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.
It is a small unit of time used in the Methods-Time Measurement (MTM) system. This system assigns a predetermined amount of time to basic motions, such as reaching, grasping, or moving an object, based on their complexity and effort required.
1 TMU = 0.000010 hours = 0.00060 minutes = 0.036 seconds
In simpler terms:
1 second = 27.78 TMU
1 minute = 1667 TMU
1 hour = 100,000 TMU
This precise measurement allows engineers to calculate the time required to perform a specific task, such as sewing or handling garment components, facilitating the establishment of a Standard Allowed Minute (SAM).
Applications of TMU in Garment
Manufacturing
ü
Operation
Breakdown and Analysis
TMU is used to break down operations into smaller elements (e.g., picking up
fabric, aligning components, sewing). Engineers assign TMU values to each action
to estimate the total time required for the operation.
ü
Standard
Allowed Minute (SAM) Calculation
TMU is essential in determining the SAM for garment operations by converting
the sum of TMUs for a process into minutes. This helps in capacity planning and
labor cost estimation.
ü
Improving
Efficiency
By analyzing TMU data, manufacturers can identify inefficiencies, such as
excessive operator movements or delays, and implement improvements to optimize
productivity.
ü
Line
Balancing
TMU aids in assigning tasks to operators based on their skill levels and the
complexity of tasks. This ensures balanced workloads across the production
line, reducing idle time and bottlenecks.
ü
Operator
Performance Measurement
Operators’ performance is evaluated against the standard time calculated using
TMU. This helps set realistic targets and monitor productivity levels.
ü
Workstation
Layout Design
TMU guides the design of ergonomic workstations by identifying unnecessary
movements or actions that can be eliminated to minimize cycle times.
ü
Cost
Estimation
Accurate measurement of operation times using TMU allows manufacturers to
calculate labor costs precisely, aiding in competitive pricing and budget
management.
ü
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:
Ø
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.
Ø
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.
Ø
Calculate
Total Time:
Add up the TMU values of all motions to calculate the total time required for
the task.
Ø
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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