Standard Minute Value

Term from Apparel Manufacturing industry explained for recruiters

Standard Minute Value (SMV) is a basic measurement tool used in clothing and textile factories to figure out how long it should take to make a piece of clothing. It's like a time estimate that helps managers plan work schedules and determine costs. For example, if a t-shirt has an SMV of 12, it means under normal conditions, it should take 12 minutes to make that t-shirt. Factory managers and production planners use SMV to set reasonable targets for workers, calculate manufacturing costs, and plan delivery schedules. Other names for this include "Standard Assembly Minutes" or "Standard Allowed Minutes."

Examples in Resumes

Reduced production time by optimizing Standard Minute Value calculations for dress shirt assembly line

Implemented new production methods resulting in 15% reduction in SMV across all product lines

Trained production supervisors in proper Standard Minute Value measurement techniques

Typical job title: "Industrial Engineers"

Also try searching for:

Time Study Engineer Industrial Engineer Production Planning Manager Garment Technical Engineer Manufacturing Engineer Production Efficiency Manager Work Study Engineer

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you implement a new SMV system in a factory that has never used it before?

Expected Answer: A senior candidate should explain the step-by-step process: analyzing current operations, breaking down jobs into elements, conducting time studies, training workers and supervisors, and establishing monitoring systems. They should also mention change management and worker communication strategies.

Q: How do you handle resistance to SMV implementation from workers or supervisors?

Expected Answer: Should discuss communication strategies, demonstration of benefits, training programs, and gradual implementation approaches. Should emphasize importance of worker involvement and feedback in the process.

Mid Level Questions

Q: How do you calculate Standard Minute Value for a new garment style?

Expected Answer: Should explain process of breaking down operations, using time study techniques, applying allowances for rest and personal time, and considering skill levels of operators.

Q: What factors can affect SMV calculations?

Expected Answer: Should mention factors like operator skill level, machine conditions, fabric type, style complexity, workplace layout, and environmental conditions.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What is Standard Minute Value and why is it important?

Expected Answer: Should explain that SMV is a time measurement tool used to determine how long it should take to make a garment, and its importance in production planning and cost calculation.

Q: What basic tools are used in SMV measurement?

Expected Answer: Should mention stopwatch, observation sheets, time study board, and basic calculation methods. Should understand the concept of breaking down operations into elements.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic time study techniques
  • Understanding of garment assembly processes
  • Use of stopwatch and observation sheets
  • Basic production planning concepts

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Advanced time study analysis
  • Production line balancing
  • Efficiency improvement techniques
  • Worker training and supervision

Senior (5+ years)

  • Factory-wide SMV implementation
  • Production system optimization
  • Team management and training
  • Strategic planning and cost analysis

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No hands-on experience in garment manufacturing
  • Lack of understanding of basic time study principles
  • Poor communication skills with factory workers
  • No experience with production efficiency measurement