calculate a normal time for voting using mtm2 and most

An engineering tool to estimate task completion time based on work measurement principles.

0.00 Minutes

This is the total standard time expected for the task, including allowances.

Time Breakdown per Component

Component	TMU per Cycle	Total TMU	Time (seconds)

Chart: Basic Time vs. Allowance Time

What is Normal Time for Voting using MTM-2 and MOST?

In industrial engineering, “Normal Time” is the time required by a qualified, well-trained operator working at a standard pace to complete a task. It does not include time for personal needs, fatigue, or unavoidable delays. The term “voting” in this context is a generic name for a repetitive manual task, like sorting items, inspecting parts, or casting votes in a mock assembly line, not political voting. Methods-Time Measurement (MTM) and Maynard Operation Sequence Technique (MOST) are Predetermined Motion Time Systems (PMTS) used to establish these time standards without a stopwatch. This calculator uses simplified principles from MTM-2 to estimate the normal time and then calculates the “Standard Time” by adding a percentage for allowances.

The Formula and Explanation

The core of the calculation is converting observed motions into a standard unit called Time Measurement Units (TMU), where 100,000 TMU equals 1 hour.

1. Basic Time Calculation: The time for all core motions is calculated first.
   
   Basic Time (seconds) = Total TMU * 0.036
2. Standard Time Calculation: Allowances for personal time and fatigue are added to the Basic Time to get the final Standard Time.
   
   Standard Time = Basic Time * (1 + (Allowance Percentage / 100))

Variable Explanations

Variable	Meaning	Unit	Typical Range
Get/Put Motion	The action of reaching, grasping, moving, and positioning an object.	TMU	3 – 50+ TMU depending on complexity.
Steps	Full steps taken during the work cycle.	TMU	18 TMU per step in MTM-2.
Basic Time	The pure time to perform the task without any breaks.	Seconds / Minutes	Varies by task.
Allowance	Additional time granted for personal needs, fatigue, and delays.	Percentage (%)	10% – 20%
Standard Time	The total time expected to complete the task under normal conditions.	Seconds / Minutes	Varies by task.

Practical Examples

Example 1: Simple Sorting Task

An operator is sorting 200 mailers from one bin to another. The mailers are easy to grab, and placement is not precise.

• Inputs:
  • Number of Items: 200
  • ‘Get’ Motion: Case GB (Easy grasp)
  • ‘Put’ Motion: Case PA (Loose placement)
  • Steps per Cycle: 1
  • Allowance: 15%
• Results: This would result in a relatively low TMU per cycle, leading to a quick standard time for the entire batch. The calculator would show the total minutes required.

Example 2: Complex Assembly “Voting”

An operator has to “vote” on (select) 50 electronic components from a jumbled bin and place them precisely into a circuit board.

• Inputs:
  • Number of Items: 50
  • ‘Get’ Motion: Case GC (Jumbled, hard to grasp)
  • ‘Put’ Motion: Case PC (Precise placement)
  • Steps per Cycle: 0
  • Allowance: 18%
• Results: The higher TMU values for GC and PC motions would significantly increase the time per piece compared to the first example, reflecting the higher complexity and care required.

How to Use This Calculator

Follow these steps to estimate the normal time for your task:

1. Enter Cycles: Input the total number of items you need to process in the “Number of Items” field.
2. Select ‘Get’ Motion: Analyze how the item is grasped. Is it easy (GB) or do you have to search for it among other items (GC)? Select the appropriate option.
3. Select ‘Put’ Motion: Analyze how the item is placed. Is it a simple drop (PA) or does it require careful, precise placement (PC)?
4. Enter Steps: Count the average number of full steps you take for each single item or cycle.
5. Set Allowance: Use your company’s standard allowance, or a default of 15% if you’re unsure.
6. Calculate and Interpret: Click “Calculate Normal Time”. The primary result shows the total time in minutes. The intermediate values provide the breakdown of the calculation into basic time, total TMUs, and the time added for allowances.

Key Factors That Affect Normal Time

• Motion Distance: The further an operator has to reach, the higher the TMU value and the longer the time.
• Object Weight & Control: Heavier objects or those requiring delicate handling increase the time for ‘Put’ motions.
• Placement Precision: Placing an object in an exact spot (high precision) takes significantly more time than a loose placement.
• Simultaneous Motions: A skilled operator can perform some motions with both hands simultaneously, reducing the overall time. This calculator assumes sequential motions for simplicity.
• Workplace Layout: A poorly organized workspace can increase distances and steps, adding to the total time.
• Operator Skill: These standards assume a 100% rated, qualified worker. A new trainee will be slower, while an expert might be faster.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a TMU?

A Time Measurement Unit (TMU) is a standard unit of time used in motion-time systems. 1 TMU = 0.00001 hours = 0.0006 minutes = 0.036 seconds. It allows for the consistent analysis of tasks across different industries.

Why use MTM or MOST instead of a stopwatch?

MTM and MOST establish a standard time before production even begins. They are more objective than stopwatch studies because they don’t require performance rating, and they force analysts to focus on improving the method itself.

What is a typical allowance percentage?

Allowances typically range from 10% to 20%. A common figure is 15%, which covers personal needs (5%), basic fatigue (5%), and variable delays (5%).

What’s the difference between MTM-2 and MOST?

MTM-2 is a system that condenses the original MTM-1 motions into larger categories. MOST (Maynard Operation Sequence Technique) is an even faster system that focuses on the movement of objects through a defined sequence. This calculator uses concepts primarily from MTM-2.

Can I use this calculator for any manual task?

Yes, if the task is highly repetitive and can be broken down into the basic motions provided (Get, Put, Step). It is best suited for simple assembly, sorting, or inspection tasks.

How accurate is this calculator?

This is an educational tool that provides a reliable estimate based on simplified MTM-2 data. An official time standard requires analysis by a certified MTM or MOST practitioner who would use a more detailed breakdown of motions.

What do the codes (GA, PB, etc.) mean?

They are MTM-2 codes representing specific motion patterns. ‘G’ is for Get, ‘P’ is for Put. The second letter (A, B, C) indicates the complexity or case, with ‘A’ being the simplest and ‘C’ being more complex and time-consuming.

Does this include time for thinking or inspection?

No. The base MTM motions do not include cognitive processes like inspection or decision-making. These would typically be added as separate time elements in a full engineering study.