GSD in Garment Industry:
GSD (General Sewing Data) is a technique for method analysis and time study. GSD was devised by Methods Workshop Limited, and published in 1978. It is computerized standard data system developed specially for garment industry. It can be evaluate all operations, including cutting, sewing, examination, pressing and packing. GSD was developed using MTM core data, to provide a consistent, accurate and easy to understand, method analysis and time standards determination technique. The final system consists of 36 items of data in 7 categories with simple retrieval codes for ease of application and understanding. Each data has a constant TMU value.
Woman tailor working at the sewing factory
GSD practitioner training covers the GSD codes, application rules, and emphasizes the importance of accurate work measurement and adherence to economic engineering guidelines. GSD, a computerized system for the sewn-products industry, uses simple, universally applicable elemental codes derived from MTM™ CORE DATA. These codes can be adjusted for different methods, ensuring quick and accurate application across various manufacturing environments. GSD serves as a predictive management tool, supporting “Just in Time” technology for efficient manufacturing. The system has shown up to 26 percent cost savings, with a potential six-month payback requiring just a three-percent reduction in direct labor payroll. Additionally, GSD fosters awareness among management, supervisors, and operators regarding design, material, volume, technique, and quality changes, all quantifiable in the GSD specification.
MTM system: Methods-time measurement Association developed this system. That is why it is called MTM system. This system is recognized in 1948. MTM system analyses an industrial job basic movements. From the tables of these basic motions, depending on the kind of motion, and conditions under which the motion is made predetermined time values are allocated to each motion. By adding the allocated time, normal time required for completing a job/operation can be found out. Finally the standard time can be obtained by adding suitable allowances. M-T-M measures time in terms of TMUS (Time measurement units) and 1 TMU = 0.0006 minutes.
The Basic Motions of MTM-1
PRINCIPLE MOTION
CODE
REACH
R
GRASP
G
RELEASE
RL
MOVE
M
POSITION
P
DISENGAGE
D
TURN
T
APPLY PRESSURE
AP
CRANK
C
EYE ACTION OR EYE FOCUS TIME
ET & EF
BODY MOTIONS
CODE
FOOT MOTION
FM
LEG MOTION
LM
SIDE STEP
SS
BEND, STOOP OR KNEEL ON ONE KNEE
B S MEK
ARISE FROM ONE KNEE
AB, AS AMEK
KNEEL ON FLOOR BOTH KNEES
KBH
ARISE FROM FLOOR ON BOTH KNEES
AKBK
SIT
SIT
STAND
STD
TURN BODY
TB
GSD provides categories for both handling & machining. The handling can be classified either as First Level categories or Second Level categories.
First Level Categories
Obtaining & Matching Parts
M
Aligning & Adjusting Parts
A
Forming Shapes
F
Trimming & Tool Use
T
Asiding Parts
A
Handling Machines
M
Second Level Categories
Get and put
G or P
Sewing
S
Importance of GSD in Garment Industry: GSD is important for several reasons:
1. Cost estimation & Accuracy: GSD is a computerized standard information system developed specially for the sewing product industry. As long as the processing cost of unit time is known, processing charges of clothing can be budgeted accurately and rapidly. GSD cost allows sewn product manufacturers to establish and optimize ‘International Standard Time Benchmarks’ using standard motion codes and predetermined times for each step in the manufacturing method.
2. Boost profit: By the accurately calculation of garment SMV, you can increase your profits through enhance collaboration and transparency across the supply chain with GSD cost.
3. Data analysis: By the data analysis you can identify the area of improvement, optimize process, and enhance overall efficiency in garment production.
4. Optimized planning and line balancing: GSD Cost supports the accurate SMV values which are essential for accurate capacity planning and line balancing. With accurate and optimized method standards, manufacturers with GSD cost are able to plan with more confidence for new styles and achieving a smoother production flow.
5. Method improvement: Trained Practitioners can use GSD cost as a Method Improvement tool to investigate the detail of the analysis, and to identify area of improvement which, once approved, are saved as new updated versions of the analysis. Method and time standardization provides strong foundations for optimizing each operation in the production line to improve the current method and boost overall productivity. Standardized garment construction methods also improve consistency of product quality, resulting in fewer defects.
Conclusion:
GSD (General Sewing Data) plays a crucial role in the garment industry by providing a standardized and computerized system for method analysis and time study. Developed in 1978 by Methods Workshop Limited, GSD utilizes MTM core data to offer consistent, accurate, and easily understandable method analysis and time standards. The system’s 36 data items in 7 categories, along with TMU values, enable efficient evaluation of operations, including cutting, sewing, examination, pressing, and packing. GSD practitioner training covers code application rules, emphasizing accurate work measurement and adherence to economic engineering guidelines. The system, rooted in MTM principles, utilizes elemental codes adaptable for different methods, ensuring quick and accurate application across various manufacturing environments. GSD serves as a predictive management tool, supporting “Just in Time” technology for efficient manufacturing, leading to potential cost savings and a six-month payback with a minimal reduction in direct labor payroll. MTM (Methods-Time Measurement) system, recognized in 1948, contributes to the GSD methodology by analyzing basic movements in industrial jobs. The allocation of predetermined time values to each motion allows for the calculation of normal time and standard time with suitable allowances, measured in TMUs. The importance of GSD in the garment industry is evident in various aspects. It facilitates accurate cost estimation, enhances collaboration across the supply chain, boosts profits through precise garment SMV calculation, enables data analysis for process optimization, and supports optimized planning and line balancing. Additionally, GSD serves as a method improvement tool, allowing trained practitioners to identify areas of enhancement and standardize garment construction methods for improved consistency in product quality. In summary, GSD’s comprehensive approach to method analysis and time standards contributes significantly to the efficiency, profitability, and quality consistency of garment production processes.
Founder & Editor of Textile Learner. He is a Textile Consultant, Blogger & Entrepreneur. He is working as a textile consultant in several local and international companies. He is also a contributor of Wikipedia.
