VSM Studio
VSM guide / Lean tools / Time study
Time study
Time an operator's work cycle element by element, live or from a video. See each element's median and variation, the standard work combination chart and the work balance against takt. Free, no sign-up.
How to run a time study
1. Break the work into elements
Short, observable steps with a clear end point: pick part, load fixture, start machine, walk to the next station, inspect. Press N each time one ends; the first cycle names them.
2. Time 5 to 10 cycles
Later cycles fill in the same elements. One-off disruptions (a dropped part, a question) show up as outliers; the median keeps them from skewing the result.
3. Classify the time
Manual work, walking, machine (automatic) time and waiting. Walking and waiting are waste to remove; manual work is what you balance.
4. Compare with takt
The combination chart and work balance show whether one operator can meet takt, how much is spare, and how many operators the work really needs.
From time study to standard work
Elements with a big range between their fastest and slowest time are where the method isn't standard yet: watch them, agree the best way, write it down and train it. Then the cycle time on your value stream map becomes something you can count on.
In the VSM Studio builder, open Time study on any process box, or load a video and let the AI take a first pass at the elements. Apply to map sets the step's cycle time.
Questions
How many cycles should I time?
Five to ten cycles for a stable, short cycle; more if the work varies or the cycle includes occasional tasks (getting material every tenth part, for example).
Should I use the average or the fastest time?
Neither on its own. The median is robust to one-off disruptions; the fastest repeatable time shows what the method can do. This tool shows the median, with the full range for each element.
What is a standard work combination chart?
A timeline of one cycle showing manual work, walking, machine time and waiting against takt, so you can see whether the operator can meet takt and where waste hides.
Can I time from a video?
Yes. Load the video, play it and press N at each element end; the timer follows the video, so you can pause and rewind. The AI can also take a first pass from the video frames.