Time measurement enables us to carry out a factual analysis of a work situation, and to identify areas for improvement (ergonomics, task synchronization, work organization, etc.) in order to increase operator efficiency: a maximum number of useful tasks performed with a minimum amount of energy expended!
Timing is one of the tools for determining times, and above all it's the easiest to use and understand.
What do we time?
The work, of course! Not the operator... (Only athletes are timed to break records).
What do we analyze?
How the work is carried out: materials, methods, environment, manpower, equipment, etc.
Time measurement naturally takes into account the difference between operators carrying out the same operation, so as to give a result that satisfies all operators (judgement of pace, judgement of efficiency, overall judgement of activity).
Painfulness is also taken into account through the application of rest coefficients: dynamic, physiological, environment and monotony.
Certain contingencies (linked to the execution of the work) are also taken into account when determining a time.
The result of the time measurement is an "allotted" time which enables all operators performing the task to repeat the operation several times a day without excessive fatigue (given identical working conditions and workstation organization, of course).
Time measurement is also one of the primary tools of continuous improvement, as it enables us to measure precisely what is happening in a work environment and to break down operations into VA/NVA.
In short, time measurement (when applied properly!) will make a work situation factual, give it the right execution time and enable the progress process to begin.
