In this article, you learn about various tools of work measurement. Activity sampling is used to capture operations data where direct studies are not possible. Synthesis from standard data and analytical estimating is used to develop time standards with the help of time study.
Content
- Activity Sampling and its types.
- Difference between fixed and random sampling.
- Difference between work and activity sampling.
- Measurable outcomes of activity sampling.
- Understanding of Synthesis from standard data and analytical estimating.
- Important points for developing standards.
Activity Sampling
Activity sampling is one of the tools of work measurement and is similar to time study or video time study. When process time is not possible to measure with direct time study then activity sampling will be used to measure the process in a decided interval. Activity sampling does not give accurate result compared to time study but provide an overall overview of processes to make a decision.
Generally, activity sampling is used to study the bigger processes or cycles. To generate time standards, to know the ground reality of processes, and to compare ground reality vs process standards activity sampling is used.
Types of activity sampling.
There are basically two types of sampling as per mention below.
Fixed Sampling
Fixed sampling means conducting the time study on fixed intervals. Like hourly, 2 hourly, twice in a day, thrice a day, etc. For example, if you want to study the process with the help of fixed sampling before the study starts fixed the interval time based on the study requirement like 5 times a day. The decided time interval data operator can go and take readings, not study the process on a continuous basis as per time study practice.
The limitation of fixed sampling is to process performers easily get the idea of where the data operator went shop floor and take reading so in fixed interval time chances for accurate data of time study.
Random Sampling.
Random sampling means conducting the time study on random intervals like 1st study takes 9:15 AM, 2nd Study – at 9:55 AM, 3rd study – at 12.20 PM, Etc. For example, if you want to measure the process with the help of random sampling, before starting your study, predefine random time intervals for the data operator to go and measure the processes as per requirements.
| Fixed Sampling | Random Sampling |
| In fixed sampling conduct the time study based on a fixed interval. | In random sampling conduct the study based on random intervals. |
| In fixed sampling method is not used for manual processes for generating accurate data. | Random sampling is used for manual processes for generating accurate data. |
What are the measurable outcomes of the activity sampling?
- To understand approx. timings of different times.
- To set the time standards.
- Define the basic layout parameters based on the sampling study.
- Calculate overall manpower and machine utilization.
What is the difference between activity sampling and work sampling?
Activity sampling and work sampling are both driven based on the same strategy but the only difference is in work sampling focused on the targeted area and includes different activities and activity sampling focused on individual activities. To understand this difference in an easy way as per below.
| Activity Sampling | Work Sampling |
| Focused on individual activities. | Focused on group activities. |
| Chances to study more accurately. | Chances to study less accurately. |
| Very helpful to identify non – value-added activities. | Very helpful to identify waste from processes. |
Synthesis from standard data
Synthesis from standard data is an effective tool for work measurement techniques to measure standard time based on recorded time studies. Synthesis is basically a predefined estimated time before the process or work is actually performed. If any organization produces very few varieties on mass production, in that case very easy to calculate the standard time of products. Before going to calculate standards require an understanding of organizational processes.
Basically in any manufacturing organization, the majority of operating systems are divided into three categories mass production, batch production, and job shop production. In mass production very easy to calculate standards based on product wise, batch production developed standards based on process-wise, and job shop production developed standards based on a mixed approach to product and process-wise.
Now after a basic understanding of synthesis from standard data, let’s jump to understand how to develop standard data based on time studies.
Important points require focusing on developing standards.
- Review the common industrial processes and their sequencing.
- Review the product dimensions.
- Review the process parameters.
- Identify the scope for developing standards based on product dimensions.
- Identify the scope for developing standards based on process parameters.
Analytical estimating
Analytical estimating is a technique of work measurement to estimate pre-production activity based on time standards. Many organizations are used analytical estimating for delivery time calculation, order bidding, and cost calculations. Analytical estimating is a similar concept to synthesis from standard data. Analytical estimating is a similar process compared to synthesis from standard data but the only difference is to analytical data focused on the overall processes perspective. It involves each minor and major activity related to processing and product orientation. Analytical estimating is very helpful to calculate the budgeted time for producing the product.
