PMTS Techniques for Office(Clerical) Activity

[garyismo]

Hi Everyone,

I am trying to estimate the time taken by an operator to feed data using a computer ( thru a front end application - basically some mouse clicks, scrolls, page swaps, typing in content, etc.). Wondering how to apply PMTS technique here? Had undergone a training on MOST(Maynard's Operations Sequence Technique) in a manufacturing company long time back.. had also studied these non-stopwatch methods in college. Looks like I maybe able to use this approach as the whole data entry operation can be divided into elemental components such as drag mouse, click, type in (#N) keystrokes, check, etc. Material available on the net is too less, focused on manufacturing environment ( bend, pick object, fit, move, grasp and all..)Can anyone refer to resources, time standards, databases, free softwares, alternative approaches, etc..

OK. Why not just use stop watch? Because there are different designs of forms, with different layouts, amount of activity, etc. another complication is that we need to use this knowledge in optimising software data entry front ends ( they dont exist as of now, so more of estimation).

Any ideas on how to approach time estimation (without stop watch and guess work, lil more scientific) would be of great help!
First timer so dont dissapoint me.

Thanks!
Gary

 

[Ashereng]

You didn't state to what pupose the timing is for.

When you measure "how long it takes", how are you accounting for re-work and errors due to bad data entries (e.g. the data entry clerk entered the data in the wrong field)? How are you accounting for data operator correction of original entries (e.g. spelling mistakes in the originals)? I think the time estimation approach may miss some things you may need.

If you are trying to speed up data entry, maybe try scanning the document in - there are software that can recognize hand written text in addition to typed text. If this is typed text, perhaps switch to an electronic file instead of paper (e.g. handheld computers)?

"Do not worry about your problems with mathematics, I assure you mine are far greater."
Albert Einstein
Have you read FAQ731-376 to make the best use of Eng-Tips Forums?

 

[PSE]

Hopefully this will not dissapoint you but from the information given, I would recommend using a stop watch on this one. The operator is likely the largest variable in the data entry process. For example, if a form may be completed by tabbing between field entries in addition to mouse clicking and then typing data in, method becomes primary in the results. Even if you had operators all rated at the same characters or words per minute without error, you could end up with large variances in time based on how they use the software to manipulate the data.

You already hit on one of your own factors for optimising the data entry front ends when you stated that there are currently different form and layout designs.

Regards,

 

[ietech]

MTM (Methods and Time Measurement) is very effective for highly repetitive and short cycle tasks. You will find that using the old fashioned stop watch and many observations of each element of a task --- using different operators/workers will give you more accurate data to determine your standards. If you do your homework you will find many different methods of accomplishing your goals.

I'm sorry I can't give you an easy answer but even with the current technologies you still have to do the drudging task of compiling the information to enter into the various programs. The only thing these programs do for you is the math and that's really the easy part.

Oh --- by the way don't forget to include your PF&D factor --- usually overlooked these days and will really give you a bad standard. After all nobody really work 8 hours per day i.e. restroom, watercooler b.s. with the guy at the next machine or work station. --- (it really does happen and will cut into the work day production and skew your standards if not accounted for).

http://www.mtm.org/links.htm

http://www.vernova.com/MTM_Article.doc.