1. What is SAM Calculation?

SAM (Standard Allowed Minutes) is a key performance metric in the garment industry that measures the time allowed to complete a specific operation or produce a garment unit. It helps in production planning, cost estimation, and efficiency measurement.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the SAM formula:

Where:

• Total Time — Total production time in minutes
• Units Produced — Number of garment units produced

Explanation: The formula calculates the average time required to produce one unit of garment, which is essential for production planning and efficiency analysis.

3. Importance of SAM Calculation

Details: Accurate SAM calculation is crucial for production scheduling, labor cost calculation, efficiency measurement, and setting realistic production targets in the garment industry.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter total production time in minutes and the number of units produced. Both values must be positive numbers (time > 0, units ≥ 1).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a good SAM value?
A: SAM values vary by garment type and operation. Lower SAM indicates higher efficiency, but optimal values depend on specific production standards and garment complexity.

Q2: How is SAM different from SMV?
A: SAM (Standard Allowed Minutes) and SMV (Standard Minute Value) are often used interchangeably, though SMV typically includes additional allowances for fatigue and delay.

Q3: Can SAM be used for individual operations?
A: Yes, SAM can be calculated for specific operations (like sewing, cutting) or for complete garment production, depending on the time data collected.

Q4: What factors affect SAM?
A: Operator skill, machine efficiency, fabric type, garment complexity, and working conditions all influence SAM values.

Q5: How often should SAM be recalculated?
A: SAM should be reviewed regularly, especially when there are changes in methods, materials, or when introducing new products to maintain accurate production standards.