Published: April 21, 2025 Updated: April 21, 2025
Why Time Study Analysis Matters for Operational Efficiency
Companies strive for efficiency without sacrificing quality. Part of the strategy to achieve that efficiency includes a time study analysis. In this article, we'll discuss the following topics:
What Is a Time Study Analysis and Why It's Important
A time study analysis observes, measures, and analyzes the time it takes for workers to complete specific tasks. This analysis goes beyond simply measuring raw speed. It considers factors like worker pace, fatigue allowances, and unavoidable delays.
The resulting data provide valuable insights into process efficiency. This allows businesses to identify areas for improvement and establish performance benchmarks.
10 Ways Time Study Analysis Benefits Business Operations
Let's look at ten key benefits of conducting a time study analysis.
- Improved Efficiency. Pinpointing bottlenecks and inefficiencies in tasks paves the way for process optimization. With positive changes, you'll see increased production output.
- Informed Resource Allocation. You'll have a more accurate allocation of resources, like labor and equipment, and reduce waste.
- Realistic Target Setting. By calculating standard times for tasks, businesses can establish achievable and measurable performance goals for their workers.
- Fair Incentive Programs. Reward workers for exceeding established performance standards.
- Cost Reduction. Increased efficiency translates to reduced production costs.
- Improved Training Programs. Time studies can highlight areas where workers need additional training.
- Enhanced Safety. The information gathered from the study can identify areas where fatigue or awkward postures might pose a safety risk.
- Data-Driven Decision Making. The data provides a quantitative basis for making informed decisions regarding production processes and staffing levels.
- Improved Workload Distribution. By analyzing time spent on various tasks, you organize workloads more evenly among employees. So, add a bonus benefit to improve employee morale.
- Benchmarking. Time study data allows for internal and external benchmarking. You compare your company's performance against industry standards.
Discover how streamlined maintenance processes can elevate production. Learn more.
Time Study Analysis Requirements for Accurate Results
Before embarking on a time study analysis, you need a few key elements.
- Clearly Defined Tasks. Clearly lay out the specific areas for the study. Both the observer and the observed should understand the study.
- Trained Observer. A qualified observer, trained in time study techniques, will collect accurate data and rate worker performance.
- Standardized Conditions. Stay consistent with the work environment, tools, and materials used. Otherwise, you risk skewed data.
- Worker Cooperation. Gain the cooperation and understanding of the workers involved in the study to avoid any disruption to their workflow.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Conduct a Time Study Analysis
Let's break down the typical time study process.
- Planning and Preparation. Define the task and objective of the time study. Select a qualified observer and ensure all workers involved are informed and cooperative.
- Breakdown into Elements. Break down the chosen task into smaller, well-defined elements (e.g., pick up part, assemble component, etc.).
- Data Collection. The observer meticulously records the time taken for each element of the task for a sample size of worker cycles. Also, rate worker performance in terms of speed and effort.
- Data Analysis. Analyze the recorded times for each element to calculate average times and allowances for fatigue, delays, and personal needs.
How to Measure Time in Your Analysis: Key Formulas Explained
Normal Time Calculation. The expected time for a qualified worker to complete the task at a normal pace.
Normal Time per Element = Average Time per Element x Rating Factor.
The rating factor means a numerical value based on the worker's pace relative to a normal pace (usually 100%). The observer assigns this factor.
Average Time. The simple average of the observed times for each element of the task across all worker cycles.
Standard Time Calculation. Finally, you establish a "standard time" by applying a performance contingency factor to the normal time. This contingency factor accounts for unavoidable variations in worker performance.
Standard Time = (Sum of Normal Times for all Elements) / Performance Contingency Factor
The performance contingency factor typically ranges from 1.05 to 1.15. However, know that this accounts for unavoidable variations in worker performance due to factors like:
- Fatigue. You factor in breaks. However, workers will naturally experience some fatigue as a shift progresses, which can slightly slow them down.
- Unavoidable Delays. Minor interruptions or equipment malfunctions can occur during any work cycle. This adds small amounts of unplanned time to the process.
- Learning Curve. New workers, or those unfamiliar with a specific task variation, may take slightly longer to complete the task compared to seasoned workers.
- Personal Needs. You factor in restroom breaks and other personal needs. However, unforeseen circumstances might require a worker to step away briefly.
The performance contingency factor acts as a buffer. It adds a small percentage of extra time to the calculated normal time. This creates a more realistic standard time that incorporates these potential variations. This ensures that you achieve the established standard time achievable for most qualified workers under normal working conditions.
Interpreting Time Study Analysis Scores with Real-World Data
A furniture manufacturer wants to analyze the time it takes to assemble a basic office desk. They'll use the information to establish a standard time for the assembly process and identify areas for improvement.
Task: Assembling a single office desk from pre-cut components.
Breakdown into Elements (Reduced):
Retrieve components (legs, top, screws, etc.) (Element A)
Assemble desk frame (attaching legs to top) (Element B)
Secure drawers and hardware (Element C)
Final inspection and packaging (Element D)
Data Collection:
A trained observer collects data for 25 worker cycles, recording the time taken for each element and assigning rating factors based on perceived worker pace.
Here's a sample of the collected data (actual times would involve decimals):
| Element |
Average Time (Seconds) |
Rating Factor |
| A |
8 |
1.00 |
| B |
20 |
0.95 |
| C |
15 |
1.05 |
| D |
7 |
1.00 |
Normal Time Calculation:
| Element |
Normal Time (Seconds) |
| A |
8 * 1.00 - 8 |
| B |
20 * 0.95 = 19 |
| C |
15 * 1.05 = 15.75 |
| D |
6 * 1.00 = 7 |
Total Normal Time:
The total normal time for assembling one desk is the sum of the normal times for each element:
Total Normal Time = 8 + 19 + 15.75 + 7 = 49.75 seconds
Standard Time Calculation:
Assuming a performance contingency factor of 1.08 to account for unavoidable variations, the standard time for assembling one desk is:
Standard Time = Total Normal Time / Performance Contingency Factor
Standard Time = 49.75 seconds / 1.08 = 46.29 seconds (rounded to 46 seconds)
Interpretation: Based on the time study analysis, the standard time to assemble a desk is approximately 46 seconds.
Challenges of a Time Study Analysis (and How to Solve Them)
While time study analysis offers a valuable tool for process improvement, you should understand the importance of its limitations.
- Focus on Manual Tasks. Time studies work most effectively for analyzing repetitive, manual tasks. Analyzing complex cognitive tasks or those heavily influenced by external factors may not produce the best results.
- Subjectivity in Observation. Training and experience can mitigate this, but some level of subjectivity may exist.
- Hawthorne Effect. The Hawthorne Effect describes a phenomenon where workers modify their behavior when they know they fall under observation. This can lead to skewed results, with workers performing at a higher pace than usual during the study. For more details on this, read the article from Investopedia.
- Limited Applicability to Automation. Because of the popularity of automation, companies may feel that time studies don't have the same relevancy as before.v
- Employee Morale. Workers might perceive time studies as intrusive or micromanaging.
Solutions to Improve Time Study Accuracy and Worker Buy-In
Several strategies can help.
- Sample Size. Utilize a statistically significant sample size to reduce the impact of individual worker variations.
- Multiple Observers. Employing multiple observers with consistent training can minimize subjectivity in rating worker performance.
- Pre-study Observations. Conduct preliminary observations before initiating the actual time study. This allows workers to adjust to the observer's presence and minimize the Hawthorne Effect.
- Focus on the Process. Shift the focus from individual worker performance to analyzing the overall process and identifying bottlenecks for improvement.
- Communication and Transparency. Proper discussion on goals and showing some of the aforementioned benefits may alleviate concerns.
How a CMMS Can Improve Your Time Study Analysis Score
CMMS software can significantly enhance the effectiveness of a time study analysis.
- Improved Data Collection and Storage. CMMS software streamlines data collection through digital recording of task times and performance observations. This eliminates manual recording errors and allows for easier data analysis.
- Standardized Work Procedures. A CMMS can store and manage standardized work procedures. This ensures consistency during the analysis and across future production runs.
- Historical Data Analysis. By accumulating historical data from previous time studies, CMMS facilitates trend analysis, allowing for continuous improvement of processes over time.
- Work Order Management. Integration with work order systems enables effective scheduling and resource allocation based on time study data, optimizing production flow.
- Labor Cost Analysis. A CMMS can integrate with payroll systems to analyze labor costs associated with tasks. This provides valuable insights for cost optimization.
Improving Operations Through Effective Time Study Analysis
You have two powerful tools for improving efficiency. The time study analysis and a CMMS. Use the first for an in-depth study of worker performance. Use the second to organize activities such as work orders and preventive maintenance.
Everyone should work to improve time management. This skill benefits managers, supervisors, and all other employees.
For a world-class CMMS, schedule a free demonstration with Mapcon Technologies. 800-922-4336. Discuss the benefits of organization, reduced costs, and relevant reports that will improve your overall efficiency.
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