What
is TMU?
TMU, or Time Measurement Unit, is a standard unit of time used to measure and
analyze work in industrial engineering. It is primarily used in methods-time
measurement (MTM) systems for assessing and standardizing manual operations.
In the Methods-Time Measurement (MTM) system, it is a small unit of time. Based
on their complexity and amount of effort required, this system gives basic
movements like reaching, grasping, or moving an object a predetermined amount
of time.
1 TMU equals 0.036 seconds,
or 0.000010 hours.
In layman's terms: 27.78 TMU per second 1667 TMU per minute
and 100,000 TMU per hour
Engineers can use this precise measurement to figure out how long it will take
to complete a specific task, like sewing or handling garment components, which
makes it easier to set a Standard Allowed Minute (SAM).
The application of TMU in garments
industry:
1. OB (Operation Breakdown) making and
Analysis:
While making OB, Analysis the overall process to breakdown the operations into
like picking fabric, aligning components or body part, and sewing are broken
down into smaller parts with TMU.
2. Standard Allowed Minute (SAM)
Calculation:
After calculating total number of TMUs for a process to find the SAM it needs
to convert into minutes. Therefore TMU is necessary to determine the SAM for a
garment operations which helps to planning, scheduling or other necessary use
of SAM.
3. Efficiency improvement:
Enhancing Performance Manufacturers can improve productivity by analyzing TMU
data and identifying inefficiencies like excessive operator movements or
delays.
4. Balancing the Line
TMU aids in assigning tasks to operators based on their skill levels and the
complexity of tasks. By eliminating some idle times and to solve some
bottlenecks it ensures balanced work flow across garments production line.
5. Operator Performance Measurement
Operators’ performance is evaluated against the standard time calculated using
TMU. This helps set realistic targets and monitor productivity levels.
6. Workstation Layout Design and
re-settle
TMU guides the design of ergonomic workstations by identifying unnecessary
movements or actions that can be eliminated to minimize cycle times.
7. Cost Estimation
Accurate measurement of operation times using TMU allows manufacturers to
calculate labor costs precisely, aiding in competitive pricing and budget
management.
8. Production Planning and Scheduling
TMU data helps determine production timelines, enabling better scheduling and
allocation of resources to meet deadlines.
Understanding Time Measuring Unit: Time
and Motion Study
Time and motion study is a cornerstone of industrial engineering, offering a
structured approach to optimizing work processes and measuring efficiency.
Central to this discipline is the Time Measuring Unit (TMU), a standardized
unit used to quantify the time required for each motion in a work process. TMU
plays a vital role in modern manufacturing, especially in industries like
apparel production, where precision and efficiency are paramount. This article
delves deep into the concept of TMU, its calculation, and its applications in
time and motion study.
The Purpose of TMU in Time and Motion
Study
Time and motion study aims to improve productivity by breaking down work into
its elemental motions and analyzing them for efficiency. TMU acts as a universal
standard for measuring these motions, ensuring consistency across industries
and processes.
Key Objectives of Time and Motion Study:
Optimization of Work Processes: Identifying inefficiencies in motion and streamlining workflows.
Setting Standards: Establishing a
baseline for operation times, aiding in planning and performance evaluation.
Improving Ergonomics: Designing
tasks and workstations that minimize fatigue and maximize efficiency.
How is TMU Used in a Time and Motion
Study?
The process begins with identifying and analyzing basic motions involved in a
task. Each motion, such as reaching, grasping, or positioning, is assigned a
specific TMU value based on predefined MTM standards.
Steps in Applying TMU:
1. Break Down the Task:
Decompose the operation into its smallest, measurable motions. For instance, a
sewing task might involve motions like picking up fabric, aligning edges, and
stitching.
2. Assign TMU Values:
Each motion is assigned a TMU value based on its type, distance, and difficulty.
For example:
Reaching for an object might take 5 TMU.
Aligning fabric might take 15 TMU.
3. Calculate Total Time:
Add up the TMU values of all motions to calculate the total time required for
the task.
4. Convert TMU to Minutes:
Multiply the total TMU by 0.00060 to convert it into minutes, which is a more
familiar time unit.
Applications of TMU in the Apparel
Industry
In garment manufacturing, TMU is widely used to calculate the Standard Allowed
Minute (SAM) for sewing operations. This is critical for:
Setting Production Targets: Ensuring
operators meet realistic and achievable goals.
Line Balancing: Distributing tasks
evenly across operators to maximize efficiency.
Cost Estimation: Determining labor
costs accurately based on SAM.
Steps to Establish SAM Using TMU:
Motion Study:
Analyze each motion in a sewing operation (e.g., picking up fabric, stitching,
disposing).
Assign TMU:
Assign TMU values to each motion using MTM guidelines.
Calculate SAM:
Convert the total TMU into minutes to determine the SAM. For example, if a
sewing task takes 1000 TMU:
1000 × 0.00060 = 0.6 minutes (SAM).
Benefits of Using TMU
1. Precision in Time Measurement
TMU provides a highly accurate measurement of time, allowing manufacturers to
analyze even the most minute details of a task.
2. Standardization
By using TMU, manufacturers can standardize their time measurements, ensuring
consistency across operations and facilities.
3. Improved Productivity
Identifying inefficient motions helps in optimizing workflows, reducing cycle
times, and improving productivity.
4. Enhanced Cost Management
Accurate time measurement enables precise labor cost calculations, aiding in
budgeting and pricing strategies.
5. Better Ergonomics
Motion studies using TMU help design ergonomic workstations and tasks, reducing
operator fatigue and improving performance.
Challenges in Using TMU
1. Complexity of Implementation
Breaking down tasks into elemental motions and assigning TMU values requires
skilled personnel and significant time investment.
2. Variability in Human Performance
Operators may perform tasks differently due to skill levels or fatigue,
introducing variability in measurements.
3. Resistance to Change
Introducing TMU-based systems may face resistance from workers and supervisors
unfamiliar with the methodology.
Example of TMU Application in Garment
Manufacturing
Task: Hemming a Shirt
Steps:
Picking up fabric edge: 10 TMU
Aligning edge under the needle: 20 TMU
Stitching (10 cm): 60 TMU
Disposing of stitched fabric: 15 TMU
Total TMU = 105
Convert to minutes: 105 × 0.00060 = 0.063 minutes (approximately 3.78 seconds).
This precise measurement helps establish realistic targets and streamline
production.
Conclusion
Time and motion study, with its reliance on TMU, is an indispensable tool in
modern manufacturing. By providing a standardized and precise way to measure
task times, TMU enables manufacturers to optimize workflows, improve
productivity, and reduce costs.
In the apparel industry, where efficiency is key to competitiveness, TMU plays
a critical role in setting production standards and enhancing operational
performance. While challenges exist, the benefits of adopting TMU in time and
motion studies far outweigh the drawbacks, making it a vital aspect of
industrial engineering.
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