How to Do a Time Study
A time study turns shop-floor observation into a reliable standard time. Here is the proven sequence — from planning to standard time — step by step.
Steps to conduct a time study
- 1
Plan the study
Set the goal, pick the process, and make sure the method is standardised and the operator knows the work is being studied. A time study measures a stable method, not a moving target.
- 2
Break the job into elements
Split the task into short, measurable elements with clear, fixed start and end points — this makes the data consistent and easy to act on.
- 3
Choose equipment and a representative operator
A stopwatch and clipboard (or, better, a tripod-mounted camera) and an operator typical of the workforce — not just the fastest, or the numbers won't represent reality.
- 4
Time multiple cycles
Record each element over several cycles — five is the minimum, ten or more when the work varies — to capture true variation.
- 5
Calculate standard time
Standard Time = Observed Time × Performance Rating × (1 + Allowance). The rating normalises operator pace; allowances cover personal, fatigue and delay time.
- 6
Analyse and standardise
Compare elements, flag outliers and waste, then lock the result into standard work so the improvement holds.
If you need a figure before the study is finished — to size a line or sanity-check a quote — output and run time are enough for an estimate: estimate cycle time from output and run time.
Frequently asked questions
How many cycles should I record?
Five is the bare minimum; ten or more is better when the work varies. More cycles tighten the average and expose variation a single reading would miss.
What is performance rating?
A factor that normalises the observed pace to a standard pace — so a fast or slow operator on the day doesn't distort the standard time.
Why add allowances?
Because no one works non-stop. Allowances for personal needs, fatigue and unavoidable delay turn normal time into a realistic, sustainable standard time.
Related lean tools & guides
Take the template with you
We will email you the element time study template — station, element, category and five cycle columns, with worked example rows already filled in. The same email carries the Yamazo Studio demo links, in case you want to measure the same thing from video instead.