Application of lean manufacturing tools to reduce the cost of working time

Abstract

This article examines the analysis of working time expenditures among employees of structural divisions within Chaykovsky Linear Production Unit - a subsidiary of Gazprom Transgaz Chaykovsky LLC - along with optimization options for working hours. It investigates factors influencing the effective use of working time and provides recommendations aimed at improving labor productivity and reducing time losses. It is noted that developing a methodology for comprehensive evaluation of work-time structure has helped identify reserves for increasing labor productivity through improved standardization, accounting, and control over labor resource expenditure. Based on analyzing numerous theoretical works by domestic and foreign authors focused on issues related to labor organization, psychology of professional behavior, economics, and enterprise management, key causes of lost working time have been identified. Additionally, this paper presents results from an analysis of working time expenses derived from individual daily photographs taken during continuous observations of five electricians responsible for linear telecommunications facilities and radio broadcasting under the service department of Chaykovsky Linear Production Unit for Main Gas Pipelines - a subsidiary of Gazprom Transgaz Chaykovsky LLC. Through this analysis, primary components of working time costs were determined, including loss coefficients, revealing major reasons behind such losses, particularly excessive preparatory-finishing activities and interruptions due to organizational or technical causes. It was established that one significant tool for reducing working time losses involves implementing elements of lean production techniques, which would substantially increase labor productivity while simultaneously decreasing the share of wasted working hours. Introducing these elements could lead to reduced losses in working time, enhance efficient utilization of available working hours, improve safety standards in production processes, and boost comfort levels in the workplace.