History of Time and Motion Study

1. History of Time and Motion Study The Taylors and the Gilbreths www.uttana.com

2. Background • The emergence of new machines and materials in the early twentieth century lead to new opportunities as society raced to catch-up in this rapid march forward. • It was in this environment that Time and Motion Study was born. • As the world became increasingly dependent on technology, the stage was set for the scientific advancement of work methods. www.uttana.com

3. Taylor • Frederick Winslow Taylor is often credited as the father of scientific management. • Although he could have followed in his father's footsteps and become a lawyer, he decided to forego University. • Instead, Taylor apprenticed as a patternmaker and machinist. www.uttana.com

4. Observation • Taylor was hired as a machine shop laborer by Midvale Steel Works in Philadelphia. • While working at Midvale, Taylor observed significant inconsistencies and inefficiencies in the way people operated machines and performed their work. • These observations became the inspiration for the Scientific Management techniques that would make Taylor famous. www.uttana.com

5. Time Study Consultant • His Time Study technique was used to directly observe tasks and record the time it took to complete them. • The analysis of these observations was used to determine the best methods for performing work. • In the early years of the twentieth century, Taylor started to gain acclaim as a Management consultant. www.uttana.com

6. Gilbreths in Parallel • Around the same time, Frank and Lillian Gilbreth were developing their own analytical method, Motion Study. • Frank Gilbreth started his career as a brick layer and worked his way up to being a building contractor. • Lillian Gilbreth was one of the first female engineers to hold a Ph,D, and was a pioneer of Industrial Psychology. www.uttana.com

7. Gilbreth Background • This husband and wife duo dedicated much of their careers to studying work habits, in order to increase output and make peoples jobs easier. • They even extended their interests to their family, as chronicled by their children Frank Jr. And Ernestine in the book Cheaper by the Dozen. www.uttana.com

8. Analysis • To conduct their motion studies, Frank Gilbreth utilized one of the great emerging technologies of the time; motion pictures. • He recorded over 250,000 feet of 35mm film, documenting the work methods of people in various industries. • By analyzing the motions of workers, the Gilbreths sought ways to increase output and minimize fatigue by elimination motion wastes such as stooping and walking. www.uttana.com

9. Gilbreths vs. Tayler • While Taylor's efforts focused on ensuring that employees put in "a fair day's work", the Gilbreths focused on eliminating physical and psychological fatigue, believing that this improved both productivity and the wellbeing of employees. • This lead to an ideological rift between Taylor and the Gilbreths. • Despite this disagreement, it was quickly realized that the two methods were extremely complimentary, and they were combined as Time and Motion Study techniques. www.uttana.com

10. Evolution of Time and Motion Study • Scientific Management concepts such as Time and Motion Studies were a major influence on other industrial pioneers, such as Henry Ford. • After World War II the Japanese manufacturing industry adopted American Scientific Management practices in order to overcome the challenges they were faced with. • During this time, methods such as Time and Motion study influenced a new generation of visionaries, including Shigeo Shingo and Taiichi Ohno. www.uttana.com

11. Today • Time and Motion study remains a fundamental practice for modern Lean organizations around the world. • Although these techniques originated over a century ago, the early efforts of Frederick Taylor, and the Gilbreths continue to have a major impact an the way people do work. www.uttana.com