Energy efficiency in the manufacturing industry is a major challenge for plant managers and other operational executives. A crucial tool for this optimization is OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness), which makes it possible to assess equipment performance and identify opportunities for reducing energy consumption. Understanding the meaning of OEE in the energy context is therefore essential to improving both the costs and the environmental footprint of industrial operations. This subject is of critical importance, as poor energy management can lead to high operating costs and reduced OEE, impacting plant competitiveness.
The causes of this energy inefficiency can be manifold: under-utilized machines, frequent stoppages, non-proactive maintenance, or lack of operator training to optimize operations. These factors can have a negative impact on OEE, contributing to higher costs and inefficient use of resources. Indeed, non-optimized equipment consumes more energy to produce less, thus increasing the cost per product. Analyzing these components in detail is essential to understanding the impact on overall plant performance.
To remedy these problems, several levers can be activated. Continuous improvement, for example through Lean practices, and the digitization of the shop floor play a key role. Adopting solutions such as those offered by TeepTrak, which specialize in real-time monitoring and analysis of stoppages, offers multi-line visibility that facilitates improvement in OEE. Key indicators such as downtime, renewable energy usage and efficiency ratios need to be monitored regularly to effectively drive energy performance.
A concrete example of the effectiveness of these solutions is a French automotive plant. Faced with increasing energy consumption without any productivity gains, the management decided to implement a project with TeepTrak to monitor the TRS in real time. Thanks to this system, the plant was able to identify the main points of energy wastage and optimize the operation of its production lines. In less than a year, it reduced energy consumption by 15%, while increasing production output by 8%.
In conclusion, understanding the meaning of OEE and its impact on energy enables continuous improvement actions to be targeted effectively. It then becomes possible to maximize equipment utilization while minimizing energy wastage, thereby strengthening the competitiveness and sustainability of industrial operations. Companies wishing to implement these initiatives can start by assessing their current OEE and establishing a plan for digitization and monitoring
FAQ
Question 1: How does OEE affect a plant’s energy consumption?
OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) identifies inefficiencies in equipment use, helping to reduce energy consumption by optimizing their operation.
Question 2: What are the main levers for improving energy efficiency with OEE?
Key levers include the application of Lean principles, the digitization of the shop floor with solutions like those from TeepTrak, and the regular monitoring of performance indicators.
Question 3: Where do you start to optimize energy consumption on a production line?
It is recommended to start by measuring the current OEE, identifying the main points of energy waste, and then implementing real-time monitoring and digitalization solutions.




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