Time Observation

1
Time Observation
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Purpose of Time Observations

• Put an element of time to the steps in a process.
• Use as a critical input to takt time / cycle time
  bar chart
• Becomes basis for standard work
• See initial variation in process steps
• Service to service
• Operator to operator

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Purpose of Time Observations

• Identify quality issues
• Wrong information, missing info, etc.
• Identify safety/ergo problems
• Immediate safety concerns
• Fatigue issues due to ergonomics
• Identify wastes in processes
• Collect data as is today.

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Time Observation Deliverables

• Processes broken down into measurable, repeatable
  steps
• Lowest repeatable cycle time identified for each
  step
• Identify initial best practices
• Identify initial waste to be removed
• Identify abnormalities to be fixed.

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Why Lowest Repeatable Cycle Time?

• Staff member has demonstrated it can be done
  repeatedly
• We want to use cycle time expectations to drive
  out variation and abnormalities
• We will use the expected cycle times to identify
  process improvement opportunities
• If we use averages, then waste will be allowed
  to be in the process.

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Important Considerations
Proper alignment during the observation is
critical for easily capturing times and avoiding
mistakes.
Align the EYE
As you prepare to take a Time Observation, there
are a couple of important considerations
regarding HOW TO do it.
With the WATCH
With the WORK being performed
Move your EYES not your HEAD or BODY
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Steps to Time Observation

• Document the process, workstation, etc. you will
  be timing
• Interview staff member(s) on the steps they
  perform for each service
• Use a pencil to document the steps
• Leave a blank space or 2 between steps
• Watch the process
• Fill in / change documented steps
• Identify and document break points

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Steps to Time Observation

• Record times going down columns
• If you miss an observation, put an M in the box
• Document every obvious issue impeding the
  operation.
• Measure a minimum of 10 repetitions of same
  part/process
• Observe multiple staff members if possible

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Time Observation Exercise
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Time Observation Exercise

• Break into groups of 2
• One person will time using the stopwatch
• One person will record times and observations
• Requires a time observation form and pencil
• Time observe writing on board
• Make notes of any abnormalities and wastes

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Time Observation Form
Observed by
Operator
Process
Part/Model Name
TAKT Time
Part/Model Number
Date
Plant/Dept.
Component
10
Break Point
No.
Elemental Description
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Task Time
Stand Up From Chair
Wave
Wave
Walk To Easel
Pick Up Pen, Remove Cap
Pen In Air
Write on Board
Pen In Air
Put Cap On, Set Pen Down
Pen on Holder
Wave
Walk Back To Chair
Wave
Sit Down
Sum of Elemental Times (Overall Cycle Time)
1. Sum each column and circle the best
REPEATABLE Time that does not include abnormal
values or missed readings.
Development of Elemental Times
2.
Enter this time in the Best Overall Cycle Time
box.

3. For each element, select the lowest common
time as the Component Task Time, enter in
appropriate column.
Best Repeatable
4. Sum the Component Task Time column. This sum
MUST equal the Best Repeatable Overall Cycle Time.
Overall
5. If not, begin by adjusting the larger
Component Task Times to achieve requirements of
Step 3.
Cycle Time
6. The adjusted component task times can now be
used in conjunction with the other "Tools of Lean
Enterprise".
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Time Observation Form
Observed by
Operator
Process
Part/Model Name
TAKT Time
Part/Model Number
Date
Plant/Dept.
Component
Task Time
Sum of Elemental Times (Overall Cycle Time)
1. Sum each column and circle the best
REPEATABLE Time that does not include abnormal
values or missed readings.
Development of Elemental Times
2.
Enter this time in the Best Overall Cycle Time
box.

3. For each element, select the lowest common
time as the Component Task Time, enter in
appropriate column.
Best Repeatable
4. Sum the Component Task Time column. This sum
MUST equal the Best Repeatable Overall Cycle Time.
Overall
5. If not, begin by adjusting the larger
Component Task Times to achieve requirements of
Step 3.
Cycle Time
6. The adjusted component task times can now be
used in conjunction with the other "Tools of Lean
Enterprise".
13
Time Observation Form
Find Lowest Repeatable
Observed by
Operator
Process
Part/Model Name
TAKT Time
Part/Model Number
Date
Plant/Dept.
Component
Task Time
3
6
3
6
4
6
3
Lowest Repeatable Cycle Time
Enter Column Total Here
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Sum of Elemental Times (Overall Cycle Time)
1. Sum each column and circle the best
REPEATABLE Time that does not include abnormal
values or missed readings.
Development of Elemental Times
2.
Enter this time in the Best Overall Cycle Time
box.

3. For each element, select the lowest common
time as the Component Task Time, enter in
appropriate column.
Best Repeatable
4. Sum the Component Task Time column. This sum
MUST equal the Best Repeatable Overall Cycle Time.
Overall
5. If not, begin by adjusting the larger
Component Task Times to achieve requirements of
Step 3.
Cycle Time
6. The adjusted component task times can now be
used in conjunction with the other "Tools of Lean
Enterprise".