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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 1, Issue 10 (March 21, 1927)

Production Engineering — (Part IX.) — Recording The Facts And The Use of — The Gnatt Chart

page 18

Production Engineering
(Part IX.)
Recording The Facts And The Use of
The Gnatt Chart

There is too great a tendency towards impulsive action in relation to reports and work in different sections of the service.

Too many reports or statements which, after investigation, are found to be incorrect, are made to executive officers. Such habits as rushing to conclusions too hastily, evading responsibility or blaming the other fellow, truly spell inefficiency. We must “steady up a bit” so that such hindranees to our work are avoided—for they waste a lot of time.

The reason for a great deal of this lost time is, unquestionably, the lack of accurate information, or the absence of recorded facts, in connection with the manifold questions which daily call for decision. There is too much dependence on hearsay, and too little dependence on real facts.

That's that—and there is a whole lot in just that little bit.

Now I want to explain to you the Gnatt Chart. It has features not contained in the ordinary two dimension curve type or barometer type of chart.

The Gnatt Chart.

The Gnatt Chart.

page 19

The Gnatt Chart gives a clear and graphic comparison of statistics without the liability to confusion that is caused by graph lines crossing on the same chart. For instance on one Gnatt Chart we can compare:—

1. This period with all or any other period of the current year.

2. This period with all or any other period of last year.

3. The same, if necessary, for previous years.

4. Cumulative totals as given to date this year with cumulative totals, if desired, of last year.

Once properly understood, it is not a complicated chart to keep up. Familiarity with it makes irregularities stand out immediately, and it is very simple indeed to show or explain to those concerned exactly any particular point in question.

The chart illustrated contains thirteen vertical columns, one for each period. Each period is divided by thin vertical lines to represent the range of the scale. In the chart shown each period width represents 100 per cent.

Horizontally the chart is divided into as many sections as the number of items it is intended to record.

The entry for each period is made by a graph line starting from the left side of the columns. It is entered of such length as will show graphically and to scale the required figure.

Last year's comparative figures, or as many other year's figures as are wanted, are shown similarly, either in different colours, or by different sectioning.

Cumulative totals are shown by the extra thick line at the bottom of each section. This line is started from the left side of the whole chart and represents the cumulative length of all the sectional entries. As each period is entered in its proper column, a piece equal in length to that put in the period column is added to the cumulative line.

A study of the chart appended will show its possibilities. By having before you a summary of what is happening, whether it be relative to costs, stocks, output or anything else, you have a better chance to make intelligent judgment of a given situation and to take, when necessary, intelligent action.

You know the story of locking the stable door after the horse has escaped. From a management viewpoint you must take the proper precautions before. The aim is to foresee possibilities of trouble and so act as to circumvent them after looking ahead with all the available facts before you.

Reorganisation Of Workshops.

Reorganisation Of Workshops.

Eight Kitchen and Wade Vertical Drilling Machines, supplied to the order of the New Zealand Railways—Photograph taken at the maker's works in England, after inspection.

There are no gears exposed, and as the machines are driven by independent motors, there are no belts, pulleys, or running shafts requiring attention. All control levers are in one place and easily reached by the operator. It may be said that “safety first” is built into these drillers.

An American Tribute.

Mr. George M. Cornwall, a visiting American, who is editor and publisher of “The Timberman,” in Portland, Oregon, has nothing but praise for the New Zealand Railways. “I certainly had never expected to find such fast and up-to-date trains in New Zealand,” he said to a Christchurch “Sun” reporter. “I have just returned by the express from Dunedin, and I think its speed compares more than favourably with that of our own expresses. Of course you have no such luxurious fittings as we have, but that is hardly to be expected in a young, undeveloped country. I was agreeably surprised to find my seat so comfortable.”

The “Philadelphia Inquirer” concludes that, in America, the chief end of man seems to be at a railroad crossing.