How to Calculate a Man to Machine Ratio

Calculate the man to machine ratio to compare expenditure and output.

The man to machine ratio is commonly used by organizations to calculate production output. It is a helpful way of correlating the amount of expenses and resources put into an investment versus the return. Calculating the man to machine ratio is a simple process you can do in a few steps.

Instructions

1. Look at the simultaneous activities being completed by one or more workers. Note the exact number of workers and then the sum total of all their activities.

2. Write the man to machine ratio. For example if you have two workers who are operating on six machines then write it as "2:6." You can also simplify the ratio to "1:3" by dividing both numbers by the common denominator, which in this case is 2.

3. Compare different man to machine ratios and their corresponding output. This way you can find the ratio that will yield the greatest output. This is the ratio that a company or organization will aim to maintain to maximize profits.

References

• Informs Simulation Society: Establishing Man Machine Ratio Using Simulation
• Top PDF Files: Man Machine Chart