5 Tips & Tricks to Achieve the Best OEE Results

OEE stands for Overall Equipment Effectiveness and is a measure of how well a manufacturing process is performing. To achieve OEE scores that are optimal, you must learn what goes into the results process. High scores can lead to increased productivity and profitability for a business, making it a crucial resource. However, there are common obstacles that manufacturers face in improving their OEE scores including:

1. Equipment breakdowns
2. Set-up and changeover times
3. Reduced speed or performance
4. Quality defects

In order to combat or overcome these obstacles, we’ve compiled a list of tricks and tips to help you achieve the best OEE results.

1. Identify and Eliminate Inefficiencies

In the production process, there can be a number of factors that cause downtime or inefficiencies. To avoid this, you’ll first need to identify the root causes of these issues and then take steps to eliminate those bottlenecks. This could involve a number of things including:

• Maintenance
• Process changes
• Training for employees

Eliminating these doesn’t necessarily mean not doing them, but finding ways to do them more efficiently and without interruption to the production line.

2. Implement Continuous Improvement

Implementing continuous improvement practices can help identify and address inefficiencies as they come up, rather than waiting for them to become a major issue. This could involve using daily meetings to discuss problems or implementing a system to achieve OEE results that are favorable.

3. Improve Communication

Regardless of circumstance, poor communication can be a larger hindrance than many realize. Effective communication across all levels and departments can lead to a smoother production process if done correctly. This includes communication about:

1. Scheduling
2. Training
3. Problem-solving

It’s important for employees to feel comfortable speaking up about potential problems or inefficiencies they may notice, as well as having open lines of communication between departments. Once that internal problem has been worked out and a solution is solidified, external communication with suppliers and customers should also be streamlined.

4. Utilize Technology

Technology can be integrated into the overall process to achieve OEE scores that reflect productivity, such as implementing software for tracking and analyzing data or using automation to reduce human error.

However, finding a balance between utilizing technology and not overcomplicating the processes is crucial. Common mistakes can include not properly training employees on new technology or not maintaining equipment regularly, making it more of a burden than a help.

5. Set Realistic Goals

Setting goals is a necessary step in achieving high OEE scores, but make sure those goals are realistic and achievable. Unrealistic goals can lead to frustration and a negative impact on employee morale.

Have a plan for how these goals will be achieved, including involving the employees in problem-solving and decision-making. Regularly review progress towards those goals and make sensible adjustments as needed. Once this transparent line of communication is open to employees, you’ll find it more manageable to reach those goals and come up with solutions.

Partner with VersaCall

VersaCall offers OEE solutions where we address two key problem areas that have plagued OEE reporting in the past: manual data collection and the delay in publishing OEE reports. We provide an easy step-by-step implementation process, providing a quick and efficient system installation.

As WorldClass OEE’s article states, “Don’t fixate on the absolute value of OEE, instead fixate on your ability to improve your OEE.”

Don’t hesitate, to achieve the best OEE results to help your business today with VersaCall.