MTM DEVELOPMENT

MTM time standards

SERVICE AREA:

IMEG was engaged by a leading manufacturer of industrial enclosures and accessories to improve the consistency and efficiency of their kitting operations. Faced with irregular picking times, inconsistent labor performance, and a lack of standardized work, the client needed a structured approach to define MTM time standards and ensure uniform productivity across their workforce.

THE PROBLEM

No standardized picking times for varying kit types and sizes
Inconsistent material handler performance, with fluctuating pick rates
Lack of labor requirement clarity to support production targets
Unstructured work instructions, leading to quality and efficiency variability

material kitting optimization

THE PLAN

IMEG applied MTM methodology and travel time analysis, IMEG built a repeatable system to improve efficiency and labor predictability to standardize and optimize the kitting process:

Categorized kits into common attributes for targeted MTM time study
Conducted time studies for picker motion (vertical and horizontal travel)
Recorded and analyzed video footage of the kitting process for detailed task breakdowns
Developed MTM (Methods-Time Measurement) standards for each kit type
Developed MTM (Methods-Time Measurement) standards for each kit type

kitting process improvement

THE RESULTS

IMEG’s structured MTM development initiative delivered impactful results:

Established consistent picking and kitting times, regardless of team member
Identified accurate labor requirements for the kitting function
Improved quality and efficiency with standardized instructions and clearer task expectations
Reduced variability in performance and increased throughput reliability