Machine Assignment Calculator
How many machines can one operator attend? Find the ideal machine count, cycle time and idle shares in seconds. Free, instant and entirely in your browser.
Ideal machines per operator (n′)
3
n′ = (loading + machine) / (loading + walking)
3 machines
This is the deterministic model: random machine interference (breakdowns, queues at the operator) is not modelled, so real idle times are higher. Walking time 0 means the machines stand side by side.
From estimated to measured times
You calculated this from estimates. Measure the real one from shop-floor video.
What is the ideal number of machines per operator?
When one operator attends several machines, the operator loads one while the others run on their own. The ideal number of machines per operator is the number at which neither the operator nor the machines wait: n′ = (loading + machine) / (loading + walking). If the result is not a whole number, the two neighbouring whole numbers are compared; at one the operator waits, at the other the machines wait.
How to calculate it
- 1
Enter the loading time
The time the operator spends loading and working at the machine (seconds).
- 2
Enter the machine and walking time
The time the machine runs on its own, and the walking time between two machines. If the machines stand side by side, walking time is 0.
- 3
Read the ideal number and the two neighbouring whole numbers
You get n′, and for the two whole numbers the cycle time with operator and machine idle share. The cycle time is the larger of loading + machine time and n × (loading + walking).
Frequently asked questions
What does n′ mean?
It is the number of machines that fills the machine run time while the operator loads one machine and walks to the next: n′ = (loading + machine) / (loading + walking).
Why is the result not a whole number?
Because the two times rarely fit exactly. The calculator shows the whole number below and above: at the lower one the operator is idle, at the upper one the machines wait.
What does the model leave out?
It does not model random machine interference (breakdowns, queues at the operator), so real idle times are higher. The Machine Assignment Calculator in Yamazo Studio uses the same formulas.