SAM (Standard Allowed Minute): Optimizing Work Efficiency with Time Standards

Introduction:

In the fast-paced world of manufacturing and production, time is of the essence. Efficiently managing time and maximizing productivity is crucial for organizations to stay competitive. This is where the concept of Standard Allowed Minute (SAM) comes into play. SAM is a valuable tool used in industrial engineering to measure and improve work efficiency. In this blog, we will explore the concept of SAM and provide examples to demonstrate its practical application. Let's delve into the world of SAM!

Understanding SAM:

Standard Allowed Minute (SAM) is a predetermined time standard used to determine the time required to complete a specific task or operation. It represents the time taken by a well-trained operator, performing the task at a defined pace, without rushing or exerting excessive effort. SAM allows industrial engineers to set realistic production targets, evaluate performance, and identify areas for improvement.

Example Scenario:

Let's consider a hypothetical scenario in a garment manufacturing industry to better understand SAM. The task at hand is to sew a specific type of shirt pocket onto a shirt. The industrial engineer conducts time and motion studies, collects data, and performs analysis to determine the SAM for this particular operation.

1. Breakdown of the Task:

The first step is to analyze the task and break it down into its fundamental elements. In the case of sewing a pocket, the engineer identifies the following elements:

   - Positioning the pocket on the shirt

   - Aligning the edges of the pocket with the shirt

   - Securing the pocket with pins or clips

   - Sewing the pocket onto the shirt

   - Removing pins or clips

   - Inspecting the final product

2. Timing and Measurement:

Next, the industrial engineer uses various techniques like time and motion studies or predetermined motion time systems to measure the time taken for each element. For instance, let's assume the engineer measures the following times:

   - Positioning the pocket: 10 seconds

   - Aligning the edges: 5 seconds

   - Securing with pins or clips: 15 seconds

   - Sewing the pocket: 30 seconds

   - Removing pins or clips: 5 seconds

   - Inspecting the final product: 10 seconds

3. Calculation of SAM:

To calculate the SAM for the overall task, the engineer adds up the times for each element:

   SAM = 10 + 5 + 15 + 30 + 5 + 10 = 75 seconds

Therefore, based on the analysis, the Standard Allowed Minute (SAM) for sewing the pocket onto the shirt is determined as 75 seconds.

Benefits of SAM:

Implementing SAM in industrial engineering offers several advantages, including:

- Improved productivity: SAM provides a benchmark to measure performance and set realistic production targets, encouraging efficiency and productivity improvements.

- Resource allocation: SAM assists in allocating resources effectively by determining the number of operators required to meet production goals.

- Performance evaluation: SAM enables the evaluation of individual and team performance, identifying areas for training and improvement.

- Cost optimization: By standardizing processes and reducing variability, SAM helps organizations optimize costs, enhance quality, and minimize waste.

Conclusion:

Standard Allowed Minute (SAM) is a valuable technique in industrial engineering that plays a crucial role in optimizing work efficiency and productivity. By analyzing tasks, breaking them down into elements, and determining the time required for each element, industrial engineers can establish realistic time standards for various operations. SAM empowers organizations to set achievable targets, evaluate performance, and continuously improve processes. By leveraging the power of SAM, businesses can enhance their competitiveness and thrive in today's demanding market landscape.