Method Module: The Foundation of Your Time Studies
Define, classify, and manage the work elements that make up your time study for accurate standard time calculation.
What is the Method Module in CRONOMETRAS?
The Method Module is the fundamental component of CRONOMETRAS where you define the structure of your method and time study. Here you can create, classify, and manage all the work elements that make up your study, establishing the basis for accurate standard time calculation.
Classification of Elements by Man-Machine Relationship
Modern industrial time study requires clearly differentiating element types based on their relationship with machinery, allowing for precise time analysis:
- Machine Stopped (machine-stopped): Operations performed with the machine completely stopped, where the operator has total control over execution time.
- Machine Running (machine-running): Manual activities performed while the machine operates automatically, optimizing productivity through simultaneous tasks.
- Machine Time (machine-time): Periods where the machine works autonomously, crucial for calculating productive capacities and cycle times.
Classification by Repetition Pattern for Accurate Time Studies
Effective work measurement requires correctly identifying the frequency of each element for an exact standard time calculation:
- Repetitive Elements: Operations that occur in every work cycle consistently, forming the basis of the regular cycle time. Fundamental for establishing the base production pace.
- Frequent Elements: Activities that appear with a specific frequency (every N cycles), such as adjustments, verifications, or replenishments. Their correct assignment is crucial for an accurate standard time calculation.
Creation and Editing of Work Elements
The industrial time study software CRONOMETRAS offers an intuitive form to define each element with precision:
- Detailed Description: Field to accurately document the operation, facilitating its identification during time study and subsequent analysis.
- Complete Classification:
- Type by man-machine relationship (stopped, running, machine time)
- Repetition pattern (repetitive or frequent)
- Frequency Configuration: For frequent elements, define exactly:
- Number of repetitions per cycle
- Number of cycles between occurrences
- Automatic Validations: The system automatically adjusts the repetition type to ‘machine-type’ when ‘machine-time’ is selected, preventing data inconsistencies.
Voice Recognition for Efficient Time Studies
Optimize your time and motion study with dictation technology that streamlines documentation in the field:
- Hands-Free Dictation: Ideal for industrial environments where mobility and speed are essential.
- Multilingual: Works perfectly in Spanish and English, adapting to international teams.
- Smart Detection: Automatically finishes after 2 seconds of silence, optimizing the workflow.
- Clear Feedback: Specific messages for each possible problem (microphone not detected, permissions denied, etc.).
Element Library: Standardization and Consistency
The standard time calculation tool includes a powerful library that ensures consistency between studies:
- Element Reuse: Import predefined elements with all their attributes, ensuring consistency across different studies and analysts.
- Smart Averaging: Select multiple similar elements to create a new element with averaged times and allowances, ideal for establishing standards based on historical data.
- Data Preservation: When importing elements, time records and allowances remain intact, preserving accumulated knowledge.
- Advanced Search: Quickly locate specific elements using filters by name, description, or type.
Advanced Work Method Management
Organize your method study with management tools that facilitate logical structuring of work:
- Intuitive Reordering: Move elements up or down in the sequence with simple clicks, adapting the method to the actual sequence of operations.
- Contextual Editing: Directly access the editing of any element from the main list.
- Secure Deletion: Delete elements with prior confirmation, including automatic cleanup of associated time records and allowances.
- Complete View: See all elements at a glance with their key information: sequential number, description, type, and frequency.
Optimize Your Method and Time Studies with CRONOMETRAS
The CRONOMETRAS Method Module is the fundamental basis for conducting precise and professional method and time studies. Unlike traditional industrial time study methods, our software allows you to:
- Precisely define each work element based on its relationship with machinery and repetition pattern
- Streamline documentation through advanced voice recognition
- Ensure consistency between studies with the element library
- Logically structure the work method with intuitive management tools
- Establish the basis for an accurate standard time calculation
According to recent studies on industrial productivity, companies that implement advanced work measurement systems like CRONOMETRAS manage to reduce the time needed to conduct method and time studies by up to 30% and increase the accuracy of their standards by 25%.