t’s important that operations managers realise that they need OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) to make their lives easier.
No doubt operations management is a tough job. You not only have to keep your finger on the pulse of your company’s production, but you also must deal with the day-to-day stresses of running operations.
Monitoring processes, coordinating operators, and hitting annual performance targets are just a selection of the ever-changing challenges faced by Operations Managers. It’s a lot to think about and without the right tools, it can quickly become seriously frustrating.
If all of this sounds pretty familiar, then you’ll be pleased to know there are Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) systems available to make your life a whole lot easier.
- Effective Time Management
- Coordinate Shifts and Changeovers
- Informed Business Decisions
- More Accurate Competitor Comparisons
- Optimised Production Process
Effective Time Management
The responsibilities of Operations Management don't make for a short list. We know we’re preaching to the choir here, but everything from managing end-to-end manufacturing processes to overseeing quality control fall under your remit.
It’s safe to say the most valuable resource you deal with each day isn’t anything used on the production line - it’s time.
OEE systems are simple and straightforward. They’re easy to use and this practicality is a huge time-saver. Consider the delays that take place throughout the whole production process because you don’t have access to real-time data.
Implement OEE systems and operators aren’t left waiting around for the vital information they need. The systems provide accurate real-time data from machines so tasks can be completed at a much faster rate. The quicker the task, the more time you have for other key work.
Coordinate Shifts and Changeovers
The people within your plant are as crucial to its success as any system, IIOT device, software, or piece of equipment. Just like with machinery, you’ll need to make sure your people are managed effectively to ensure problems don’t occur.
Take something as simple as shift management. It’s your responsibility to make sure shifts and changeovers are coordinated in the most efficient way. Is there planned downtime on the horizon? Have shifts been altered to reflect that?
OEE tools make managing shifts easy - it’s as simple as that. They provide Operations Managers with all the key information they need, including key details like planned stops. This data can offer insight into where time is lost and how changeovers can best be optimised.
Make changes based on these findings and your changeovers will run like a well-oiled machine.
Informed Business Decisions
It’s always difficult to make decisions based on guesswork. To make reliable decisions that will resolve common issues (like planned stops taking too long and defective products), Operations Managers need accurate data.
OEE systems allow you to better evaluate and analyse information so it can be used to support key business decisions. The more information you have available, the easier it is to identify patterns and issues harming overall efficiency.
More Accurate Competitor Comparisons
It’s always important to know what your rivals are doing. McDonald’s keeps tabs on KFC just like Nike has a watchful eye on Adidas. Stop paying attention for even a second and you might find they have the edge on you.
So, how is it best to monitor how your competitors are doing? With effectively tracked metrics, you can benchmark with competitors and gain a better understanding of how you stack up against them.
OEE scores provide the insight you need to drive the organisation forwards. They can highlight what’s improved and how far behind or ahead of the industry average you currently are.
The OEE software offers greater accuracy and with this level of detail, you can more easily make informed decisions that make sure you’re ahead of the curve.
Optimised Production Process
Issues with the production process can result in missed targets and more than a few disappointed looks from those in senior management. The aim is, of course, for production output to align with previously set out targets, although that’s not always the case.
To diagnose potential issues and develop solutions that will lead to the most positive results, you need to (somehow) find the time to optimise the entire production process. Only by doing this can you reduce production losses and fix problematic bottlenecks.
Monitoring process performance is a whole lot easier when you’re using OEE software. The software will improve asset utilisation and empower you to create the solutions that will ensure you’re getting the most from equipment.
The process is easier to tinker with when working proactively, rather than reactively. Being able to anticipate unplanned downtime, for example, means there’s less of a burden on production and you can take the necessary steps to ensure that targets aren’t missed.
So, OEE systems sound good in theory, but are you ready to see them in action?
Down with Downtime!
In our recent webinar, we explored how you can increase throughput and eliminate unplanned downtime on production lines. By using AVEVA's software solutions, you can decrease operating costs and improve quality by addressing those frustrating unplanned stoppages. Watch the webinar now by clicking below.
However, if you do want to waste any more time on downtime and would like to see it in action, simply sign up for a free 45 day trial.
