Computerized work study using the SAMMIE/AUTOMAT system

This paper describes the SAMMIE/AUTOMAT computer package. The overall objective of the research has been to provide a range of computer techniques which could be made available to the work study practititioner to aid him in the design and evaluation of work tasks. The work place, parts and the operation may be specified in any of a variety of ways and the computer will then produce times for the work based on the MTM-2 pre-determined motion time system. Facilities within the AUTOMAT system include the production of a work place layout, a computer derived methods analysis, assembly line balancing routines (not described in this paper), and the use of conversational graphics methods. The paper illustrates the use of the system by the analysis of a simple job and also discusses the advantages and disadvantages of conversational mode working.