Why TIME matters in Operations
Why TIME matters in Operations. In January, Lisa Widdowson spent two weeks studying Time and Motion with Scott-Grant of Manchester. The effective time management of each aspect of our operations is mission critical for our teams at Granby where productivity is absolutely key to delivering what our clients, and their customers, need.
What is Time Study?
This subject starts from the premise that the real responsibility for productivity or performance improvement should be largely in the hands of those organising the work rather than the individual worker.
Scott-Grant of Manchester (SG created and ran Lisa’s course) define Time Study as the original technique of work measurement. This is simple in concept. We know that it does require a high degree of concentration and expertise on the part of the observer. Direct time study is the technique principally used for the measurement of repetitive work. Work for hese purposes is work which follows a defined pattern and method.
The accuracy of the technique is dependent on a number of factors. We know that the most important and essential ingredient is the number of observations recorded of the same operation, process or procedure to establish a representative time.
Lisa says of the course “This was a completely new experience for me, to spend two weeks totally devoted to studying one critical aspect of my role at Granby and was an opportunity I had to grasp. It was a very different experience for me, engaging with case studies and interacting with the other delegates gave me a completely different perspective on the day job.”
Essentials for Time Study
The four essentials for the formal time study of any activity are:
- An accurate specification of where the job starts and ends. And a precise description of the method used including details of the workplace layout, materials, machines, tools, equipment and conditions etc.
- A system of recording the actual element times (observed times) taken to carry out the job under observation. Time Study highlights any occasional elements or time to be excluded.
- A clear concept of ‘standard rate of working’ and to be able to performance rate to adjust observed time.
- Time Study establishes a means of assessing the amount of rest which should be associated with the job.
British Standard (BS) definition
The British Standard (BS) definition of this recognised industry standard technique is: “Observing, recording and rating of human work to establish the times required by a qualified worker to perform specified work under stated conditions at a defined rate of working.” BS3138: 22806
Women In Operations
Lisa Widdowson
Lisa also remarked on her experience as the only woman on this particular course.
“As the only woman on the course, I felt thankful for the support Granby offer to all employees, especially women. We know that traditionally ours is a male dominated industry but at Granby we truly are gender neutral. We have a female Chief Executive and a female MD, and women in leadership opposition is something we see at all levels in our business”. Lisa Widdowson
Rising Stars and Succession Planning
Granby’s Rising Stars
Granby has put together a program called Rising Stars. We use this program to train the next generation of leaders across all functions within the company. Succession Planning forms the first part of this programme for our next generation of managers and leaders. Lisa is a key part of this group. As such, this time study course is an important part of Lisa’s ongoing training.
How this fits the Strategic Plan
Victoria Pittman
Victoria Pittman, Head of Client Relationships / Business Development sees Lisa’s experience as part of a process. At Granby we cascade learnings throughout our organisation.
“We are delighted that Lisa got so much from this course. Looking at the strategic goals we have for the business in 2024, her experience is directly related to firstly, getting things right first time, and secondly, making the best possible use of people and space. We have an Ops Team that are used to embracing change and we have every confidence that Lisa will be able to communicate not just what needs to change but why change is needed”. Victoria Pittman
100% Recommendation
We’ll leave the last word to Lisa.
“I have to say, as much as this was about learning, it was also fun at times, and I honestly believe my confidence has grown as a result of attending the course. I’d encourage any employee to grab any opportunity to learn something new!. I can’t wait to explain to the other team leaders how we can benefit from the changes we will be implementing. I’d recommend this course 100%.” Lisa Widdowson
30.09.21Social value is becoming more important in government and local government tendering as we seek, as a sector, to enhance and measure the positive impact of a project on the wider community. As a fulfilment partner working with the public and private sectors, we’re deep-diving into this as a major piece of work right now. […]
07.11.23Today we have the latest in our series asking team leaders within Granby our Super Six questions. This week, it’s Andrew Gregson, Operations Director. Can you give a very brief overview of your department’s main responsibilities within Granby? Operations – we do the doing, whatever is put our way we do in an efficient and […]- 14.04.23It’s exhibition season again and it’s been very satisfying to deep-dive into our industry’s hot topics with like-minded people. Packaging Innovations & Empack in Birmingham (February 2023) was a lively, friendly event. It had so much opportunity for networking that a few deep conversations meant we missed seminars we’d earmarked! One we did catch was […]
