In a world of rising labor costs and shrinking margins, manufacturing leaders need every second to count. That’s where motion-time standards like MTM (Methods-Time Measurement) and MODAPTS (Modular Arrangement of Predetermined Time Standards) come in. Both offer structured ways to analyze and optimize manual tasks—but which one is the best fit for your operations?

This blog breaks down the pros, cons, and key differences of MTM and MODAPTS, so you can choose the best system to reduce inefficiencies, standardize processes, and empower your industrial engineers.

Why Motion-Time Standards Matter in Modern Manufacturing?

Motion-time standards are systems that assign time values to basic human motions (like reaching, grasping, or moving an object). These values are used to build accurate time estimates for tasks, forming the foundation of engineered labor standards.

Why does this matter?

In today’s factories, especially those with high-mix, low-volume production or manual assembly operations, using motion-time standards can mean the difference between chaos and control.

But not all systems are created equal. MTM and MODAPTS take different approaches to achieve the same goal: quantifying human motion for process improvement. The best system for your factory depends on factors like training investment, complexity of tasks, and the need for speed versus precision.

Let’s look at how these systems stack up.

MTM: Precision at a Cost

MTM (Methods-Time Measurement) is one of the earliest and most detailed motion-time systems. Developed in the 1940s, MTM assigns time values (measured in Time Measurement Units, or TMUs) to elemental motions based on film analysis of work.

It breaks tasks into basic micromotions like reach, grasp, move, and release—each assigned a time value in Time Measurement Units (TMUs).

1 TMU = 0.036 seconds.

This system was designed through film analysis of industrial work and is incredibly precise.

Best For:

• High-volume, repetitive tasks (e.g., automotive assembly lines)
• Environments where micro-optimization matters
• Plants with dedicated IE teams and continuous improvement infrastructure

Want to learn more about improving blue-collar worker productivity, read our blog for strategies and smart factory tools. 

MODAPTS: Simpler, Faster, Leaner

MODAPTS (Modular Arrangement of Predetermined Time Standards) was developed in the 1960s as a simplified alternative to MTM. It uses modular time blocks based on body motions (e.g., arm movements, leg movements), making it quicker to apply without losing reliability.

It uses modular time blocks based on whole-body movements (arms, legs, eyes, trunk), not micromotions.

Each block is a MOD, where 1 MOD = 0.129 seconds.

Best For:

• Job shops or high-mix environments
• Plants with frequent work changes or operator-driven tasks
• Teams that need time studies done quickly and reliably

Choosing the Right System for Your Factory

Selecting between MTM and MODAPTS isn’t just a technical decision—it impacts your speed of improvement, team workload, and how quickly you can scale lean practices. Here's a breakdown of the key factors to consider:

1. Nature of Your Operations

Repetitive, high-volume tasks? 

MTM is built for that. If your operators repeat the same tasks thousands of times per shift—like assembling wiring harnesses or installing the same part on every unit—then MTM’s high precision helps you fine-tune every second.

High-mix, low-volume production?

Choose MODAPTS. When your operators handle different tasks throughout the day—like switching between multiple product models, or doing one-off builds—MODAPTS lets you analyze faster and adjust quickly without redoing complex studies.

2. Workforce Skills and Training Investment

• MTM requires formal certification. Your engineers or analysts will need structured training (MTM-1, MTM-UAS, etc.) to apply it properly. This adds cost and onboarding time.
• MODAPTS has a much shorter learning curve. Engineers, team leaders, or CI professionals can be trained in a few days and start applying it confidently—making it easier to roll out across sites.

3. Time Available for Analysis

• MTM studies can take days to weeks to complete per process, especially if using video analysis. It’s accurate, but not quick.
• MODAPTS can be applied in real time or same day, even during Gemba walks or Kaizen events.

4. Level of Precision Needed

• If your labor costs are significant and process margins are tight, the ultra-precision of MTM can help you win.
• If you're aiming for good-enough standards that drive improvement without micromanagement, MODAPTS delivers efficiency without overengineering.

5. Budget and Resource Constraints

• MTM comes with higher upfront costs:
  → Licensing software
  → Analyst training
  → Dedicated study time
• MODAPTS is more cost-effective to implement across teams and sites. You can train internal staff or consultants faster and begin applying results sooner.

6. Standardization vs. Agility

• Use MTM when you need tight standardization across lines—like launching the same line in multiple countries or enforcing identical work methods across shifts.
• Use MODAPTS when agility is key—like switching tasks based on customer demand or constantly improving operator workstations.

7. Tools and Digital Integration

• MTM has mature support in tools like Siemens TiCon, but implementation can be complex.
• MODAPTS is easier to embed into digital CI tools like Solvonext, which can simplify analysis, generate visual work standards, and track compliance.

Conclusion

Choosing the right motion-time system is key to building accurate labor standards, reducing waste, and driving factory efficiency. Whether you go with the precision of MTM or the speed of MODAPTS, the goal remains the same: better processes, empowered teams, and consistent performance.

Solvonext helps you put these systems into action—faster. With digital time study tools, visual standard work creation, and real-time compliance tracking, Solvonext turns labor standards into daily habits on the shop floor. No more spreadsheets. No more delays.

Ready to move beyond paper, manual tools, and guesswork? Try Solvonext and start transforming your time standards into continuous improvement wins—right where the work happens. Book a FREE TRIAL today!