Computer systems for MTM application and maintenance

Abstract

Work measurement programs have been available in large corporation for many years but these were in the form of performance reporting systems output reports to management. The computer was seldom utilized for actual standards development, application and data maintenance. Today, with the advanced design of Management Information Systems (MIS), structured work measurement systems have become an integral part of a total cost control concept. MIS design can be utilized on main frames with the 4M Data System that applies MTM-1 for standards and standard data development. The 4M System also stores the data for recall in terms of operations, or parts and then provides instantaneous maintenance and update capabilities of all data. 4M MOD II Data is programmed with COBOL and incorporates both batch processing and on-line interactive capabilities. The futuristic thinking calls for the office of the future to have a desk type remote job entry or mini-computer for the industrial engineer's individual use in his everyday activity. Computer hardware of large and small sizes and software in advanced programming concepts and language are now available, that result in effective work measurement capabilities to all size companies. If the on-line main frame does not provide proper accessibility for work measurement input, individual computer hardware is now economically available for such use. ADAM (Automated Data Application and Maintenance) provides such an option for work measurement utilizing the MTM-2, MTM-C (clerical) and MTM-V (machine tool) systems. ADAM is programmed in the Pascal language and provides the Industrial Engineer immediate access for standards development, data storage, formula application, and easy maintenance capability. This paper will discuss these two approaches to computerized work measurements accepted and used in industry.