Work-Measurement and Methods-Analysis Studies of the OPF

Two reports describe early phases of continuing studies directed toward the selection and adaptation of industrial work-measurement and methods-analysis procedures for application to the Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF) at Kennedy Space Center. These studies were prompted by a need to increase efficiency, effectiveness, and productivity in the face of budget reductions. In the work-measurement study, (1) candidate work-measurement techniques were selected on the basis of feasibility, (2) similar space-shuttle-processing tasks were grouped into clusters, (3) the candidate techniques were used to measure the times of tasks in the clusters, then (4) the technique that scored highest according to weighted quantitative criteria developed for each cluster was selected as the "best" technique for the cluster. The methods-analysis study included an ergonomic review of tools, direct observation of tasks, and examination of work instructions. Several areas for improvements in work methods were identified. A methodology for selecting cost-effective methods-analysis techniques in the OPF environment was developed.