Time Study Analysis

Key differences: Time Studies vs. Gemba Walks If you're even remotely familiar with Continuous Improvement you've probably hear of "The Gemba" - The place where the work is done. When going to the Gemba there are usually two methods of observation - Time Studies and Gemba Walks. However, I've found that they're purpose and differences become muddled in common speak. In fact, they serve serve very different purposes—and knowing when to use which can make or break your understanding of key processes. Here’s a quick breakdown of the key differences between Time Studies and Gemba Walks: ✅ 1. Purpose → Time Studies: Focus on precise time measurement for individual tasks. → Gemba Walks: Observe workflows and gain a broader understanding of the process. ✅ 2. Focus → Time Studies: Drill into specific tasks and execution times. → Gemba Walks: Look at the full picture—processes, people, and flow. ✅ 3. Timing → Time Studies: Planned and pre-scheduled to ensure data integrity. → Gemba Walks: More flexible, done during routine work periods. ✅ 4. Duration → Both are short-term observations → Time Studies zero in on narrow time slices → Gemba Walks span entire process flows. ✅ 5. Interaction → Time Studies: Minimal interaction to avoid bias. → Gemba Walks: Some interaction allowed, but kept limited during observation. ✅ 6. Engagement → Time Studies: Results shared after analysis → Gemba Walks: Real time discussions and collaboration on the production floor ✅ 7. Data → Time Studies: Deliver numeric, quantitative data. → Gemba Walks: Focus on qualitative insights and opportunities. Bottom Line: Use Time Studies when you need data-driven analysis. Use Gemba Walks when you want to understand how work really happens. Have you used both? Which one do you use more in your work? *** Follow me, Michael Parent, for more!

Ever timed a process... and been shocked by how little of it adds value? That’s what Time and Motion Studies are for. Not to watch the clock—but to understand the work. We break down the steps. Track each movement. Measure each task. And suddenly the invisible becomes visible. 🕒 18 seconds walking between stations. 📋 Multiple handoffs for a simple approval. 🔁 32% of the operator’s time spent waiting. It’s not about blaming the person—it’s about fixing the process. Lean isn’t just about doing less. It’s about doing what matters, and doing it better. When you use Time and Motion studies with the team (not to them), it opens the door to true improvement. People start to see the same things you do. That’s when real change happens. Done any process timing lately? You might be surprised where the time really goes.

Here is how I found an extra 10 hours a week as a founder and mom of 2 👇 Feeling overwhelmed by your to-do list? Unsure where your time goes each day? A time audit is a powerful tool to regain control, improve productivity, and align your daily actions with your goals. I used this tool about about a year ago to find more efficiencies in my day and give myself tons of time back. Here is how to get started: 1. choose a way to track - I like simple pen and notebook 2. record how you are spending your time for Day 1 - Ensure to include everything from morning meditation to scrolling before bed. It is helpful to calendar as much as possible, so it is easy to look back. 📝 Tracking After Day 1 of tracking, look back at your previous day and ask yourself these 4 questions: 1. What tasks consuming more time than they should? 2. What activities give me energy and/or enjoyment? 3. Where can I reduce time spent on low-priority tasks or distractions? 4. How does my actual time spent align with my priorities and goals? Quickly jot down the answer. Repeat for a week. 📊 Analyze At the end of the week, review your time logs and answers to your questions. Think about: - What patterns arise? - Where are there easy wins? - Can I stop or delegate anything? ✅ Make changes The key here is to start small. Find 1 or 2 changes that you can easily implement right away and get those into your routine. For example: - setting boundary of 15 min of scrolling - allocating 1 hour of deep work 3 mornings a week - delegating 1 part of a bigger task Try this out and let me know how it works for you in the comments! If you like this post and want to learn more: - follow me @rachelsopsanders - share this post with your audience - check out @Rootine_co for extra support with stress, sleep, and focus Pre-order here: https://lnkd.in/e_jEPHd4