We define work time as the time it takes to perform a task. This time can be viewed from the perspective of labor time, or from the time invested by some resource. In the first case we will talk about working hours and in the second about machine hours.
But what does working time consist of? Well, it basically consists of four parts:
- Basic content of the work. It is the amount of work invested in a production unit under ideal conditions. Supplementary work due to poor product design, poor use of materials or poor definition of quality standards. Supplementary work due to inefficient production methods. Inefficient workspace distribution, inappropriate manipulations, loss of time due to format changes, work methods that can be improved, poor stock control, etc. Supplementary work due to lack of attendance by employees, poorly executed work, or unsafe or unhealthy work.
How to optimize working time
The above information leads us to the conclusion that much of the time is wasted, and therefore much of the resources. In addition, we can add that the responsibility for this waste lies with the organization.
How can we reduce waste?
We will list the different reasons for waste giving some indication of how to improve them:
- Product design. Simplify and standardize product design. Eliminate models that do not have a sufficient sale. Use of materials. When designing the article and its process take into account the degree of use of the materials. Correct quality standards. Correctly define quality parameters. The quality by excess increases the work, while by default it increases the rejections and reworks. Proper use of the workspace. Analyze the distribution in the plant studying the routes of the products, materials and people to reach the optimal distribution, avoiding unnecessary movements. Proper handling of materials. Adapt the means of transport and handling for optimal material management, reducing time and effort.Optimization of format changes. Improve production planning and control to reduce the number of job changes. Standardize processes and products to improve changeover time. Implementation of efficient working methods. The study of working methods will allow us to reduce cycles and increase the use of resources. Stock control. Establish inventory control mechanisms in order to minimize the level of inventories necessary to develop production. Productive maintenance. Implement TPM (total productive maintenance) procedures in order to guarantee the efficient operation of machinery and an extension of the useful life. Improvement of absenteeism.Achieve staff leadership that enables participation and makes employees feel integrated into a satisfying work environment. Jobs properly executed. Developing staff training plans will ensure proper execution of tasks, achieving the appropriate level of productivity, quality and safety. Ensure a safe work environment. Job security is an investment. The working methods must avoid accidents, overexertion, overloads, forced positions and any other aspect that may have a negative impact on the worker's health.achieving the appropriate level of productivity, quality and safety. Guarantee a safe working environment. Job security is an investment. The working methods must avoid accidents, overexertion, overloads, forced positions and any other aspect that may have a negative impact on the worker's health.achieving the appropriate level of productivity, quality and safety. Guarantee a safe working environment. Job security is an investment. The working methods must avoid accidents, overexertion, overloads, forced positions and any other aspect that may have a negative impact on the worker's health.
Once all the aspects that affect the generation of waste have been listed, it is up to each company to define an action plan with the aim of improving each of them.
