Manufacturing has progressed significantly since the days of handcrafting goods. Today’s factories rely on cutting-edge technology to streamline production processes and keep pace with growing demand- and the key to staying competitive lies in maximizing efficiency.
That’s where OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) comes in. For manufacturers looking to stay ahead of the curve, understanding OEE and how technology is changing the landscape of manufacturing efficiency is essential.
In this article, we’ll delve into the future of OEE, exploring the technological advancements shaping the field and the benefits they offer manufacturers. So buckle up and get ready to learn about the exciting future of manufacturing!
Let’s get started ASAP.
What Is Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)?
OEE, or overall equipment effectiveness, is a lean manufacturing metric that helps companies determine how efficiently their equipment runs. Simply put, it measures the percentage of time a machine produces good parts versus the total time it is available to produce them.
OEE takes into account three factors:
- Availability (how much time the equipment can be used)
- Performance (how well it is being utilized during that time)
- Quality (how many good parts are being produced).
For example, if a machine is supposed to run for an entire 8-hour shift but is only operational for 6 hours due to mechanical problems, its OEE would be 75%. A high OEE indicates a well-run manufacturing process, while a low OEE indicates room for improvement.
By tracking OEE, manufacturers can pinpoint areas of inefficiency and optimize their production accordingly.
How Technology is Transforming the Field of OEE
Obviously, technology’s role in the globalized economy and modern manufacturing processes is revolutionary. As a result, the field of OEE has experienced a drastic shift over recent years due to advancements in machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI).
In the past, OEE was measured manually, with operators keeping track of production data by hand. The shortcomings of handling such tasks manually include time-consuming data entry and potential human error, leading to inaccurate results.
Today, developments in wearable technology and IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) have allowed for the automated collection of OEE data. This includes using sensors and cameras on machines to track production output in real-time and instant notifications sent via mobile devices.
The insights from such data are invaluable for manufacturers who want to maximize efficiency and increase their bottom line. With OEE manufacturing software like LineView, manufacturers can identify patterns in OEE data, monitor maintenance schedules to reduce downtime, and forecast future production output.
In addition to tracking OEE more effectively, AI has allowed for predictive maintenance and automated issue detection. By leveraging machine learning algorithms, manufacturers can receive an early warning when equipment is about to break down and proactively address any issues that arise.
The Benefits of Automated OEE Tracking
The future of OEE lies in automation, and its benefits to manufacturers are significant.
Some of the benefits are:
Offers More Accurate Forecasting for Future Output
In the past, tracking OEE manually was a tedious and time-consuming process. With so much data to gather and analyze, it was easy for even the most detail-oriented person to miss something.
And when mistakes are made, it could throw off the accuracy of future output forecasting.
But with the advent of automated OEE tracking, those concerns are a thing of the past. The technology takes care of the data gathering and analysis, leaving manufacturers with a more accurate picture of their production process.
And with that more accurate picture, they can confidently predict future output, helping to streamline workflow and increase profits.
Operational Help in Guiding OEE Improvement Strategies
Some OEE manufacturing software offers automated OEE tracking, allowing manufacturers to track real-time performance and adjust as needed. This allows them to identify areas of inefficiency and develop improvement strategies accordingly quickly.
For instance, if a machine produces fewer parts than expected, the manufacturer can look into what might be causing the issue. Is it an issue with the machine itself? Or is it the operator’s lack of training?
By understanding what’s causing a decrease in efficiency, manufacturers can make changes that will help them increase their OEE. That could be anything from implementing better scheduling strategies to investing in additional resources or training for operators.
Targeted Notifications and Alerts
One of the biggest advantages is receiving targeted notifications and alerts. Manufacturers no longer have to spend hours pouring over data to identify potential issues or inefficiencies.
Automated tracking identifies problems immediately, sending alerts to the appropriate personnel. This saves time and allows manufacturers to take action quickly, minimizing downtime and maximizing output.
Manufacturers can customize the system with targeted notifications and alerts to fit their needs and priorities. It’s just another way that technology is helping to streamline manufacturing processes and improve efficiency.
Council Production Lost and Cost
Manufacturing companies that leverage OEE manufacturing software have been benefiting significantly from the cost savings associated with it. This automated tracking system helps identify inefficiency and unnecessary production costs, allowing them to make adjustments and save money.
For instance, if a machine produces fewer parts than expected, the manufacturer can look into what might be causing the issue. Is it an issue with the machine itself? Or is it the operator’s lack of training?
By understanding what’s causing a decrease in efficiency, manufacturers can identify opportunities to reduce costs and optimize production.
Helps Companies Better Monitor their Supply Chains
Finally, with increased automation and connected technology, OEE can help manufacturers monitor their supply chains better. For instance, with connected systems, it’s easier for manufacturers to keep track of parts availability and predict any potential delays.
This allows them to plan their processes better and adjust accordingly if something goes wrong. Manufacturers can ensure uninterrupted production and avoid costly setbacks by monitoring the supply chain more closely.
Wrapping Up
The future of OEE looks brighter than ever, thanks to technological advancements in machine learning, AI, and IIoT. Automated OEE tracking solutions are now available that allow for increased accuracy in forecasting, the ability to quickly identify and address areas of inefficiency, targeted notifications and alerts, cost savings, and better supply chain monitoring.
In other words, this technology can help manufacturers optimize their production processes for maximum efficiency- a must for staying ahead in today’s competitive global market. So if you’re looking to maximize your OEE, now is the perfect time to invest in OEE manufacturing software.
