Time Study

Term from Apparel Manufacturing industry explained for recruiters

Time Study is a method used in clothing and textile factories to measure how long it takes workers to complete specific tasks, like sewing a seam or attaching buttons. It helps managers plan production schedules, set fair targets for workers, and figure out labor costs. Think of it like a stopwatch analysis that breaks down each step of making clothes to make the whole process more efficient. This is part of a broader approach called "Industrial Engineering" or "Production Engineering" in the garment industry.

Examples in Resumes

Conducted Time Study analysis to improve production efficiency by 25%

Used Time Study and Work Study methods to optimize sewing line operations

Led team of 5 engineers in implementing Time Study techniques across 3 factory locations

Typical job title: "Time Study Engineers"

Also try searching for:

Industrial Engineer Process Engineer Production Engineer Garment Tech IE Engineer Methods Engineer Time Study Analyst

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you implement a time study program in a factory that's resistant to change?

Expected Answer: Should discuss change management strategies, worker communication, training programs, and how to demonstrate benefits to both management and workers. Should mention pilot programs and gradual implementation.

Q: How do you handle productivity issues identified through time studies?

Expected Answer: Should explain process of analyzing root causes, developing improvement plans, training workers, and monitoring results. Should emphasize importance of worker involvement and feedback.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What factors do you consider when conducting a time study?

Expected Answer: Should mention worker skill levels, fatigue factors, break times, machine limitations, and material handling. Should discuss importance of multiple observations and standard times.

Q: How do you calculate standard time from observed time?

Expected Answer: Should explain basic process of adding allowances for personal time, fatigue, and delays to normal time. Should mention rating factors and importance of fair standards.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What tools do you use for time study?

Expected Answer: Should mention stopwatch, time study forms, video recording, and basic computer software like Excel. Should understand basic time measurement techniques.

Q: How do you break down an operation for time study?

Expected Answer: Should explain how to separate tasks into elements, identify start and end points, and record observations systematically.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic time measurement techniques
  • Use of stopwatch and recording forms
  • Understanding of garment assembly processes
  • Basic data collection and analysis

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Setting production standards
  • Line balancing techniques
  • Productivity improvement methods
  • Worker training and coaching

Senior (5+ years)

  • Factory-wide efficiency programs
  • Production planning systems
  • Team management
  • Process optimization strategies

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No hands-on factory floor experience
  • Lack of knowledge about basic garment manufacturing processes
  • Poor communication skills with factory workers
  • No experience with productivity calculations