1. Motion Study
Vanni Legaspi
IR212

2. 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.

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

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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).

7. 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

8. 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.”

9. 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.

10. 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.”

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

12. 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.

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

19. 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.

20. 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

21. 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.

22. 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).

23. 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.

24. 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

25. 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.

26. References
Freivalds, Andris. Niebel’s methods, standards and work design
Robbins, Stephen & Mary Coulter Management 9th edition. Pearson Education 

27. Thank you