quality of object Unavoidable delay (UD) – waiting due to factors beyond worker control Avoidable delay (AD) – worker waiting Rest (R) – resting to overcome fatigue

Classification of Therbligs Effective therbligs Ineffective therbligs Transport empty Grasp Transport loaded Release load Use Assemble Disassemble Inspect Rest Hold Pre-position Position Search Select Plan Unavoidable delay Avoidable delay

Micromotion analysis Disregard the ineffective therbligs Avoid holding objects with hands – use tools or ‘work holder’ Combine therbligs using left and right hand motions simultaneously Simplify overall method Reduce time for a motion

Micromotion analysis Establish the best sequence of therbligs. Investigate any substantial variation in therblig and determine the cause Examine and analyze hesitations, to determine and then eliminate causes Aim for the least amount of time utilised by the therbligs

Use of human body Both hands should be fully utilised – both hands should be used as equally as possible Two hands should begin and end their motions at the same time – design work method that is evenly divided between the right and left hand.

Use of human body The motions of the hands and arms should be symmetrical and simultaneous – this will minimize hand-eye coordination required; less concentration is required as both hands perform similar actions. Work should be designed to emphasize the worker’s preferred hand – preferred hand is faster, stronger and more practical to use at work

Use of human body The workers’ two hands should never be idle at the same time – avoid, if possible, both hands from being idle at the same time. Use momentum to facilitate task – maximise the use of ‘force’ or momentum when available and necessary to make tasks easier.

Use of human body Take advantage of gravity – not oppose it – proper layout and work area arrangement to take advantage of the energy required to move. Natural cadence of motions should be involved in work methods – observe the regular recurrence of motion and have a regular sequence and flow of work action (rhythm).

Emergence of work design Designing of task, work stations, and work environment to fit the capacity of the ‘human operator’ or worker. ‘human factors’ also ‘ergonomics’ to maximize efficiency and minimize worker fatigue Relate the design of tools and equipments with the user.

Benefits of motion study Increase in productivity Reduce exhaustion of workers Minimize or eradicate unnecessary work and actions Life of tools and machines may be increased Decrease in labor cost due to less wastage in resources and workplace

Present trends Other factors such as gender, age, health, physical strength, aptitude, training attitudes, job satisfaction and motivation have direct impact on productivity. A more “humane approach” to accomplish tasks required. There is “always a better way” of doing things.

References Freivalds, Andris. Niebel’s methods, standards and work design Robbins, Stephen & Mary Coulter. 2007. Management 9th edition. Pearson Education  http://www.svtuition.org/2010/08/what-is-motion-study.html http://www2.ie.psu.edu/Freivalds/courses/ie327classic/motion.html

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