INTRODUCTIONTOMODAPTS

THELANGUAGEOFWORK
NotForSale

WHATISPMTS?

NotForSale

PMTS
Predetermined Motion Time Systems (PMTS) are work
measurement systems used to set basic labor rates.
The concept behind the system is to break down an activity
or a job into its basic human movements.
Classifying each movement according to the nature of the
movement and the conditions under which it was done.

NotForSale

TypeofPMTS
The following are some common general PMTS:
1. Modular Arrangement of Predetermined Time Standards
(MODAPTS)
2. Methods Time Measurement (MTM)
3. Maynard Operation Sequence Technique (MOST)
4. Master Standard Data (MS)

NotForSale

MODAPTS was founded by Mr. C.G (Chris) Heyde in

1954.

NotForSale

LearningMODAPTS
MODAPTS is an acronym for Modular Arrangement of
Predetermined Time Standards.
MODAPTS is based on analyzing the body motions
required in a work task or work process, and the time it
takes to make those movements.
MODAPTS is used in manufacturing plants, offices,
distribution centers and rehabilitation centers. The system is
deemed practical and to the point. It has been tested and
thoroughly proven in over 40 countries worldwide.
NotForSale

LearningMODAPTS
There are two distinguished features of MODAPTS:
1. Time Values - expressed in units called MODS.
2. Element Data Codes expressed in alpha numeric form.

NotForSale

LearningMODAPTS
MODAPTS system translates movements of the human
body when work is performed into standard time values.
Standard times are not the same as real time. They are
units of work which in appropriate circumstances, can be
performed in an amount of time which may be more or less
than the clock time.

NotForSale

MODAPTSElementClasses
MODAPTS breaks down activities into element classes.
There are 3 main element classes:
1. Movement
2. Terminal
3. Auxiliary

NotForSale

MODAPTSElementClasses
1.)MovementClass:referstomotionsormovementsthat
aredonebyutilizingthefinger hand armshouldertrunk
system.
Denotation:M
2.)TerminalClass:referstomotionsthataredoneatthe
endofanactivityandareclosetothethingbeingworked
on.
Therearetwoclassesofactivities:
Get:Involvesgainingcontrolofanobject
Put:Involvesputtinganobjectawayinaspecified
destination.Denotation:G&P
NotForSale

10

MODAPTSElementClasses
3.)AuxiliaryClass:referstomotionsormovementsthatare
notperformedwiththefinger hand arm shoulder trunk
system.
Someexamplesarewalking,sitting,standing,deciding,
inspectingetc.

NotForSale

11

LearningMODAPTS
UsingMODAPTSactivitiesaredeterminedbyacombination
ofitstwodistinguishedfeaturesresultinginatwopart
code.
Thefirstpartisanalphabeticcomponentwhichindicates
thetypeofactivity.
Thesecondpartisanumberwhichwhenmultipliedby
thevalueof1MOD,denotesthetimerequiredto
completetheactivity.
ThenumericnumbersforthemajorityofMODAPTS
elementsarewholenumbers.ThetermMODwasderived
fromthenameMODAPTS.
NotForSale

12

LearningMODAPTS

OneMODisequivalentof.129secondsor.00215minutes
TheMODvalueof.129secondsrepresentsnormaltime
thatrequiredtocompleteanactivitybyaqualified/
experiencedpersonapproximately57,145pounds.

NotForSale

13

MOVEMENTClassification
Whenanactivityiscarriedoutbythefingerhandarm
shoulder trunksystem,therearetwoofthethree
elementclassesinvolved:
MovementClass
TerminalClass
AMovementcanbedeterminedbyeitherofthesetwo
methodsorboth:
1. Bythedistancemoved
2. Bythebodypartrequiredtoperformthemove
NotForSale

14

MOVEMENT
ExampleofMODAPTSMovementCoding:

M3P0
MovementTerminal
ClassClass

NotForSale

15

MOVEMENT
NumberofMODSassociatedwiththe
movementsofeachbodypart:
BodyPart

NumberofMODS

Avg .Distance

Finger

1(25mm)

Hand

2(50mm)

Forearm

6(150mm)

Wholearm

12(300mm)

Extendedarm

18(450mm)

Trunk

30(750mm)

NotForSale

16

Movement
Figure1:M1M7

NotForSale

17

MOVEMENTClassifications
M1MOVEMENT
AnM1movementcanbeclassifiedasmovementinvolving
oneormorefingershingedattheknuckle.
EXAMPLESOFM1MOVEMENTS
DepressingKeysonacomputerkeyboard
Squeezinganorangewithyourfingers
Turningabottlecoverclockwiseoranticlockwise

NotForSale

18

MOVEMENTClassifications
Figure2:M1

NotForSale

19

MOVEMENTClassifications
M2MOVEMENT
AnM2movementcanbeclassifiedasmovementinvolving
thehandandfingershingedtothewrist.M2canbe
awardedinthefollowingtwouniquesituations:
Inamovementsuchasbendandriseorwalkwhensmall
orlightobjectsarehandled.
Inaprecedingsecondterminalactivitywhentwohigh
consciouscontrolactivitiesarecompleted
simultaneously.(SeechartonTable1onpage21for
examplesofhighconsciouscontrolactivities)

NotForSale

20

MOVEMENTClassifications
Figure3:M2

NotForSale

21

MOVEMENTClassifications
M3MOVEMENT
AnM3movementcanbeclassifiedasmovementinvolving
thefingers,handandforearmhingedattheelbow.The
wristmusttravelwhenawardingM3.
EXAMPLESOFM3MOVEMENTS
Flippingabooklet
Movingapenwhenwriting
Reachingforanobject6awayfromyou
NotForSale

22

MOVEMENTClassifications
Figure4:M3

NotForSale

23

MOVEMENTClassifications
M4MOVEMENT
AnM4movementcanbeclassifiedaswholearmmove
performedwithfullarmforward.ToawardanM4,the
elbowmustbedisplaced.
EXAMPLESOFM4MOVEMENTS
Movinganobjectwhileseatedwithoutbodilyassistance
Movinganobjectwhileseatedwithbodilyassistance

NotForSale

24

MOVEMENTClassifications
M5MOVEMENT
AnM5movementcanbeclassifiedasmovementinvolving
thefullarmoutwardatanaveragedistanceof18(45cm).
ToawardM5,themovehastobeperformedoutsidean
imaginary45degreecone.
EXAMPLESOFM5MOVEMENTS
Movinganobjecttoadestinationacrossthebody
Reachingtoobtainanobjectlocatedoutsidethe45
degreecone
Reachingforanobjectfromahighshelf
NotForSale

25

MOVEMENTClassifications
M7MOVEMENT
AnM7movementcanbeclassifiedasatrunkmovement
performedwiththearmsandtrunkofthebody.AnM7is
notcommoninrepetitivework.Itisveryexpensivetopay
forsoitshouldbeminimisedoravoidedifpossible.
EXAMPLESOFM7MOVEMENTS
Pickinganobjectfromthefloorwhileseated
Pickinganobjectfromthefloorwhilestanding

NotForSale

26

TerminalActivities
Terminal Class activities are classified by Get and Put
functions.
These functions are influenced by the following:
Mental Control: The mental decisions made consciously,
when danger is involved in the Get or Put activity
Sensory Control: Eye actions required to successfully
complete certain high control put activities
Muscular Control: The precision necessary for the
muscular action involved in the Get or Put activities

NotForSale

27

TerminalActivities
Low and High Conscious Control
The Get and Put functions can be either Low Conscious
Control or High Conscious Control activities.
A Low Conscious Control activity is an automatic response
requiring little muscular control, no visual control and no
mental control.
A High Conscious Control activity requires a degree of
muscular control to satisfactorily complete, often with visual
or sensual assistance.

NotForSale

28

TerminalActivities
Categories of Low and High Conscious Control
Low Conscious Control:
G0, G1, P0
High Conscious Control:
P2, P5, G3
NOTE: Conscious activities cannot be completed
simultaneously. A worker has to be paid more when two
conscious activities are performed at the same time.
NotForSale

29

MOVEMENTClassifications

NotForSale

30

TerminalActivities
The Get Element
The Get element is an action of obtaining control of an
object.
The fingers have to be used to touch an object or to wrap
around it.

NotForSale

31

TerminalActivities
G0 Contact: This terminal activity entails the action of the
fingers or palm in applying a simple touch to an object.
Figure 5: G0

NotForSale

32

TerminalActivities
G1 Contact: This type of terminal activity involves a
simple closing of the fingers around an object, requiring
little use of the senses.
Figure 6: G1

NotForSale

33

TerminalActivities
G3 Contact: This terminal activity involves more than a
simple closing of the fingers. This activity requires feedback
to the brain so as to trigger a conscious control activity.
Figure 7: G3

NotForSale

34

TerminalActivities
Warehouse Supplement (Get with Large/Heavy Objects)
G2 Contact: This terminal actions requires bracing and one
hand engagement.
Example of a G2 Contact:
Picking up a briefcase from the floor. (M7G2, M7P0)

NotForSale

35

TerminalActivities
G4 Contact: This terminal action requires two hand
engagements, where an unobstructed object is obtained.
Example of a G4 Contact:
Picking up a box sitting on the floor by itself. (M7G4
M7P0)

NotForSale

36

TerminalActivities
G8 Contact: This terminal action involves the control of an
object which is slightly impeded by others.
Example of a G8 Contact:
A box is pulled out of a line of boxes using one hand, and
then the box is grasped using two hands. (M4G8 M7P0)

NotForSale

37

TerminalActivities
G12 Contact: This terminal activity involves obtaining an
object that is very much impeded by an outside force.
Example of a G12 Contact :
A box is first pulled in one direction, and then towards
another direction in order to pick it up. Two hands are used
to reduce the obstruction, then two hands are used to pick it
up. Thus totals four hand engagement. (M4G12 M7P0)
NotForSale

38

TerminalActivities
G16 Contact: This terminal activity involves two hands to
gain control over a severely obstructed object, bracing is
required. Similar objects may be the cause of the
obstruction, but other obstructions may also be present such
as interference with a cover.

NotForSale

39

TerminalActivities
The PUT Element
The PUT element is the action of placing an object in a
destination.
There are three types of controlled Puts. (P0,P2,P5)
Puts, like Gets are terminal activities, meaning they occur
following a Move.

NotForSale

40

TerminalActivities
P0 Simple Put: When an object is put in a general location
without positioning the object, a P0 is awarded. A P0 is a
low conscious control activity so a worker can complete a
P0 with one hand and any other activity, high or low
conscious control with the other hand.
Examples:
Tossing object into a box
Placing an object on a table

NotForSale

41

TerminalActivities
P2 Put With Feedback: When an object is put in a defined
location. The specification of the destination requires that
only one feedback is required. It is a high control motion
requiring feedback from one or more of the senses, usually
the eyes.
Example:
Locate screwdriver in slot
Locate pencil to begin writing
Put a washer in a bolt
NotForSale

42

TerminalActivities
P5 With Feedbacks: This terminal motion implies placing
an object at an exact location. It is a high control motion
requiring feedback from one or more of the senses, usually
the eyes and hands.
Example:
Putting a screwdriver blade into a slotted screw head
Place nut on bolt

NotForSale

43

TerminalActivities
Guide to Follow
1. A P0,P2,P5 is not in itself a description of an activity,
each must be joined to a move such as M3P2
2. A P2 or P5 Put activity includes an insertion of up to 1
(2.5 cm). If an insertion is greater than 1 (2.5 cm), an
additional Move or Put is required, such as M1P0 or
M2P0.
3. When binding occurs during a put, award an X4. An
example is returning a cork to a bottle,
M4P5 X4
NotForSale

44

TerminalActivities
SIMULTANEOUS MOTIONS
This motions occur when two activities are performed at the
same time by different body parts.
Simultaneous motion involves using both hands to pick up a
nut or one hand to pick up a nut and the other to pick up a
wrench.
A normal operator can be expected to complete two low
conscious control activities simultaneously or one high
conscious control and one low conscious control activity
simultaneously.
NotForSale

45

TerminalActivities
How To Code Simultaneous Activities
The general rule is to always use an M2 to precede the
second high conscious control activity. The second high
conscious control activity is always the activity with the
greater value movement classification.
Example:
Consider a situation where one hand must pick up a pin and
the other hand must pick up a pencil.

NotForSale

46

TerminalActivities
Since picking up the pencil is considered a low conscious
control activity all that needs to be done is code the pick up
of the pin M4G3. The code to pick up the pencil is M4G1.
The rule is to allow the highest total value of the combined
Move, Get activity.
If both hands must pick up the pencil mentioned above from
two different location that are equal in distance then your
code to pick up the pencil will be M4G1. You pay a total of
5 MODS for both operation.
NotForSale

47

SummaryofTerminalActivities
To Summarize:
If both activities are low conscious control activities, use
the highest total MOD value of the two.
If one activity is low conscious control and the other
activity is high conscious control allow the highest total
MOD value.
If both activities are high conscious control activities, add
the total MOD value of both activities

NotForSale

48

AuxiliaryActivities
Auxiliary Class refers to activities that are not performed
with the finger-hand-arm-shoulder-trunk system.
They include walking, bending, inspection, making
decisions, thinking etc.

NotForSale

49

AuxiliaryActivitiesElements
Thefollowingareexamplesofauxiliaryactivityelements:
a) ReadElement
b) EyeControlElement
c) JuggleElement
d) ExtraForceElement
e) WalkElement
f) BendandAriseElement
g) SitandStandElement
h) CrankElement
i) VocalizeElement
j) USEElement
NotForSale

50

AuxiliaryActivities
Read Element (R2 or R3): defines the time it takes for the
eye to move from the end of one line to the beginning of the
following line.
R2: Read one word in a group of words where the purpose
is to get the overall message.
R3: Read one word in a group of words where each word
has to be registered as in proof reading or verifying.

NotForSale

51

AuxiliaryActivities
Eye Control Element: This is an important activity, yet it is
seldom awarded. To be awarded, all activity must stop until
the eyes finish their work.
3 Categories of Eye Fixation
1. E2 Eye Fixation: A mental recognition of a noncomplex condition. An example is glancing towards a
gauge to determine if the needle has reached a
prescribed level, a readily distinguishable characteristic.
Several fixations can occur without the eyes traveling if
confined to a cone approximately 4 (10cm) across, 15
(38cm) from the eyes.
NotForSale

52

AuxiliaryActivities
2. E2 Eye Travel: Movement of the eye up, down, left or
right. One eye travel (E2) is awarded per 30 degree
maximum eye move. This is approximately 8 (20cm)
across, 15 (38cm) from the eyes.
3. E4 Eye Focus: One eye focus E4 is awarded when the
distance of the next object examined is substantially
different from the last. Every eye focus must be followed by
either an eye fixation or a Read element.
NotForSale

53

AuxiliaryActivities
Figure8

NotForSale

54

AuxiliaryActivities
Juggle Element (J2): This is a change in the position of a
grasp which is accomplished without giving up control of an
object. Juggling happens frequently but is seldom awarded
because most juggles are performed internal to other
activities, such as MOVE.
Example:
Picking up a pencil, a juggle is completed during the
Move to the paper. (M3G1 J2)

NotForSale

55

AuxiliaryActivities
Extra Force Element (X4): This element is provided for a
person to achieve control over an object, to restrain an
object, or to overcome resistance in an activity. It is
recognized by a noticeable hesitation while pressure is being
applied. It is awarded only when all other activity stops.
Example:
Apply Extra force to seat a pin after it is inserted (M3P2
X4)
NotForSale

56

AuxiliaryActivities
Walk Element (W5): Walk is defined as lifting the foot
entirely off the floor and placing it down in another location.
A M2 move is usually paid after walk if the task does not
require lifting heavy object.
W5: Per pace
W2.36: Per linear foot
W7.75: Per meter.
Example:
Walk 5 pace to pick up the screw (5W5 M2G1)
NotForSale

57

AuxiliaryActivities
Bend and Arise Element (B17): This is a vertical change in
the upper part of the body. It includes both the down
movement and the up movement. The test for a Bend and
Arise is whether or not the hand goes below the knee. If the
hand does go below the knee then a Bend and Arise is
awarded.
Example:
An operator bend to pick up a pen (M2G1 B17)

NotForSale

58

AuxiliaryActivities
Note: If the frequency is more than 10 per hour the pattern
of the work usually seen to change so the proper coding
should be M7G3 M7P0.
An M7 is awarded for the bend, a G3 to grasp the box an
M7 for the rise and P0 to place the box at the waist .

NotForSale

59

AuxiliaryActivities
Sit and Stand Element (S30): This is included in both the
down movement and the up movement. It is recorded as one
although other activities may occur between.
This element for example totals 30 MODs which includes
time for pulling the chair up to the back of the knees during
Sit and pushing the chair back during Stand.

NotForSale

60

AuxiliaryActivities
Crank (C4): Performed with the forearm. Four MODS are
awarded for one complete revolution.
Crank (C3): Performed with the wrist on small diameter
handles up to 3.5.
Note: When using crank the number of revolutions should
be rounded off to the nearest whole number.

NotForSale

61

AuxiliaryActivities
Vocalize Element (V3): This is used to estimate, within
reason, standard telephone conversations such as bookings
airline tickets, providing directions, etc.
V3: One V3 is awarded for each word spoken. When
numbers are spoken, each digit is awarded V3. Listening to
another person speak is also considered vocalising.

NotForSale

62

AuxiliaryActivities
USE Element (U): These elements are movements that do
not terminate in either a Get or a Put. The motions are to an
indeterminate location. They are usually associated with the
use of tools such as saws, files, polishing cloths, erasers, etc.
Note: USE is a back and forth motion without a direct
relationship to a specific tool.
U.5: Finger Motions
U1: Hand Motions
U2: Forearm Motions
U3: Whole Arm Motions
U4: Not Applicable
NotForSale

63

AuxiliaryActivities
Examples of USE Elements:
Hammering an object
Polishing a shoe

NotForSale

64

AuxiliaryActivities
The Element Handwrite (H4): Handwriting falls within
two categories, writing and printing.
H4: Write one letter, or one punctuation mark
H5: Print one letter, or one digit, or one symbol
H6: Write one upper case letter
H7: Print one upper case letter
H21: Write one word
H26: Print one word
H35: Print one word in all upper case letters
NotForSale

65

AuxiliaryActivities
Figure9

NotForSale

66

AuxiliaryActivities
Load Factor (L1): Load factor is an allowance for the greater
inertia which must be overcome when handling heavy objects.
When moving heavy objects, the acceleration and deceleration of
an operators movements are slowed. To account for the slower
movements, a Load Factor value is used.
Load Factor (Effective Net Weight)
L0 < 4.4 lbs (2kg)
L1> 4.4 lbs < 13.3 Ibs or > 2kg< 6kg
L2> 13.3 Ibs < 17.6 Ibs or 6kg < 8kg
Note: Special case applies for heavier weights.
NotForSale

67

AuxiliaryActivities
Decide Element (D3): This activity is only concerned with
binary decisions.
Binary decisions are YES/NO, ON/OFF, IN/OUT, etc.
Complex decisions are not awarded D3.
A D3 is awarded only if all activity stops for the decision to
be reached.
NotForSale

68

AuxiliaryActivities
The Element Number (N3): This activity deals with
counting articles or objects such as during inventory
processing.
N3: Awarded per item, when the items are arranged.
N6: Awarded per item, when the items are disarranged.

NotForSale

69

ElementProcessTime/MachineCycle
Time.
This is when an operator must stop all movements, terminal
and auxiliary activities, during a cycle, and wait for a certain
amount of time for the machine to complete an action.
Conversion of the Process Time / Machine Time
Seconds: Time in seconds * 7.75 MODS
(Example: 2 Seconds * 7.75 MODS = 15.5 MODs)
Minutes: Time in minutes * 465 MODS
(Example: .05 minutes* 465 MODS = 23.25 MODS)
NotForSale

70

MODAPTSSYMBOL
Figure10

NotForSale

71

MODAPTSSYMBOL
Figure11

NotForSale

72

MODAPTSSYMBOL
Figure12

NotForSale

73

Reference
InternationalMODAPTSAssociation,Inc.
FourthEditionTrainingManual

NotForSale

74