It is a pleasure to announce that the South African MTM Association now have four (4) instructors qualified and available for MTM-Logistics™ training and consulting. The MTM Logistics™ course was introduced and presented by *Prof. Dr. Peter Kuhlang, Head of MTM-Institute and MTM-Akademy, MTM ASSOCIATION e. V. during January 2016 in Pretoria.
MTM Logistics™ is one of the best and easiest methods available for the recording, standardisation and optimisation of in-company logistic processes. It also supports the improvement capabilities of logistical work systems in value streams. MTM Logistics™ is a high-level MTM system that is derived from MTM-UAS and is designed specifically for the rapid analysis of manual motions in the Logistics Sector. It produces times which reflect a representative method for carrying out tasks, rather than the precise method analyses. The MTM-Logistics™ course trains the participant in the knowledge and skills for setting time standards that assists with the planning and optimisation of logistic processes. The training makes delegates familiar with specific logistic instruments and working methods to apply in the logistics work area, in relation with the MTM-methods for time management tasks.
Significant reductions in the logistic activity costs (internal and external) of a company are possible through the optimisation of the methods for manual operation and handling. Improved methods through the application of the MTM-Logistic™ system are possible based on the correct times for the execution of tasks. Company specific Standards Tables can also be development and implemented. Regular updating of these tables is possible and can be done according to the recorded variations in the logistic process data that relate to the operations included in the logistic activities.
The application of the MTM system has a long tradition and the modeling of logistic processes is not something new. In recent years the importance and interest in the field of logistics has grown due to the increasing logistics costs. The increased costs are caused on the one hand by high technical, organisational and staffing requirements and on the other hand by insufficient accuracy in consideration to logistics processes. The application of MTM systems, specifically the MTM-Logistics™, can contribute significantly to the design and rationalisation of logistic processes, e.g. when planning and designing logistic processes, such as picking, packaging, information processing, or transporting. These activities, which may show different levels of complexity, are the process building blocks for Standard Operations Logistics.
The following frame conditions for logistic procedures have been assumed during the development of the MTM-Logistics™ process building blocks:
• Standard Operations are order related with partially high repetitiveness allowing the employee to establish routines.
• Suitable working and transport means are available to the employee for the tasks.
• Working systems are designed according to the spectrum of the tasks.
These frame conditions characterise process type 2 (series/batch production). For this reason, the Standard Operations Logistics is modeled by using the MTM-UAS Basic Operations. In practical applications the process building blocks for transport (Standard Operations of Transport) and handling (Standard Operations of Handling) are of considerable relevance.
The Standard Operations of Transport include all necessary building blocks for the evaluation of standard processes in commercially available and frequently used vehicles or transport carts. Here the frame conditions, such as different driving states, relevant safety regulations and different vehicle equipment were considered in the development. The Standard Operations of Transport include general building blocks, such as starting and stopping the engine, fastening a seat belt and specific building blocks related to various transport means.
The Standard Operations of Handling are process building blocks for evaluating (manual) processes related to commercially available and frequently used transport units, including typical information or data processing activities. Standard Operations of Handling are developed for the activity groups of (a) handling, (b) opening packages, (c) closing packages and (d) processing information.
Using MTM in logistics can bring various benefits, including:
• A recognized analytical approach
• A visible creation of improving potentials
• Easy adaptation of the AS-IS process to the TO-BE process
• Predetermined, predictable and quantifiable logistics processes
• Convenient and easy planning processes for the management of staff
• A globally expanded and respected system of logistic process elements
The SAMTM Association now offers accredited MTM-Logistics™ training for members who are licensed MTM-UAS Practitioners.
Please contact our office at samtm@global.co.za for more information.
Prof. Dr. Peter Kuhlang, Head of MTM-Institute and MTM-Akademy,
MTM ASSOCIATION e. V.
Prof. Dr. Peter Kuhlang was appointed the position of Executive Manager of the MTM Institute in 2014 and soon after also became Head of the MTM-Akadamy.
He is not new to the MTM environment, after graduating in industrial and mechanical engineering in Vienna, he worked as a project engineer at Deutsche MTM-Gesellschaft mbH with a focus on industrial engineering, human factors, MTM introduction and teaching.
After completing his doctorate, Kuhlang held various academic tasks at the Technical University of Vienna, Fraunhofer Austria and at the Technical University of Dortmund. In his habituation thesis in the field of industrial engineering on “Systematic design production and industrial value streams”, he dealt with the use of MTM in combination with value streams and basic time-management issues in the design of work systems.
He integrated the Basic MTM training in the curriculum of Industrial Engineering and Mechanical Engineering at the Technical University of Vienna and has been involved in studies in the field of ergonomics and productivity. For many years he has also been involved in the national and international research funding landscape and publishes literature regularly.
Peter is presently Technical Coordinator for the International MTM Directorate.