What is SMV?

 

“SMV (Standard Minute Value): The key to measuring efficiency and setting accurate production targets in garment manufacturing.”

SMV is the Standard Minute Value, also sometimes called SAM (Standard Allowed Minute) in garment manufacturing. It represents the time required for a worker to complete one garment (or one unit of product) under normal working conditions, at a standard pace, with standard methods and tools.

Essentially:

$$\text{SMV} = \text{Time to produce 1 unit in minutes}$$

It’s crucial for:

• Setting production targets

• Calculating labor cost per piece

• Measuring efficiency

How to Calculate SMV

SMV can be calculated using Time Study or Predetermined Motion Time Systems (PMTS) like MOST or MTM.

1️⃣ Using Time Study

1. Observe a worker completing a task.

2. Record the actual time taken for multiple cycles.

3. Apply a performance rating factor to adjust for worker speed.

4. Add allowances (for fatigue, rest, personal needs).

Formula:

$$\text{SMV} = \text{Observed Time} \times \text{Performance Rating Factor} + \text{Allowance}$$

Example:

• Observed time = 10 min

• Rating factor = 1.1 (worker is 10% faster than standard)

• Allowance = 1 min

$$\text{SMV} = 10 \times 1.1 + 1 = 12 \text{ min}$$

2️⃣ Using Predetermined Motion Time Systems

• Break the task into basic motions (reach, grasp, sew, move, release, etc.)

• Each motion has a predetermined time

• Sum all motion times + allowances = SMV

Uses of SMV

1. Hourly Production Target:

$$\text{Hourly Target} = \frac{60}{\text{SMV}}$$

2. Production Cost per Piece:

$$\text{Cost} = \text{SMV} \times \text{Wage per minute}$$

3. Efficiency Measurement:

$$\text{Efficiency (\%)} = \frac{\text{SMV}}{\text{Actual Cycle Time}} \times 100$$