How to grade operators in a factory and Why

Contributed By

Ugendhar Bairy Venkata

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Grading of the operators is categorizing or grouping the operators according to the various factors which is essential to do the job. In this article we will be discussing on how to grade operators along with the factors to be considered. So, stay tuned… We are explaining everything with practical examples.

Before moving to our topic, we should discuss, why we grade operators or its purpose. Its very important, because you may need this information to convince the benefits to management and operators.

In this article we have given examples of apparel industry…

Let’s start…

Why should we do Grading of operators

Initially understand the fact that different operation in a factory need different skill level and expertise. And different operators have different skill level, knowledge and experience. And in some cases this will vary drastically or will have large difference. Also please note that highly skilled operators is capable of delivering good output, with quality.

Now, in this situation is it fair to give same salary to all?

And also think about your critical operation. And will you allocate operator without selecting the best operator for it?

And the most import thing, when there are different grade levels, all will try to get higher grade by improving themselves.

This will also helps to allocate your investment in salary wisely…

When to do Grading of Operators

Whenever we recruit operators, we need to give grade him or her and fix grade and salary. IE Team and Production team on combined effort initially grade the operators.

When they increase their skill levels, which will be assessed at some intervals, for upgrading to next grade and salary. This is to assess their skill and salary. Or this shall be reviewed at particular intervals.

Incentive will be paid when they use their skill to peak level performance, they will receive bonus or incentive.

Some people have skill set, but may don’t perform to peak level. But, if incentive scheme is implemented, all grades will contribute their max levels and win win situation for an organization.

Factors to be considered for Grading

The Scientific and systematic approach for grading of workers under different categories, includes the following factors:

1. Number of operations skillful
2. Level of difficulty of operation performed by operator
3. Targets, consistency & quality of output
4. Education, experience and punctuality
5. Good Attitude, efforts & Initiative
6. Physical fitness & cooperation

Broadly the above can be classified as SKILL, EFFORTS, CONSISTENCY OF PERFORMANCE and PHYSICAL FITNESS & PUNCTUALITY.

Now let’s discuss each factors in detail.

Skill factor

The following variants indicate the skill of a worker:

1. Education & Training: The Operator should possess minimum educational requirement rather experience in work to coordinate and understand what the supervisor or trainer says. Should have undergone training to perform the job correctly & effectively.
2. Experience: Should possess minimum experience in their respective areas so that training becomes easy for them & consumes less time to train.
3. Pace and Job knowledge: Pace indicates the rate of operator at which he/she performs the job. Operator should know about their job completely when is assigned to job. It also indicates the no of operations an operator can perform. Each operator should know minimum of 4-5 jobs.
4. Initiative & Judgement: Operator should have a learning attitude & should take initiative to learn more number of operations as and when required and should be ready for job rotation as and when required. Should be able to judge & take corrective action when any fault takes place. Should possess good attitude towards work.

Efforts factor

It can be classified into mental & physical efforts. Efforts should always be proportionate to targets achievable.

Physical Efforts: