Concepts and Fundamentals
Time study with a stopwatch is a work measurement technique that consists of recording the times and work rhythms corresponding to the elements of a defined task, carried out under specific conditions. The objective is to determine the time required to perform the task according to a predetermined execution standard (operating method). The stopwatch, historically, is the instrument used to observe and record the time it takes to execute each element.
Time study with a stopwatch was proposed by Frederick Taylor in 1881 and remains the most common method used to measure the time it takes to perform a task. It is used to determine the time needed by an average operator, working at a normal pace. Time study with a stopwatch has several applications, such as establishing production standards, evaluating work efficiency, calculating costs and prices, planning capacity and workload, improving methods and processes, among others.
Necessary Tools for Conducting a Time Study with Stopwatch
To conduct a time study with a stopwatch, the following tools are required:
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A stopwatch: it can be analog or digital. The analog one has two hands: a large one that marks the seconds and a small one that marks the minutes. The digital one shows seconds and hundredths of a second. Both types have buttons to start, stop, and reset the stopwatch.
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A registration sheet or card: this is where the study data is recorded, such as the operator’s name, task description, observed elements, recorded times, and pace ratings.
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A calculator: used to make the necessary calculations to obtain the standard time of the task.
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A pencil or pen: used to write the data on the registration sheet or card.
In addition to these basic tools, other complementary tools can also be used, such as:
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A camera or recorder: used to capture images or sounds of the observed process and facilitate its subsequent analysis.
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A diagram or plan: used to identify the physical locations of machines, equipment, and materials involved in the task.
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A clock or calendar: used to record the date and time of the study.
These are some of the tools needed to conduct a time study with a stopwatch. However, it should be noted that each case may require specific tools depending on the characteristics of the process being studied.
How Cronometras.com’s Industrial Time Study App Simplifies Time Study
However, currently there are digital tools, such as Cronometras.com’s Industrial Time Study App, that simplify conducting a time study.
If you decide to conduct the time study with the new tool designed for this purpose by Cronometras.com, you will no longer need a stopwatch, as it will be integrated into the application.
You will also not need a registration sheet or card, as when taking time measurements, these are automatically recorded and saved in the application, allowing for real-time or later review.
Another tool you won’t have to worry about is the calculator, as the time study app will automatically perform all the necessary calculations to find the standard time.
Finally, you won’t need a pencil or pen either, as it is the application that records all the data within itself.
Therefore, you won’t need anything that was necessary when conducting a study with a stopwatch using the classic method; instead, you will need a mobile device or a tablet where you can install the application.
Advantages of Using Cronometras.com’s Industrial Time Study App
Cronometras.com’s Industrial Time Study App offers numerous advantages compared to the traditional method of time study with a stopwatch. Among them are:
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Automatic time recording: the application automatically records the times of each element of the task, which reduces the margin of error and increases the accuracy of the data.
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Automatic calculation of standard time: the application automatically performs all the necessary calculations to obtain the standard time of the task, which reduces analysis time and allows for faster decision-making.
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Efficient data collection: the application allows for quick and easy data recording, which reduces the time dedicated to data collection and allows for more time to be dedicated to analysis and decision-making.
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Cloud data storage: the application stores data in the cloud, which allows access to it from anywhere and at any time, facilitating teamwork and decision-making.
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Integration with other tools: the application can be integrated with other production management and human resources tools, which allows for more efficient management and more informed decision-making.
Conclusion
Time study with a stopwatch is a useful technique for measuring the time and work rhythm in a specific task. Basic tools such as a stopwatch, registration sheet or card, calculator, and pencil or pen are required, although complementary tools can also be used depending on the needs of the process being studied. However, with Cronometras.com’s Industrial Time Study App, the process is simplified and optimized, eliminating the need for physical tools and allowing for more efficient and accurate data collection. Additionally, the application offers numerous advantages compared to the traditional method, such as automatic time recording, automatic calculation of standard time, efficient data collection, cloud data storage, and integration with other tools.