MOST – Maynard Operation Sequence Technique

Maynard’s operation sequence technique is a very important tool of work-study and is widely used to develop manpower standards based on studies. Time study is a manual process to observe and measure processes but MOST is a very advanced technique to conduct the study of different processes in a very precise way. Now day MOST study to be performed with the help of computer software and analyze individual activities and improve processes.

MOST are very accurate and five to ten times faster than conventional time studies of processes. If we compare the MOST technique to a pre-determined motion time study it is also easy to apply than PMTS. MOST required 10 % of documentation compared to method time measurement and time study method. This technique also very easy to analyze recorded data.

History of MOST

• Developed in 1975 in the U.S.

Why do we require to study the processes with MOST techniques?

Basically, each and every lean manufacturing tool is used to improve the existing process and reduce the cost. Each and every organization focused to Improve the processes with the help of work-study tools. In the initial case, time study is far enough to study the overall process and identify improvement opportunities at a basic level. Now a day in industries many manual and semi-manual activities are performed to produce products. To apply the lean manufacturing concept and improve processes in a very precise way time study and basic video time study are not enough, that’s why developed the MOST and other advanced tools to understand processes in microseconds and minimize repetitive activities.

Why it is important to measure the time for an activity?

• To know the capability of the product and process.
• To estimate cost.
• To measure the performance.
• To identify waste from processes.
• To activity compare with ideal situations.
• To estimate delivery time.

Types of MOST Studies

• Basic MOST – Basic MOST is used to analyze manual activities in each process.
• Mini MOST – mini MOST is very simple and provides a high level of accuracy. It is very helpful to measure repetitive activity and is used in small assemblies and small items.
• Maxi MOST – maxi MOST is used for shipbuilding and expanded in maintenance and heavy assembly areas. This technique is used in larger cycle activities.
• Clerical MOST – It is used in clerical activities such as office and service environments.
• Admin MOST – It is used to analyze administration and general activities. Admin MOST is a version of Basic MOST.

After the understanding MOST study and its types let’s discuss the MOST sequential model. In the MOST sequential model operational activity is divided into small – small parts and each part gives a specific code as well as a part description.

The Basic MOST sequence Model

In the basic MOST sequence model analyze work in four different criteria as per mention below.

General Move

1. A – Action distance. (horizontal movement) – Includes action of the fingers, hands, and feet, either carrying an object or without object movement.   
2. B – Body motion. (vertical movement) – Includes body motion movement from one position to another position in the vertical direction.
3. G – Gain control. – Gain control and analyze all manual motions. (fingers, hand, and foot)
4. P – Placement. – This parameter is used to analyze the final stage activity of an object displacement.

Controlled Move

• M – Move controlled – the controlled move is used for manual guiding movements.
• X – Process time – process time includes activities to be performed by machines or other devices, not including manual activities.
• I – Alignment – It includes time for aligning the object manually.

Tool use sequence model

• F – Fasten – faster indicates the assembly of one object to another object using figures or hands.
• L – Loosen – loosen indicate the disassembly of one object to another object using figures or hands.
• C – Cut – cut indicates separating and removing objects with the help of hand tools.
• S – Surface Treat – surface treat indicates removing unwanted material from objects like finishing, removing paints, cleaning the object surface, etc.
• M – Measure – measure indicates measuring the object parameters using measuring devices.
• R – Record – record indicates the record of the information-related objects.
• T – Think – think to represent eye action and mental activity related to the object.

What is Time Measurement Unit?

Time measurement unit (TMU) is a basic part of seconds. In TMU second will be divided into several parts and measure the operational activity in terms of TMU. It is very useful for measuring activity in microseconds and analyzing precise movement.

In the method, the time measurement tool as well as the Maynard operation sequence technique measures the operational activity to be studied with the help of a time-measuring unit.

What is Parameters Indexing?

Parameters indexing is applied to each element of MOST techniques based on the nature of the activity. Index parameters are attached to each element, If the MOST technique Element is A – Action distance and measuring one activity and there is no movement so finally element represent with parameters indexing A0 – which means its value is zero like that. Based on activity performance set the value of parameters indexing.

What is the main key role of the analyst?

The key role of analysts in the MOST technique is to review the recorded documents and identify larger index value activities. There is a higher side possibility for larger index value activities are non-value added activities. The main task of analysts is to convert a larger index value to a lower index value by removing non-value-added work and minimizing the activity time for the upgraded process.

What is a practical application of MOST Techniques?

• To study the process and minimize non-value-added activities.
• To bifurcate major activity into sub-activity and identify larger time-performing activities. (bottleneck)
• To identify and minimize repetitive activity.
• Identify the possibility to improve workstation design based on the MOST studies.
• Develop standard.

Important parameters for Basic MOST, Mini MOST, and Maxi MOST selection.

Mini MOST

Activity repetition – more than 1500 times per week.

Activity measuring range – a few seconds to 1.6 minutes.

TMU ranges – from 50 to 500.

Distance – inches and centimeters.

Admin MOST are similar to Basic MOST.

Basic MOST

Activity repetition – more than 150 and less than 1500 times per week.

Activity measuring range – a few seconds to 10 minutes.

TMU ranges – from 200 to 2000.

Distance – within 10 steps.

Admin MOST are similar to Basic MOST.

Maxi MOST

Activity repetition – less than 150 times per week.

Activity measuring range – more than 2 minutes to several hours.

TMU ranges – from 2000 to 20000.

Distance – two or more steps within the workstation.