“Predetermined Time System”

What is the predetermined time system?

A predetermined time system, or predetermined motion time system (PMTS), is a work

measurement system that predetermines the time required for a work operation. It involves determining

the repetitive movements of individuals down to the most fundamental motion in an operation or task and

assigning time values to each movement, then adding them respectively in order to come up with the total

time required to perform a task that can be then standardized. Furthermore, the origins of the

predetermined time system can be associated with the motion study done by Frank and Lilian Gilbreth,

specifically the 18 elements of motion created by the latter, called "therblig".

What are the advantages of the predetermined motion time system (PMTS)?

Since the work measurement system predetermines the total time required to perform a task, it

also greatly helps in showing all the other factors and variables that come up along the way, such as but

not limited to: appropriate equipment, production schedules, and method. To be exact, here are some of

the advantages that come with PMTS:

1. Considering that the system provides a predetermined standard method, the quality and

productivity of the work required to complete a task will be consistent.

2. PMTS can also help identify areas for improvement in a process, which can lead to increased

efficiency and reduced waste.

personnel, by estimating accurately the required time for each task, which then results in the

maximization of productivity.

4. Since the system predetermines the required time and process of a task, it can be used to develop

project plans and schedules.

What are the disadvantages of the predetermined motion time system (PMTS)?

While PMTS provides advantages, at the same time, it also has disadvantages. To be specific,

here are some of the disadvantages that come with PMTS:

1. Since the system requires an all-inclusive analysis of all the tasks in an operation in order to

estimate accurately the required time for each, it can be time-consuming and complex to develop.

2. Because PMTS only produces standardized time measurements, the system cannot account for

external factors that can potentially occur in an operation and may not always accurately reflect

the circumstances for each task, such as unnatural conditions (such as cramped space or unusual

worker posture, etc.), variations in worker skill, and equipment efficiency.

3. PMTS is only effective for a task or job that involves repetitive movements or motions. Hence, it

isn’t effective when it comes to varying tasks.

4. Since PMTS requires specialized training and software, as well as mass research and data

collection, the development and implementation of a PMTS can be costly.

Categories of PMTS:
 There are different categories of PMTS, and they can be categorized as motion-based, action-

based, or activity-based.

 Motion-based PMTS:

PMTS focus on assessing the physical movements and actions required to execute a task.

This time measurement method is based on the idea that the time required to accomplish a task is

directly connected to the number and complexity of physical movements involved in executing

the task. It includes:

 MTM

 BMT

 MODAPTS

 Action-based PMTS:

An action-based PMTS divides each action or operation into smaller components, each of

which is given a predetermined time value based on the action's difficulty or complexity. The

total amount of time needed to perform the task is then determined by adding these time values

together. It includes:

 GSD

 MTM-MEK

 USD

 MSD

 MTM-2

 MTM-3
  Activity-based PMTS:

An activity-based PMTS divides a task's needed activities into smaller components, each

of which is given a predetermined time value based on the activity's level of difficulty or

complexity. The total amount of time needed to perform the task is then determined by adding

these time values together. It includes:

 BasicMOST

 MiniMOST

 MaxiMOST

Applications of PMTS:

PMTS is used in a variety of fields and industries and can be classified into two categories:

"work methods" and "work measurement".

 Uses in work methods:

In terms of work methods, the PMTS can be used to improve an already existing method,

evaluate in advance the proposed methods for production, evaluate the equipment and tools in

terms of design, help design the production, and aid in the training of operators and the like.

 Uses in Work Measurement:

standards, complete standard data for specific work, check the established standard by using time

study, examine the time standard, balance the production lines, estimate the labor cost, etc.

Conclusion

In conclusion, PMT is a work measurement system that determines the standard time for each

task. It involves assigning time values and adding them in order to come up with the later. Additionally, it

is a useful tool for setting labor standards, improving productivity and efficiency, and enhancing

management decision-making. And that furthermore, although it provides advantages, it also has

disadvantages, such as the limitations of its application and its high cost.

References:

Staff, iS. S. (2022, April 25). Predetermined Motion Time System (PMTS). isixsigma.com. Retrieved
April 2, 2023, from https://www.isixsigma.com/dictionary/predetermined-motion-time-system-
pmts/?
fbclid=IwAR09SjgYbqYFuW96c4m8F_CTlbu0T81dLTuORfn3qn5GeBE_8SotqBZUb3E#:~:text
=What%20is%20an%20example%20of,manual%20work%20on%20film%20sets

Predetermined Motion Time Systems (PMTS): Industry. Your Article Library. (2016, August 30).
Retrieved April 2, 2023, from
https://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/industrial-engineering-2/predetermined-motion-time-systems-
pmts-industry/90499?
fbclid=IwAR3FDl_FaKOCRpB7SvthsmEe9BjclF4TSut2hgpJiMEmCBrrCUgqags7aZI

K.V.S.S., N. R. (n.d.). Predetermined Motion Time Systems (PMTS). Retrieved April 2, 2023, from
https://nraoiekc.blogspot.com/2012/04/predetermined-motion-time-systems-pmts.html?
fbclid=IwAR05Kz0VKnirx6147eygyjZkfMTa7t1_eBJc7LRFKkRhm8WbkHPyMWz_8r8