Job Methods Intro.
(JM) is the TWI Program that enables the supervisor to systematically improve every job in his/her area of responsibility by dramatically improving the job method itself. Methods improvement used to be the Industrial Engineer’s job. It TWI it’s clearly the supervisor’s job. In doing this, the supervisor maintains and enhances his/her position as the “technical expert” for the area. JM helps the supervisor work with his/her people to continuously improve the methods being used, and thereby improve the operation. No staff help or outside expertise is required.
Job Methods enables supervisors to become good coaches by teaching them “a practical plan to help produce greater quantities of quality products in less time by making the best use of the people, machines, and materials now available.” Basically, in Job Methods the supervisor becomes the industrial engineering coach in the operations, working with his/her people to help them improve each job by eliminating, combining, rearranging or simplifying work methods.
In this essential role, the supervisor:
- a) Breaks down the job by listing all details of the job exactly the way it’s performed in the present method and makes sure the details include: materials handling, machine work, and human work.
- b) Questions every detail by using the 5 W (Why, What, Where, When, Who) and 1H (How) process.
- c) Develops the new method using the ECRS (Eliminate, Combine, Rearrange, Simplify) process, working out ideas with others, and writing up a proposal for the new method.
- d) Applies the new method by selling the proposal to others, getting final approval from all concerned, putting the new method to work, and giving credit where credit is due.
Job Methods Basics
Clearly puts the supervisor in this role of coach, continually improving the operation by involving others in the new methods. Specific feedback comments from supervisors on completion of this Job Methods training include:
- “JM taught me how to thoroughly break down a job and question every detail in order to propose improvements.”
- “The JM process is much more detailed than I thought, and it works!”
- “It was good to see us work so hard on job details, instead of generalities.”
- “I learned that, by breaking down a job into its many details, I learned a lot more about where the waste is and how to improve it.”
- “These are the small day-to-day improvements that will really help us get better.”
- “I feel like my old boss was there saying ‘the devil is in the details’.”
- “The improvements are immediately available to us…just ready for the taking.”
These are just a few brief examples of the feedback we generate with the delivery of the TWI Job Methods Training. It’s a very rewarding process and helps companies realize needed results!
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