1
ChooseDefine what you are observing.
Agree the roles, observation period and categories. Focus on recurring work rather than trying to measure everything at once.
Free resource · Time StudySee where the
See where the
working time goes.
Build an evidence-based view of recurring work before deciding what to improve or automate.
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A useful baseline
Observe the work.
Then choose what to improve.
A time study is most useful when the team records activities consistently and understands what the observation is for.
2
RecordCapture activities consistently.
Use the same categories throughout the study. Include repetition, rework and handoffs so the record reflects how the operation actually runs.
3
ReviewLook for patterns together.
Discuss where time goes with the people doing the work. Separate necessary judgment from avoidable delay, duplication and manual movement of information.
4
PrioritiseInvestigate a useful next step.
Use the evidence to shortlist an improvement. Check feasibility, quality, risk and implementation cost before calling the time an automation opportunity.
Interpret the resultTime is evidence.
Understand the Automation ROI AuditTime is evidence.
It is not a guaranteed saving.
Measured time can reveal an opportunity. The feasible improvement, implementation cost and cash impact still need assessment. Less manual work can create capacity without reducing payroll expense.
Common questions
Straight answers.
What you need to know before starting a conversation.
Do we need an automation project to run a time study?
No. Understanding recurring work can help you improve a process, clarify responsibilities or decide whether an automation assessment is worthwhile.
Can we use our existing time-tracking tool?
Yes. The method matters more than the tool: use consistent categories, a representative period and enough context to interpret what the recorded time means.
Does recorded time equal potential savings?
No. Some work needs human judgment, and an implementation has costs and limitations. Treat the study as evidence for investigation, not a promise of cash savings.