# Time Study

**URL:** https://kaizumi.com/dictionary/time-study

**Description:** Time study is the systematic measurement and analysis of work element times to establish standards and identify improvement opportunities.

**Category:** lean-tools

**Tags:** metrics, flow

## Definition

Time study is the systematic observation and measurement of work to determine how long tasks take and to establish time standards. Developed as part of scientific management, time study in lean contexts serves different purposes: understanding current state, identifying waste, balancing work, and establishing standards for improvement. Time studies typically break work into elements, measure each element multiple times, and analyze the data to understand both average times and variation. The data supports line balancing, staffing decisions, and kaizen activities.

## Examples

### Manufacturing

> A time study of an assembly process measured each work element across 30 cycles. Analysis revealed that element 5 had high variation (20-60 seconds versus 30-35 seconds for other elements). Investigation showed that a part was sometimes difficult to insert, revealing a quality issue with incoming components.

### Healthcare

> A time study of patient check-in measured each step across multiple patients. Data showed that insurance verification averaged 4 minutes but ranged from 1 to 12 minutes. The variation pointed to improvement opportunities in the verification process and system.

### Administrative

> A time study of invoice processing measured each handling step. Analysis revealed that data entry time was consistent, but approval routing varied dramatically based on dollar amount thresholds. Adjusting thresholds and simplifying routing reduced overall processing time.

## Key Points

- Break work into distinct elements for meaningful analysis
- Multiple observations capture variation, not just averages
- High variation often indicates improvement opportunities
- Time study data supports line balancing and standard work development

## Common Misconceptions

**Time study is about working faster.** Time study is about understanding work—identifying waste, variation, and improvement opportunities. The goal is better methods, not just faster pace.

**Time study creates pressure and stress.** Done well, time study involves operators, focuses on process rather than people, and leads to improvements that make work easier, not harder.

## Try It

Run your own study right here. Record ten cycles per element, identify the lowest repeatable time, and export a print-ready form. (Also available as a [standalone tool](/tools/tos).)

<!--TOOL:tos-->

## See Also

- [Time Observation Sheet](/dictionary/time-observation-sheet) - The form used to record each element and cycle

Source: https://kaizumi.com/dictionary/time-study
Licence: free to quote and cite with attribution to Kaizumi.