Modules > Time Study > Calculated Time Tab > Predetermined Time Systems

MTM-1 is one of the original predetermined time standards. It is the oldest standard that is still in use. Since MTM-1 is a very detailed time standard, it is most often used for processes that are less than one minute in length.

Formal training on how to use this time standard is highly recommended. Courses and textbooks are available from the MTM organization at www.mtm.org.

MTM-1 Element Types

MTM-1 has two element types:

M : for code-based element strings

P : for user-specified process times. Simply enter a quantity of TMU's in the Left Code field, or enter a time value followed by a dash and the time unit (e.g. 30 SEC).

Manual codes (Reach,Move, etc.) are case sensitive, especially with reference to Move and Reach In-motion. Because of this, the code letters should always be upper case, and the "m" In-Motion modifier (prefix and suffix) should always be lower case.

Special Codes

MTM-1 has several different element special codes

/, //, \ or ; will cause the entire element line to be ignored (i.e. a comment line)

V or O: 'V' indicates that this element is inside the field of vision of the operator. Otherwise if this is not specified, or if an 'O' (capital letter O for Outside) is specified, then the application assumes that the element task is Outside the field of vision of the operator. The setting of this special code for an element is only relevant when that element has BOTH a Left hand code and a Right hand code, and the parser is trying to determine how to combine the two times into an overall concurrent task time. The (within/outside) normal vision special code is used by the parser when encountering Reach, Move and Grasp elements.

D or E: 'D' indicates that this element involves a part that is Difficult to handle. Otherwise if this is not specified, or if a 'E' (for Easy) is specified, then the application assumes that the part being handled is Easy for the operator. The setting of this special code for an element is only relevant when that element has BOTH a Left hand code and a Right hand code, and the parser is trying to determine how to combine the two times into an overall concurrent task time. The (easy/difficult) to handle special code is used by the parser when encountering Position and Disengage elements.

Reach and Move Location Accuracy

The Reach and Move codes in MTM-1 are defined as being A, B or C codes, which represent the accuracy at which the Reach or Move is required.

A = Reach to an object at a fixed location

B = Reach to an object in a variable location

C = Reach to an object jumbled with others

Weight with Move

When moving an object with a weight greater than 2 pounds, the time in MTM-1 is increased to allow for the additional effort. To specify the weight of an object with a move, simply append the weight in pounds after the code and use the comma as a separator. For example, to specify a 6 pound object that is moved 18 inches to a fixed location (i.e. code A), you would enter: M18A,6

Vision and Practice

A checkbox in the lower left hand corner of the spreadsheet indicates whether the operator "Is Practiced." As with the Special Code for "V - Within Normal Vision", the value of this checkbox is used by the parser to determine the total time for an element line that contains BOTH a Right and Left hand code. Checking this box means that the entire list of elements are performed by the operator many times a day, and therefore it is to be assumed that the operator has significant practice and skill in performing those tasks.

Simultaneous Motion

The Simultaneous Motions Table in MTM involves the technique for computing the total time of an element that involves movement of both hands concurrently. According to the MTM Association, when a MOVE-MOVE, MOVE-REACH, REACH-MOVE or REACH-REACH two-handed element is encountered, then the parser will take the largest of the two times (right and left hand) provided that the tasks can be performed simultaneously. Otherwise the parser will add 2 TMU's to the longest of the two times. If any other combination of element codes is encountered between the hands, then the application will EITHER take the LONGEST of the two times (provided that they can be performed concurrently) or ADD the two times (if they cannot be performed concurrently - regardless of the codes appearing in the left and right hand fields of the element).

Please reference the MTM-1 Simultaneous Motions table for more information on this topic.