Methods Time Measurement (MTM)
In today’s competitive landscape, both manufacturing and service industries are under immense
pressure to deliver higher productivity, lower costs, and faster turnaround times. With global supply chains becoming more complex and customer expectations rising, businesses cannot afford inefficiencies in their processes. This is why Methods Time Measurement has become an indispensable tool for organizations that want to gain an edge in operational excellence.
MTM is not just another productivity tool—it is a scientifically developed predetermined motion time system (PMTS) that provides a universal method for analyzing work. Unlike traditional time-and-motion studies that depend heavily on a stopwatch and subjective observation, MTM eliminates guesswork by relying on a catalog of basic human motions, each with a standard time value. These building blocks allow businesses to accurately calculate how long any task should take, regardless of who performs it.
Conducting an MTM time study offers multiple advantages. It enables engineers and managers to establish precise time standards for tasks, design optimal workflows, and uncover inefficiencies that often go unnoticed. For instance, in an assembly line, MTM can highlight unnecessary hand movements, awkward reaches, or poorly placed tools—issues that may appear minor individually but collectively lead to significant productivity losses. By addressing these inefficiencies, companies can achieve better workplace design, consistent output, and reduced operational costs.
The real power of methods time measurement lies in its universality. Whether applied in mass production, logistics, healthcare, or administrative tasks, MTM provides a standardized way to analyze and improve work. It empowers organizations to create fair work standards for employees, balance workloads effectively, and even design training programs that are based on proven best practices rather than trial and error.
In short, MTM bridges the gap between theoretical efficiency and practical execution. By combining precision, consistency, and objectivity, it equips businesses to stay competitive in an era where time truly is money.
Historical Background of Methods Time Measurement
The concept of Methods Time Measurement was born in the early 1940s, a time when industries were under immense pressure to improve productivity during and after World War II. The system was developed by H.B. Maynard, J.L. Schwab, and G.J. Stegemerten while working as consultants for Westinghouse. Their pioneering work introduced a structured way of analyzing manual operations by breaking them down into fundamental human motions, each assigned a standard time value.
This groundbreaking approach marked a significant departure from traditional stopwatch-based time studies, laying the foundation for what we now recognize as MTM time study—a standardized, scientific, and universally applicable method of measuring work.
The Evolution of MTM Systems
The original system, later called MTM-1, provided a detailed and precise framework for analyzing highly repetitive tasks. However, as industries diversified and production methods evolved, simplified versions of the system were developed to suit different work environments:
- MTM-1: The original, highly detailed system for repetitive operations.
- MTM-2: A streamlined version designed for less repetitive or moderately detailed tasks.
- MTM-UAS (Universal Analyzing System): Created for batch production and mixed-model manufacturing.
- MTM-MEK: Tailored for small-lot or one-of-a-kind production environments.
- MTM-Logistics: Developed specifically for warehouse and logistics operations.
Each variation of method time measurement addressed the unique needs of industries, ensuring that the system remained relevant across different production scales and business models.
Global Governance and the Role of MTM Associations
The growth of MTM industrial engineering would not have been possible without global collaboration. Over the decades, MTM associations were established in various countries to ensure consistency, training, and certification in the application of MTM.
In 2020, the global MTM community took a major step forward by introducing One MTM, a unified framework for worldwide governance of the system. This initiative ensures that whether an MTM time study is conducted in India, Germany, or the U.S., the standards remain consistent, reliable, and universally recognized.
The historical journey of MTM demonstrates its adaptability and lasting value. From its inception in the 1940s to the modern One MTM framework, the system has continuously evolved to meet industrial challenges. This evolution ensures that methods time measurement remains one of the most effective and widely accepted tools in industrial engineering for driving efficiency, reducing costs, and standardizing work across global industries.
Understanding Fundamentals of MTM
To understand the essence of Methods Time Measurement, it is important to first look at the concept of Predetermined Motion Time Systems (PMTS). A PMTS is a standardized method for analyzing manual work by breaking it down into basic human motions and assigning each motion a predetermined time value. If you’d like to explore this concept in detail, we’ve covered Predetermined Motion Time Systems (PMTS) extensively in a dedicated blog post.
MTM is the most widely recognized PMTS in the world. Unlike conventional stopwatch-based methods, an MTM time study does not depend on subjective observation. Instead, it uses a scientifically validated database of times for fundamental motions, making it both accurate and consistent across industries.
The Building Blocks: Basic Motions in MTM
At the heart of methods time measurement are the “basic motions” that make up any manual task. Every operation, no matter how complex, can be decomposed into a sequence of the following motions:
- Reach: Moving the hand to an object.
- Move: Transporting an object from one location to another.
- Grasp: Taking hold of an object.
- Position: Aligning or orienting an object correctly.
- Release: Letting go of the object.
By coding these motions and assigning their predetermined time values, MTM provides a precise and objective calculation of the total time needed for a task.
The Time Measurement Unit (TMU)
A unique feature of MTM time study is its use of the Time Measurement Unit (TMU). One TMU equals 0.00001 hours, or 0.036 seconds. This extremely small unit allows analysts to calculate work times with remarkable precision, even for tasks that take only fractions of a second.
For example:
- 100 TMU = 3.6 seconds
- 1,000 TMU = 36 seconds
- 100,000 TMU = 1 hour
This standardized unit ensures that methods time measurement can be applied consistently, regardless of the type of work or industry.
Why Stopwatch Studies Aren’t Needed
Traditional time studies often rely on stopwatches, leading to variability caused by observer judgment, worker performance, and environmental conditions. In contrast, MTM eliminates the need for a stopwatch by using its predetermined database of motion times.
The benefits of this approach include:
- Consistency: Results are not influenced by the analyst’s timing skills.
- Accuracy: Standard times are based on scientifically established data.
- Fairness: Workers are measured against objective standards, not subjective observations.
- Efficiency: Time studies can be conducted quickly without interrupting production.
This is why companies worldwide rely on methods time measurement as a foundation for productivity improvement and fair labor standards.
MTM Variants and Use Cases
As industries evolved, the need for flexibility in applying MTM grew. While the original MTM time study provided unmatched accuracy, it was also highly detailed and time-intensive. To make the system practical across different industries and work environments, various MTM variants were developed. Each one balances speed, precision, and usability depending on the nature of the task.
MTM-1: The Gold Standard of Detail
MTM-1 is the original system and the most detailed form of methods time measurement. It breaks down every motion—such as Reach, Move, Grasp, Position, and Release—into highly specific categories with corresponding Time Measurement Units (TMUs).
- Best suited for: Highly repetitive, short-cycle tasks (e.g., assembly line operations).
- Strengths: Maximum precision and accuracy.
- Limitations: Requires significant effort and expertise to conduct the analysis.
When companies need an in-depth MTM time study, especially for optimizing large-scale manufacturing, MTM-1 is the preferred system.
MTM-2: Faster Analysis with Grouped Motions
To speed up the application of MTM, experts created MTM-2. Instead of analyzing every tiny motion individually, MTM-2 groups basic motions into larger motion categories.
- Best suited for: Less repetitive, medium-cycle tasks.
- Strengths: Faster than MTM-1 while still maintaining reliable accuracy.
- Limitations: Loses some of the micro-detail provided by MTM-1.
Organizations often use MTM-2 when they want a balance between analysis speed and detail.
MTM-UAS: Optimized for Batch and Mixed Production
In batch production or environments where products frequently change, MTM-UAS (Universal Analysis System) is often the best choice. Unlike MTM-1 and MTM-2, this system was designed for environments where flexibility is crucial.
- Best suited for: Batch production, mixed-model production, or variable workflows.
- Strengths: Provides standardization in dynamic production systems.
- Limitations: Less granular than MTM-1, but offers excellent adaptability.
This makes MTM-UAS a popular choice in industries like automotive and electronics, where production setups frequently shift.
MTM-MEK and MTM-Logistics: Specialized Systems
To extend the reach of methods time measurement, specialized versions were developed:
- MTM-MEK: Designed for one-of-a-kind or small-lot production, where tasks may not repeat frequently.
- MTM-Logistics: Tailored for logistics and service-oriented operations, focusing on processes like picking, packing, and transportation.
These variants allow companies outside traditional manufacturing to benefit from the accuracy of an MTM time study without unnecessary complexity.
Choosing the Right MTM Variant
The decision on which MTM system to use depends on the trade-off between detail and speed:
- Choose MTM-1: when precision is critical and tasks are highly repetitive.
- Choose MTM-2: for a faster study with a good balance of accuracy and efficiency.
- Choose MTM-UAS: when dealing with mixed or batch production that requires flexibility.
- Choose MTM-MEK or MTM-Logistics: for specialized, non-repetitive, or logistics-based tasks.
In essence, all these variants are built on the same foundation of methods time measurement, but their application differs depending on the production context. By choosing the right variant, organizations can ensure that their MTM time study delivers maximum value with minimal effort.
The MTM Analysis Workflow
The real power of Methods Time Measurement lies not only in its principles but also in its practical workflow. A systematic approach ensures that organizations can transform raw observations into standardized, actionable data. By following a structured process, an MTM time study delivers consistent results that can be directly applied in industrial engineering, workstation design, and labor management.
Step 1: Task Selection and Observation
Every MTM analysis begins with identifying the task or work element to be studied. This may include repetitive assembly tasks, manual handling processes, or service-oriented activities. Careful observation is critical because the success of the methods time measurement process depends on capturing the exact nature of work performed.
Step 2: Motion Breakdown and Coding
Once the task is selected, the activity is broken down into its smallest basic motions such as Reach, Move, Grasp, Position, and Release. Each motion is then coded using the MTM system. This step ensures objectivity and replaces the subjectivity of stopwatch-based time studies. Unlike traditional observation methods, an MTM time study applies standardized codes, which guarantees accuracy and global consistency.
Step 3: Summing TMUs to Calculate Standard Time
After coding, each motion is assigned a value in Time Measurement Units (TMUs). These TMUs are summed to calculate the standard time required for the task. Because 1 TMU equals 0.036 seconds, this method provides an exact conversion into seconds or minutes. By relying on methods time measurement, companies can establish time standards that are free from human bias.
Step 4: Incorporating Allowances
In real-world working conditions, allowances must be factored in to account for fatigue, unavoidable delays, and personal needs. The MTM process includes these allowances to ensure that the MTM time study reflects realistic, humane work expectations. This step helps organizations avoid underestimating the effort required, which could lead to worker fatigue and inefficiencies.
Step 5: Practical Applications of MTM Analysis
The final step is applying the findings across various domains of industrial engineering and operations management:
- Workstation Design: Optimize layouts to minimize unnecessary motion.
- Line Balancing: Distribute tasks evenly to avoid bottlenecks.
- Wage Standards: Develop fair and consistent labor standards based on scientific data.
- Process Improvement: Identify inefficiencies and redesign workflows for productivity gains.
Through this systematic workflow, methods time measurement becomes more than a theoretical tool—it becomes a practical system for continuous improvement.
Applications & Benefits of MTM
The value of Methods Time Measurement extends far beyond the factory floor. By applying its structured approach to motion analysis and time standardization, organizations can unlock significant advantages across multiple domains. An MTM time study is not just a tool for calculating labor time—it is a comprehensive system for driving efficiency, improving ergonomics, and enhancing workforce management.
MTM in Engineering Design and Pre-Production Planning
One of the most impactful applications of MTM lies in engineering design and pre-production planning. By analyzing tasks at the design stage, engineers can predict how long an operation will take before it even begins. This proactive approach enables smarter workstation layouts, better resource allocation, and the early detection of potential inefficiencies. With methods time measurement, organizations can design processes that are efficient from the very start.
Standard Time Setting and Workforce Planning
At the heart of every MTM time study is the ability to establish standard times for work activities. These benchmarks serve as the foundation for:
- Workforce Planning: Matching labor capacity to production demand.
- Incentive Programs: Designing fair performance-based wage systems.
- Scheduling & Costing: Improving accuracy in delivery promises and project cost estimation.
By replacing guesswork with standardized measures, methods time measurement ensures fairness, transparency, and productivity across the organization.
Driving Efficiency and Eliminating Waste
A primary benefit of MTM is its power to identify and eliminate non-value-added activities. Through detailed motion analysis, managers can highlight inefficiencies—such as unnecessary movements, poor workstation design, or workflow bottlenecks. This aligns directly with lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement strategies. In essence, an MTM time study provides the roadmap for operational excellence.
Ergonomics and Safety Improvements
Beyond efficiency, methods time measurement also promotes ergonomics and worker safety. By analyzing the smallest motions, companies can redesign tasks to reduce physical strain, awkward postures, and repetitive stress risks. Safer, more ergonomic work methods not only enhance employee well-being but also lead to fewer injuries and lower absenteeism.
Applications Beyond Manufacturing
While MTM was originally developed for industrial operations, its scope has expanded to numerous other sectors:
- Logistics: Streamlining material handling and distribution.
- Healthcare: Optimizing nursing tasks, patient handling, and hospital workflows.
- Administrative Services: Reducing wasted effort in documentation, data entry, and office operations.
This versatility shows how methods time measurement has evolved into a universal tool for work measurement and productivity improvement, regardless of industry.
Whether applied in factories, hospitals, warehouses, or offices, MTM delivers measurable benefits: higher productivity, lower costs, safer workplaces, and optimized processes. With its structured methodology, methods time measurement continues to be a cornerstone of industrial engineering and modern organizational efficiency.
MTM in the Digital Era
The world of work measurement has entered a new phase with Industry 4.0 technologies reshaping manufacturing and services. Traditional Methods Time Measurement, once confined to manual coding and paper-based analysis, has now evolved into a digitally empowered system that integrates seamlessly with smart factories, real-time data collection, and continuous improvement programs.
MTM 4.0 – Bridging Classic Methods with Modern Innovation
One of the most exciting advancements is the emergence of MTM 4.0, which adapts the principles of methods time measurement to the demands of the digital age. By incorporating Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) devices, RFID tracking, and automated data capture, companies can perform an MTM time study with unprecedented speed and precision. This innovation bridges the gap between classic industrial engineering methods and the smart, connected factory of the future.
Digital Tools for MTM Coding and Analysis
Gone are the days when analysts manually recorded every motion. Today, advanced software solutions allow engineers to perform MTM coding and analysis with just a few clicks. These digital platforms not only accelerate the process but also:
- Ensure greater accuracy in assigning motion codes.
- Provide real-time visualization of workflows.
- Allow seamless data integration with ERP and MES systems.
By digitizing the workflow, methods time measurement becomes more accessible, scalable, and error-proof, enabling organizations to deploy MTM time studies across large-scale operations.
Integration with Lean and Continuous Improvement
The power of MTM in the digital era also lies in its alignment with lean manufacturing and continuous improvement systems. With the help of analytics and AI-driven insights, organizations can instantly detect process waste, redesign tasks, and continuously refine their operations. This ensures that MTM does not remain a one-time analysis but an ongoing driver of productivity, cost reduction, and operational excellence.
Future Outlook: A Smarter, More Connected MTM
As digital ecosystems expand, methods time measurement will continue to evolve. The combination of MTM time study with machine learning, augmented reality (AR), and digital twins will enable predictive modeling of work methods before they are even implemented. This future-focused approach means industries can optimize work processes not just reactively, but proactively—making MTM a true cornerstone of the smart industry revolution.
In the digital era, MTM is no longer just about calculating standard times—it is about creating a data-driven, connected, and continuously improving workplace.
FAQs
A. Methods Time Measurement is a predetermined motion time system (PMTS) used in industrial engineering to analyze manual tasks into basic motions and assign standard times for each. This eliminates the need for traditional stopwatch-based studies.
A. Unlike a conventional time study with a stopwatch, an MTM time study relies on predetermined values for each motion. This ensures consistency, accuracy, and eliminates observer bias.
A. The core motions defined in methods time measurement are Reach, Move, Grasp, Position, and Release. Each of these has a standard time assigned in MTM time study.
A. In MTM, time is measured in Time Measurement Units (TMU). One TMU equals 0.036 seconds, allowing precise conversion to minutes and hours for work measurement.
A. The most widely used variants include MTM-1 (detailed and precise), MTM-2 (simplified for faster analysis), MTM-UAS (for mixed/batch production), and MTM-MEK/Logistics (for single-lot and service tasks).
A. In MTM industrial engineering, the system helps standardize work processes, balance production lines, improve ergonomics, and set fair wage standards based on accurate data. For a deeper look at practical applications, you can visit our dedicated page on Industrial Engineering Services.
A. The typical MTM analysis workflow involves: task selection, motion breakdown and coding, converting TMUs into standard time, adding allowances, and applying results for line balancing, workstation design, or wage programs.
A. The benefits of MTM time study include standardization of tasks, cost savings, higher productivity, waste elimination, and improved ergonomics and safety for workers.
A. MTM 4.0 refers to the integration of methods time measurement with Industry 4.0 technologies such as IIoT, RFID, and digital simulation tools. It allows real-time coding and faster analysis.
A. An MTM time study identifies excessive or unsafe motions. By redesigning tasks, companies can reduce worker fatigue, improve ergonomics, and prevent injuries.
Conclusion
In today’s competitive industrial landscape, Methods Time Measurement has proven to be much more than a traditional work-study tool. It stands as a scientifically structured system that provides organizations with the ability to define, standardize, and optimize work methods before they are even implemented. By eliminating guesswork and relying on data-backed analysis, MTM gives companies a clear roadmap for productivity enhancement.
The strength of methods time measurement lies in its ability to combine accuracy, consistency, and efficiency in a single framework. Unlike manual stopwatch studies, an MTM time study creates reliable standards that can be applied across industries—manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and even administrative services. This ensures that operations remain lean, costs are reduced, and processes are aligned with best practices.
Key Takeaways
- Improved Standardization: With MTM, work processes are measured and defined in a uniform way, eliminating subjectivity.
- Cost Savings: By analyzing tasks scientifically, companies can cut unnecessary steps, reduce waste, and improve resource utilization.
- Productivity Gains: A well-executed MTM time study identifies inefficiencies and ensures optimal workflow design.
- Ergonomic Benefits: Beyond efficiency, methods time measurement also enhances worker comfort and safety, reducing fatigue and workplace injuries.
Ultimately, MTM is not just a tool for industrial engineers—it is a strategic enabler of continuous improvement. From setting fair performance standards to supporting digital transformation, methods time measurement continues to empower businesses to achieve higher productivity, better ergonomics, and sustainable cost savings. As industries evolve, the relevance of MTM time study will only grow, making it a cornerstone of modern work measurement and process optimization.
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