PROCESS AUTOMATION STAY AHEAD OF THE CURVE WITH OEE
Andy Graham, solutions manager at SolutionsPT, explains how operations managers can benefit from the use of OEE systems
M
onitoring processes, coordinating operators and hitting annual performance targets are just a selection of the ever-changing challenges faced by operations managers. There’s a lot to think about, and without the right tools, these challenges can quickly cause issues. But there are Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) systems available to make life a lot easier. Let’s discuss a few of the top influencers.
Effective Time Management – The responsibilities of the operations manager are ever-changing and forever growing! Everything from managing end-to-end production processes, to overseeing quality control, all fall under the remit of his or her role. The most valuable resource in an operation manager’s arsenal isn’t anything used on the production line, it’s time. OEE systems are generally simple and straightforward. They’re easy to use and are a huge time-saver. For instance, consider the delays that take place throughout the whole production process because you don’t have access to real-time data? By implementing OEE systems, operators aren’t left waiting around for the vital information they need to do get on with their roles. An OEE system provides accurate real-time data from machines so tasks can be completed at a much faster rate.
Coordinate Shifts and Changeovers – The people within your plant are as crucial to its success as any system, 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 of 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 be optimised. Make changes based on these findings and shift changes will run like a well-oiled machine. Informed Business Decisions – It’s always difficult to make decisions based on guesswork and the direction of the wind! To make reliable decisions that will resolve common issues (like planned stops taking
too long and defective products), operations managers need accurate data in real-time. OEE systems allow you to better evaluate and analyse information so it can be used to support key business decisions. So, it goes without saying that the more data available, the easier it is to identify patterns and possible 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. So, how is it best to monitor how, and what, your competitors are doing? With effectively tracked metrics, you can benchmark with competitors and gain a better understanding of how you compare. 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, and the competition!
Optimised Production Process – Issues with the production process can result in missed targets, lost profits and lost customers. The aim is, of course, for production output to align with previously set out targets, although this is not always easy. 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 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. Whether your machines are brand-new or legacy hardware.
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.
Operations managers are under an intense strain to get the most from the plant- floor. Without accurate data being available in real-time this process becomes complicated and time consuming. The right OEE software brings with it more insight and provides a path to smarter and more efficient operations.
Solutions PT
www.solutionspt.com
APRIL 2021 | PROCESS & CONTROL 19
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64
