How to Calculate SMV for a T-Shirt (5 Steps)

How to Calculate SMV for a T-Shirt (5 Steps)

What is SMV?

SMV is the time a skilled worker needs to finish a task (like sewing a t-shirt) at a standard pace. For example, if SMV is 4.30 minutes, that’s the target time to make one t-shirt.

>> Break Down the Process

Divide sewing into small steps. Example for a basic t-shirt:

Collar attaching (25 seconds)

Shoulder joining (40 seconds)

Sleeve attaching (50 seconds)

Side seam sewing (70 seconds)

Hemming (50 seconds)

(Customize steps based on your factory’s style!)

>>Time Each Step

Use a stopwatch to measure a skilled worker doing each task. Repeat 5-10 times and take the average.

#Add All Time

Convert seconds to minutes:

Collar (0.42) + Shoulder (0.67) + Sleeve (0.83) + Side seam (1.17) + Hemming (0.83) = 3.92 minutes.

#Add Allowances

Workers need breaks! Add extra time for:

1. Fatigue (8%)

2. Machine delays (5%)

3. Personal needs (2%)

*Total allowance = 15% of 3.92 min ≈ 0.58 min.*

Final SMV

Total Time (3.92) + Allowance (0.58) = 4.5 minutes (round down to 4.30 for faster targets!)

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Why SMV Matters?

>Sets fair daily targets (e.g., 100 pieces at 4.30 SMV = 7.2 hours).

>Factories use SMV to plan orders and avoid delays.

>Higher efficiency = More bonuses for YOU!