The facts about the MOST® technique
compared with MTM and higher level PMT (Pre-determined Motion Time) systems
What does MOST® do?
The vast majority of PMT systems analyse work using the original concept of basic motions. The original base systems of MTM1, for example, used the 19 fundamental basic motions and developed time standards which took into account the spatial and sensory characteristics and other variables requiring a database of 300 time standards.
The complexity of analysis requires a high degree of analyst skill and even then is time consuming and often inconsistent. Recognising the benefits but also the many limitations of the base system, vast amounts of work were completed to design simpler and faster methods of application skill using the original data.
MTM2 was the result of this work enabling the database to be reduced to 39 time standards and subsequently even simpler systems have been developed. Irrespective of the system, however, the analyst still needs to identify and analyse tasks in the form of basic motions and needs the ability to identify and recognise the variables that influence the time each takes. It is widely accepted that this approach leads to inconsistency and therefore inaccuracy in the development of standards.
The power of MOST® is that it analyses not basic motions but the sequence of activities that follow a consistent pattern whenever an object is moved. These sequences of activities are pre-defined in the form of models that remain constant throughout the analysis.
Analysts must apply the sequence model without alteration, forcing them to consider every factor in a consistent, logical and constant way. This approach guarantees greater analyst consistency leading them to a much faster and more accurate analysis of work.
Comparing practical issues
To analyse a task taking 5 minutes performed manually
| System | No of sheets of paper required | Time required for analysis |
|---|---|---|
| MTM1 | 16 sheets | 1,600 minutes |
| MTM2 | 10 sheets | 400 minutes |
| MOST® | 1 sheet | 50 minutes |
| System | Time required for training |
Time required for guided application |
|---|---|---|
| MTM1 | 3 weeks | 2 months |
| MTM2 | 2 weeks | 1 month |
| MOST® | 1 week | 10 days |
In almost every environment there will be a need for different levels of analysis to generate standards efficiently and effectively.
The vast majority of systems are designed at one level, which may be too detailed or not detailed enough. This can be overcome by applying the relative system to the industry for which it was basically designed, eg MTM1 for highly repetitive, short cycle up to MTMX (now PMT-X) for non-standard, long duration activities.
Unfortunately each of these systems is stand-alone and inconsistent in methods of analysis and application. A major strength of the MOST® systems family is that there are three levels - Basic, Mini and Maxi covering every possible eventuality and each is compatible with the other, using an identical approach to the measurement of work. Data developed at sub-operation or element level using one level can be combined with data developed at another level when building up a time for a task.
Other systems under the PMT generic classification/heading have been developed to be work- or industry-specific such as PADS, GSD. Within their area of coverage each is effective and efficient to apply, but their scope of application in any organisation is extremely limited. Importantly, even though their speed of application is faster than the base system, they still cannot match the speed of MOST®.
The real benefit of the MOST® technique is that it can analyse all activities throughout the whole organisation using a common, consistent approach without recourse to having to use a second or even third approach for specialist activities.
In summary
- The concept of sequence models increases analyst consistency
- MOST® can measure any kind of activity
- MOST® is faster than any other type of PMT system
- MOST® is as effective in developing methods as any other system
- The MOST® technique is supported by sophisticated software
- MOST® is easier to learn, easier to understand and easier to accept than any other PMT system
The MOST® technique, its systems family and the powerful suite of software are products that have been developed with essential elements of good management in mind: to improve competitiveness, profitability, productivity - in short, to help you save time, money and effort.
For more facts about the MOST® technique, or the range of software to enhance the application of MOST®, please contact us.
Only from Scott-Grant
Scott-Grant are the only authorised trainers, applicators and distributors of MOST® and Maynard software in the UK and Eire, serving much of Europe. We therefore have the latest information on the tremendous advances in the application of this technique and the powerful suite of software that enhances it.
MOST® is the registered trade mark of H B Maynard & Co, Inc, USA, now Accenture