Improving Materials Handling Productivity Using Standard Time Values

The use of standard time values is advocated as a means of measuring and improving productivity in materials handling. Although handling operations are difficult to schedule and are subject to many variations in order, size and quantity, common and repetitive activities exist which are measurable and controllable. Application of Master Standard Data methods and Method Time Measurement to materials handling operations in a public warehouse have demonstrated that accurate standards can be developed. These standards embrace both physical and cost measures. Although a heavy resource commitment is required to implement these standards and worker attitudes may be negative, adoption of these standards is advocated as a positive action pattern for dealing with typically unprofitable handling operations.