What is Method Study In Industrial Engineering
What is Method Study In Industrial Engineering
Method study of the process is the procedure of exposing work to systematic, critical scrutiny to increase efficiency and/or more effective. It is one of the keys to achieving improved productivity.
Industrial Engineering Method Study is the first of the work study's two main divisions and is concerned with the way work is done.
The analysis of approaches is primarily used to find new ways to do research.
It is a cost-saving strategy.
The method research principle is that 'there's always a better way to do a job' and the method study methods are built to arrive systematically at this better way of doing a job.
Main Objective of Method Study in Industrial Engineering-
Process Improvement.
Factory, Shop, or Workplace layout improvement.
Design and equipment improvement for factory or process.
Maximum utilization of Man, Machine, Material, and Method.
Development of a better physical working environment.
The difference between process analysis is that it is a step-by-step technique for developing working processes, beginning with the targets, choosing the operation to be studied, progressing with the compilation, and documenting the data.
The crux of the study of the method is the critical examination of the facts. It is accompanied by the development of an improved approach and the achievement of assured results in terms of increased performance, cost savings, and other benefits.
This standard procedure, with the flexibility of critical examination, makes the method study the Management's most penetrating investigative tool known.
Eight Steps in the Industrial Engineering Method Study procedures are-
Select
Record
Examine
Develop
Evaluate
Define
Install
Maintain
Select
Work chosen for method study can be a problem area found, or a found opportunity. It can be defined through a thorough analysis of available data, standard monitoring or control procedures, high rates of discontent and concern, or as part of a change in management policy, procedure, technology or venue, and typically because it meets certain urgent and/or priority requirements.
Area To Identify
- Poor use of resources
- Bad layout
- Bottlenecks
- Inconsistent quality
- High fatiguing work
- Excessive overtime
- Employee’s complaints
Define
Before any investigation of the methodology is started, it is necessary to establish clear terms of reference which define the investigation 's objectives, scale, scope, and constraints.
This should also include identifying who "owns" the problem or situation, and how that ownership is shared.
That can contribute to a discussion about the project's goals, monitoring methods and rates, and performance measures.
Sometimes, this step is implemented as a separate and distinct phase of system analysis, as the "Defining" point.
It leads to an investigative strategy that defines suitable strategies, staff, and timescale
Record
The Record stage of method analysis includes collecting sufficient data (both in terms of quality and quantity) to serve as the basis for assessment and examination.
A wide variety of methods for documenting are available; the choice depends on the nature of the investigation; the research being studied, and the degree of detail needed.
Some of the techniques are simple charts and diagrams, but photographic and video recording and computer-based techniques can complement these.
Objective of Recording
- Ensure adequacy, correctness, and accuracy of facts recorded.
- Present the facts in a concise and comprehensive manner for analysis.
- Ensure a common and standard way to communicate among the various personnel.
- Identify or differentiate between productive and non-productive activities.
The following information should be provided in all charts and diagrams:
- an adequate description of all the activities or movements entailed in the method;
- whether the present or proposed method is shown;
- the specific reference to where activities begin and air;
- the time and distance scales used, where applicable;
- an explanation of any abbreviations or special devices;
- the date of construction of the chart or diagram.
The information may be obtained by direct observation, by calculation, or by means of a photographic technique. In the case of very detailed (micromotion) studies, elaborate equipment and specialized knowledge are necessary.
Sometimes more than one technique may be used to provide all the necessary information.
Examine
The data collected are subject to inspection and analysis; the formalized forms of this method are critical evaluation and analysis of the processes.
The aim is to recognize certain points in the overall system of work that needs changes or provide opportunities for beneficial change, often through a systematic, questioning process.
Develop and Evaluate
The examination stage merges into the investigation development stage as a more thorough analysis leads to identified areas of change automatically. The aim here is to identify possible measures for improvement and to evaluate them in order to develop a preferred solution.
Both short-term and long-term approaches need to be established, so that progress can be made (relatively) quickly, while longer-term reforms are being introduced and are coming to fruition.
Install
When substantive progress is made 'on the ground'-a change that follows the originally defined terms of reference for the project-the success of any process research project is understood.
The process of Installing is therefore quite critical.
It is easy to make theoretical change; making actual change requires careful preparation-and management of the people involved in the situation under review.
They might need reassurance, retraining, and support by acquiring new skills.
Install, in some cases, will require the parallel running of old and new systems, in others, buffer stock build-up and other planning may be needed to manage the change.
What matters is the successful introduction of new ways of working. Often there's only one chance of making the change!
Maintain
Some time after new working methods have been implemented, it is important to verify that the new approach is working, that it is being properly practiced, and that it has achieved the desired results. This is process Retain.
The drifting method is popular-when people either go back to old ways of working or make new changes.
Some of these may be helpful and should be incorporated formally; others might be inefficient or unsafe.
An audit of procedures can be used to systematically compare practice with the procedure identified and recognize any irregularities.
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