Industry 4.0

OEE: How to effectively calculate, monitor and optimize your machine OEE?

A ticket from
Hugo Pelletier
30/6/2023
Photo of an automated automobile production line. We see chassis and robotic arms.

Contents

In today's industrial world, machine OEE plays a vital role in optimizing performance. Understanding, calculating, tracking and effectively increasing your machine OEE can help you improve the efficiency, productivity and profitability of your operations.

What is TRS? 

Definition of TRS

THE TRS, Or OEE, is a measure used to evaluate efficiency and the performance of a machine or industrial equipment. It represents the percentage of time the machine is productive and actually working, compared to the total time allocated. In other words, the TRS measures the performance of the machine and makes it possible to identify productivity losses.

Why is OEE so important for performance optimization?

The TRS is a key indicator for businesses that rely on machinery and equipment for their production. It makes it possible to evaluate the efficiency of machines, identify performance problems and implement corrective actions to to optimise the operations. High OEE means optimal machine utilization, which results in increased production, a reduction of downtime and operating costs.

What are the factors that influence the OEE of machines?

Several factors can influence the synthetic efficiency rate of machines, here are some of them:

  • Preventive maintenance : Regular and anticipated maintenance of machines can help to minimize downtime unplanned and to prevent major breakdowns.
  • Setup time : The time required to change machine settings and parameters can affect OEE. Effective setup procedures can reduce this time and increase availability of the machine.
  • Operator training : Well-trained operators can maximize machine utilization, minimize errors and reduce downtime linked to human errors.

Calculate OEE: Simple and effective methods

How to calculate OEE?

The calculation of OEE can be done using the following formula:

OEE = (Actual production time / Total available time) * 100

Production time actual corresponds to the time during which the machines were operating and were productive. The total timel available represents the total time during which the machines were supposed to be in operation.

What are the key indicators for evaluating OEE?

To evaluate OEE in more detail, several key indicators can be used, such as:

  • Availability : Measures the percentage of time the machine was available for production, without taking into account planned downtime.
  • Performance : Evaluates the efficiency of the machine by comparing the actual production speed to the maximum theoretical speed.
  • Quality : Represents the percentage of products meeting established quality standards.

How to interpret the results of the OEE calculation?

The interpretation of the synthetic rate of return differs from that of TRG or TRE.

A TRS 100% would mean that the machine has been operating at full capacity for the entire available time. However, 100% OEE is rarely achievable in practice. The objective is therefore to measure the current OEE, identify the reasons for productivity losses and implement corrective actions to improve it.

How to track your TRS?

What are the tools and technologies to monitor TRS?

There are several tools and technologies available to track the TRS machines accurately and in real time. Here are some examples :

  • Automated monitoring systems : These systems use sensors and data collection devices to monitor machine performance, detect potential problems, and generate detailed reports.
  • Production management software : This software helps track and analyze production data, including OEE, to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
  • Online dashboards : Online dashboards provide an overview of machine performance, with key indicators such as OEE, availability and the performance, accessible from any connected device.

What are the best practices for monitoring OEE?

For effective monitoring of the synthetic rate of return, it is important to follow these best practices:

  • Regular data collection : Make sure you regularly collect the data necessary to calculate OEE and related indicators.
  • Data analysis : Regularly analyze collected data to identify trends, recurring issues, and opportunities for improvement.
  • Corrective actions : Implement corrective actions to resolve identified issues and improve OEE.

How to analyze and interpret monitoring data?

Analyzing OEE tracking data can provide valuable insights into machine performance and help make informed decisions to optimize operations. By examining OEE trends, seasonal variations or specific events, it is possible to identify underlying issues, predict potential failures and of plan corrective actions proactively.

How to increase your OEE Machine

How to identify bottlenecks? 

To increase the OEE of your machines, it is essential to identify the bottlenecks which limit their performance. Here are some strategies to achieve this:

  • Process analysis : Analyze production processes to identify steps where delays, errors, or quality issues frequently occur.
  • Optimized production flow : Optimize production flow by eliminating unnecessary steps, reducing average waiting times and simplifying operations.
  • Preventive maintenance : Implement a preventative maintenance program to avoid major breakdowns and minimize unplanned downtime.

What are the strategies for improving OEE?

Once the bottlenecks identified, here are some strategies to improve the OEE of your machines:

  • Operator training : Provide in-depth operator training to optimize their use of machines and minimize errors.
  • Optimization of configuration times : Identify the setup steps that take the most time and find ways to reduce them, for example, by using a quick adjustment tool.
  • Improved maintenance : Establish a regular preventative maintenance schedule and ensure that necessary spare parts are available when needed.

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