Motion Study
A Method for Increasing the Efficiency of the Workman

PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE OF MOTION STUDY g I standard conditions, and standard methods of performing the operations of the trades. Conformity to these laws allows standard practice to be attained and used. If the standard methods are deduced before the equipment, tools, surroundings, etc., are stand- ardized, the invention of these standard means is as sure as the appearance of a celestial body at the time and place where mathematics predicts that it will appear. It is as well to recognize first as last that real progress from the best present method to the standard method can never be made solely by elimination. The sooner this is recognized the better. Elimination is often an admirable makeshift. But the only real progress comes through a reconstruction of the operation, building it up of stand- ardized units, or elements. It is also well to recognize the absolute necessity of the trained scientific investigator. The worker cannot, by him- self, arrange to do his work in the most economical manner in accordance with the laws of motion study. Oftentimes, in fact nearly always, the worker will believe that the new method takes longer than the old method. At least he will be positive that many parts, or elements, of the pro- cess when done under the new method take longer than under the old style, and will not be in sympathy with the scheme because he is sure that the new way is not so efficient as his old way. All of which shows that the worker himself cannot tell which are the most advantageous motions. He must judge by the fatigue that he feels, or