What is the Standard Minute Value (SMV)

The Standard Minute Value (SMV) is a key Metric in the Garment Manufacturing Industry used to measure the Time required to complete a specific task or Operation. It is essential for Planning, Costing, and Improving Efficiency in the Production Process.

Definition of Standard Minute Value (SMV):

The Standard Minute Value (SMV) is the amount of time, Measured in Minutes, that a trained worker takes to perform a task or operation under standard conditions, including allowances for fatigue and delays. Its provide a benchmark for assessing productivity and setting performance standards in the garments.

Calculation:

Calculating the SMV involves several steps:

1. Time Study :

   • Conduct a time study by observing and recording the time taken to complete a task multiple times. This is typically done using a stopwatch or time-study software.

2. Element Breakdown:

   • Break down the task into smaller elements or sub-tasks. This makes it easier to measure and analyze each component of the task.

3. Normal Time Calculation:

   • Calculate the normal time (NT) for each element by averaging the observed times. The normal time is the time it takes to perform a task without any allowances.
   • Formula: NT = (Sum of observed times) / (Number of observations)

4. Performance Rating:

   • Apply a performance rating to adjust the normal time based on the worker’s performance. This accounts for variations in speed and skill.
   • Formula: Rated Time (RT) = Normal Time (NT) x Performance Rating (PR)

5. Allowances:

   • Add allowances for factors like fatigue, personal needs, and unavoidable delays. These are typically expressed as a percentage of the rated time.
   • Formula: Allowance Time (AT) = RT x Allowance Percentage (AP)

6. Standard Minute Value:

   • Calculate the SMV by adding the allowance time to the rated time.
   • Formula: SMV = RT + AT

Example Calculation

Suppose a time study for sewing a shirt button involves the following steps:

1. Observed Times: 30 seconds, 28 seconds, 32 seconds (Average = 30 seconds)
2. Normal Time (NT): 30 seconds / 60 = 0.5 minutes
3. Performance Rating (PR): 110% (or 1.1)
4. Rated Time (RT): 0.5 minutes x 1.1 = 0.55 minutes
5. Allowance Percentage (AP): 15% (or 0.15)
6. Allowance Time (AT): 0.55 minutes x 0.15 = 0.0825 minutes
7. Standard Minute Value (SMV): 0.55 minutes + 0.0825 minutes = 0.6325 minutes

Use in Garments Industry

SMV is used for various purposes in the Garment Manufacturing Industry:

1. Production Planning:

   • Helps in scheduling and planning the production process by estimating the time required for each operation.

2. Costing:

   • Aids in determining labor costs by providing a standard measure of the time required for different tasks.

3. Setting Performance Standards:

   • Establishes benchmarks for evaluating worker performance and setting productivity targets.

4. Line Balancing:

   • Assists in distributing work evenly across different operations to optimize workflow and reduce bottlenecks.

5. Efficiency Improvement:

   • Identifies areas where time can be saved, leading to improved efficiency and reduced production time.

6. Incentive Schemes:

   • Forms the basis for incentive schemes by setting performance standards and rewarding workers based on their efficiency.

What is the Standard Minute Value (SMV): Definition, Calculation and Use in Garments Industry. By Accurately Calculating and Utilizing SMV, Garment Manufacturers can improve their operational efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance overall productivity.