Time Study is a work measurement technique used to determine the time required to complete a task by a qualified worker working at a normal pace under standard conditions.

It’s commonly used in operations management, industrial engineering, and productivity analysis to improve efficiency and set performance standards.

📌 Why is Time Study Important?

1. Improves Efficiency: Helps identify unnecessary steps and streamline processes.

2. Sets Standards: Establishes standard time for tasks, which helps in planning and scheduling.

3. Supports Costing: Accurate time data helps in labor cost estimation.

4. Employee Evaluation: Forms the basis for incentive schemes and performance evaluation.

🧰 How is Time Study Done? (Step-by-Step)

1. Select the Task: Choose a repetitive and well-defined task for observation.

2. Break the Task into Elements: Divide the task into small, measurable steps.

3. Observe and Record Time: Use a stopwatch or software to record the time taken for each element (over several cycles).

4. Rate the Performance: Assess the worker’s speed compared to a normal pace (called performance rating).

5. Calculate Normal Time:

   $$\text{Normal Time}=\text{Observed Time}\times \text{Performance Rating}$$

6. Add Allowances: Add extra time for fatigue, personal needs, and unavoidable delays.

7. Calculate Standard Time:

   $$\text{Standard Time}=\text{Normal Time}+\text{Allowances}$$

🧠 Example:

Let’s say a worker takes 2 minutes on average to complete a task, and you rate their performance at 110%. Allowance is 10%.

• Normal Time = 2 × 1.10 = 2.2 minutes

• Standard Time = 2.2 + 10% of 2.2 = 2.42 minutes

✅ Applications in Business

• Manufacturing: To balance assembly lines.

• Service Sector: To improve service delivery times.

• BPM & BPR: In Business Process Management and Reengineering.