What is PMTS and How Can It Help Determine Standard Time?

What is PMTS?

PMTS stands for Predetermined Motion Time System.

It is a work measurement technique used to determine the time required to perform a task by analyzing the basic human motions involved, rather than measuring the entire task repeatedly with a stopwatch.

In simple terms

Instead of asking:

“How long did this operator take?”

PMTS asks:

“What motions are required to complete this job, and how much standard time should those motions take?”

Simple Example

Consider a simple assembly task:

• Reach for a component
• Pick it up
• Move it to the assembly position
• Position it
• Insert it
• Release it

Each motion can be assigned a predetermined time value.

The individual motion times are then combined to estimate the basic time for the operation.

Why It Matters

PMTS can help with:

• Standard time setting
• Manpower planning
• Line balancing
• Workstation design
• Productivity analysis
• Method improvement

Important Insight

PMTS is not simply about finding a number for how long a job takes.

It can also reveal unnecessary motions.

For example:

• Reaching too far
• Repeated searching
• Excessive walking
• Difficult component positioning

Reducing unnecessary motion can improve the method before attempting to increase operator speed.

Common PMTS Approaches

Examples include:

• MTM
• MOST
• MODAPTS

Each system uses its own predetermined motion-time methodology.

Benefits

• More consistent time standards
• Reduced dependence on stopwatch observations
• Better method comparison
• Improved workstation design
• More reliable manpower estimation
• Support for line balancing

Practical Insight

A stopwatch tells you what happened during an observed cycle.

PMTS can help you understand what the work method should take based on the defined motions.

For repetitive manual operations, this makes motion analysis a powerful tool for Industrial Engineers.