Content area
Full Text
Abstract: The research objective was to show practical application of traditional work and time study methods to improve company's productivity. The paper describes pilot project that was implemented at a furniture manufacturing company finding the causes of the problems and showing the ways of solving them.
Keywords: work measurement, methods and time study, human factor
INTRODUCTION
The study carried out in collaboration with "DA Kompetentie Specialisti", Ltd in the framework of the project financed by ESF "Practical application of labour relations and work safety normative acts in sectors and enterprises" implemented by the Employers' Confederation of Latvia (LDDK). During the project implementation the work measurement adoption methodology was elaborated that can be used in any sector. In the framework of the project, two pilot projects have been implemented. Article is intended for practitioners and managers who are trying to find ways to improve the performance of their company.
The article reflects the original research carried out in the furniture manufacturing company to identify and prevent production loss, thereby saving time and costs. The research result shows that the company can reduce production loss, can increase the productivity and profitability by eliminating non-production activities.
EXPERIMENTAL AND METHODS USED
During research, the production area layout and location of equipment were analysed drawing production area and material flow in it [1]. Labour working methods were studied - workstations arrangement and sequence of labour movements during working process [2; 3]. The Gantt diagrams [4] of process sequence and time were prepared; working time was measured using time study. Working sequence and time data was collected using video recorder.
DISCUSSION
3.1 Analysis of Production Area Layout and Location of Equipment
Research was done in a furniture production company's materials preparation area. Analysing material flow it was found out that it was sequential and moving lengthwise, work items were not moved back to previous workstations. However, semi-finished stocks between workstations sometimes blocked the transportation routes. In addition, raw material transport palettes were difficult to install, greatly complicating the work. Palettes are two separate unconnected wooden frames that are unstable and may fall down without semi-finished products placed in. Every time, when executor starts new palette, frames must be connected promoting direct working time loss. It was suggested to use...