What is the purpose of TWI Job Methods and how is it used?
What is the purpose of TWI Job Methods?
The purpose of TWI Job Methods is to enable supervisors to improve quality, output and efficiency of their area with the same or less resources.
TWI JM gives supervisors a hands-on way of developing a fresh perspective on the current jobs in their department and a way of quickly improving their performance.
Supervisors use TWI JM to observe and record the current method and question the entire method using the “5W’s and H” to generate many improvement ideas quickly.
By following the TWI JM method step-by-step, supervisors are then able to quickly develop a new work method derived from the current process by removing or modifying elements of the job to make it more efficient, easier to follow and understand, and capable of delivering improved quality and output.
The Four Step Method for TWI Job Methods Improvement
Step 1 Break down the Job
Step 1 of TWI Job Methods is a breakdown of the job, a detailed step by step of the current method which includes the details of the handwork & thinking, material handling, machine work and waiting. Step 1 is very important as the accuracy and detail of the job breakdown allows the supervisors to see what parts of the current method could be taken out or what parts can be changed to improve the method.
Step 2 Question every detail
Step 2 of TWI Job Methods is the process of questioning every single detail of the current method using the 5W’s and H, that is a series of open questions starting with Why?, What?, Where?, When?, Who? and How?
During the process of questioning every detail, the supervisor must also question the machines, materials, the equipment or tools used as well as the layout and safety of the work place. The detailed questioning of every detail of the work method can be done with other team members and generates many improvement ideas quickly.
Step 3 Develop the new method
Step 3 of TWI JM is where the supervisors use their new insights into the current method to develop a new and improved method, eliminating any unnecessary details that increase cost, delay flow or affect quality. They also combine other details when practical and rearrange the steps so the sequencing improves the efficiency of the method. Finally, they simplifying other details to improve ergonomics, reduce work content and avoid confusion of the workers. TWI JM encourages supervisors to use simple, low-cost solutions to achieve significant impact in the way the work is performed.
Step 4 Apply the new method
Step 4 of TWI Job Methods shows the supervisor how to put the method to work and monitor the impact. This involves selling the proposed new method to functional leaders and their boss. To do this, supervisors learn how to quantify and demonstrate the anticipated improvements in safety, quality, production and cost. Crucially, they also sell the new method to the operators as they are the ones that will ultimately work with the supervisor to implement the new method.