Time Study Formula in the Garment Industry

Time Study is a Method used in the Garment Industry to determine the time required for a worker to complete a specific task or operation. This information is critical for setting production targets, balancing workloads, calculating labor costs, and improving efficiency. 

The time study process involves measuring the time taken by an average worker to perform a task under standard working conditions.

Basic Time Study Formula:

The basic time study formula in the garment industry is:

$\text{Standard Time}(T_s)=\text{Observed Time}(T_o)\times \text{Rating Factor}\times (1+\text{Allowance})$

Where:

• Standard Time (T_s): The time that should be allocated to perform a task, including allowances for fatigue, delays, and personal needs.
• Observed Time (T_o): The actual time measured during the time study for a worker to complete the task.
• Rating Factor: A multiplier based on the worker's performance compared to the "standard" or average performance level. If a worker is performing above the average pace, the rating factor will be greater than 1; if below, it will be less than 1.
• Allowance: An additional percentage of time added to the observed time to account for personal time, fatigue, and unavoidable delays. Typical allowances range from 10% to 20%, depending on the nature of the work and working conditions.

Detailed Steps of Time Study in the Garment Industry:

1. Select the Task: Choose a specific task or operation to study, such as sewing a seam, attaching a collar, or hemming a garment.

2. Break Down the Task: Divide the task into smaller elements or steps that can be timed individually. For example, for sewing a seam, you might break it down into positioning the fabric, starting the machine, sewing, and trimming the thread.

3. Time the Task: Use a stopwatch or time study software to measure the time it takes to complete each element. Perform multiple observations to account for variations and ensure accuracy.

4. Calculate the Observed Time (T o): Take the average time of multiple observations for each element to determine the observed time.

5. Apply the Rating Factor: Evaluate the worker's performance during the time study. If the worker's speed is considered normal or standard, the rating factor will be 1. If the worker is faster or slower, adjust the rating factor accordingly (e.g., 1.10 for 10% faster, 0.90 for 10% slower).

   $$\text{Basic Time}=\text{Observed Time}\times \text{Rating Factor}$$
   
   

6. Add Allowances: Add a percentage to the basic time to account for allowances such as personal time, fatigue, and unavoidable delays.

   $$\text{Standard Time}=\text{Basic Time}\times (1+\text{Allowance})$$
   
   

Example Calculation:

Let’s say you’re performing a time study for attaching a pocket to a shirt:

• Observed Time (T o): 60 seconds
• Rating Factor: 1.05 (The worker is 5% faster than the standard pace)
• Allowance: 15% (0.15 for fatigue, personal time, and delays)

1. Calculate Basic Time:

   $$\text{Basic Time}=60\times 1.05=63\text{ seconds}$$

2. Calculate Standard Time:

   $$\text{Standard Time}=63\times (1+0.15)=63\times 1.15=72.45\text{ seconds}$$
   
   

So, the standard time for attaching the pocket would be approximately 72.45 seconds.

Uses of Standard Time:

• Production Planning: Helps in estimating how long it will take to complete orders and setting production schedules.
• Line Balancing: Ensures that workloads are evenly distributed across workers and workstations.
• Incentive Systems: Forms the basis for calculating piece rates or bonuses.
• Labor Costing: Assists in determining labor costs for pricing and budgeting.

By using time Study and the Standard Time Formula, the Garment Industry can optimize Production Processes, reduce Inefficiencies, and Improve overall Productivity.