Methods Engineering

Methods Engineering is a systematic approach to eliminate, combine or reduce work content tasks. The primary objective is to reduce the time it takes to do a task. The time reduction is a result of less work content, not working faster. Other additional benefits achieved are reduced energy consumption, reduced capital costs, elimination of unnecessary components, and reduction of other expenses.
The steps in the Methods Engineering approach consist of:
Select; Review; Evaluate, Develop; Implement and Maintain. Another variation of this approach is the Plan-Do-Check-Action concept presented in the Deming Circle. The approach is to use a generally a questioning attitude, an understanding of motion economy, a quest for a better way, and the application of common productivity improvement techniques to work methods. An analysis of the concepts presented in continuous improvement programs, kaizen, agile manufacturing, demand flow, JIT, re-engineering, cycle time reduction and others will discover the concepts of Methods Engineering as the basis of these programs.