INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING

INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING

Information collection and recording

Information collection techniques:

The accuracy of data about the method study problem is important for the development of improved method. The following techniques are used for the collection of information / data about the task under consideration. These are not exclusive of each other, and for any particular method study problem, some or all the techniques may be employed.

·         OBSERVATION

It is a common technique used for collecting information about the present method or the existing problem. The method study person visits the site where the work is currently being done and observes various steps in the method being followed. There are many instances where all the data needed is obtained by only observing the work or work site.

·        DISCUSSION

Discussion with those who do or who supervise the work can frequently provide information not obtainable by observation. The discussion technique is commonly used where irregular work is involved or where one is trying to analyze past work in order to improve efficiency of work to be done in future.

Even where observation by itself may accomplish the data collection task, discussion may be used for developing good human relations.

·        RECORDS

Valuable information can be obtained from past records concerning production, cost, time, inventory and sub-contracts. For certain type of information concerning the past practice, sometimes this is the only way to obtain authentic data.

·        MOTION PICTURES OR VIDEO FILMS

Accurate and most detailed information can be obtained by taking motion pictures or video film. Information obtained by this procedure can easily be transmitted / forwarded to all levels in the organization and if needed, can be used directly for training purposes. The film can be used to focus attention at particular point or motion in an operation. For obtaining information concerning those types of work that involve large crew size, it is probably the only procedure.

Information recording techniques:

There are three main types of information recording techniques. These are

• Process charts

• Diagrams

• Templates

PROCESS CHART: - It is a graphic means of representing the activities that occur during a manufacturing or servicing job.

There are several types of process charts. These can be divided into two groups.

1.     Those which are used to record a process sequence (i.e. series of events in the order in which they occur) but do not depict the events to time scale.

      Charts falling in this group are

·        Operation process chart

·        Flow process chart – (man / material / equipment type)

·        Operator chart (also called two handed process chart)

2.     Those which record events in the sequence in which they occur on a time scale so that the interaction of related events can be more easily studied. Charts falling in this group are

·        Multiple activity chart

·        SIMO chart

DIAGRAMS: - A diagram gives pictorial view of the layout of workplace or floor on which locations of different equipment, machines, etc. Are indicated. The movement of subject (man or material) is then indicated on the diagram by a line or a string. The diagrams are valuable in highlighting the movement so that analyst can take steps to simplify or reduce it and thus effect saving in time or reduction in collisions / accidents.