Understanding TRS and its impact on industrial equipment: OEE or OEM

In today’s competitive environment, the manufacturing industry is under constant pressure to maximize efficiency. OEE, or Overall Equipment Effectiveness, has become a crucial indicator for assessing this efficiency. However, a dilemma often emerges in discussions: should we prioritize OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) over OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)? This question is particularly relevant for plant managers seeking to optimize their production lines and reduce inefficiencies.

The causes of poor performance, expressly measured by a low OEE, can come from a number of sources: obsolete equipment supplied by an OEM, out-of-date production methodologies or inadequate maintenance. These factors inevitably lead to increased downtime, degraded quality and higher costs. The stakes are therefore high when it comes to maintaining high levels of productivity and competitiveness.

To overcome these challenges, industrial managers need to adopt a proactive approach. This begins with the implementation of continuous improvement practices such as Lean Manufacturing or TPM (Total Productive Maintenance). In addition, the adoption of digitalization via tools such as TeepTrak enables real-time monitoring of TRS/OEE, providing essential data for detecting and correcting failures. Finally, key performance indicators (KPIs) need to be put in place to ensure accurate, ongoing analysis.

Let’s illustrate this with a concrete example: a mechanical manufacturing plant was suffering from frequent slowdowns due to ageing equipment. By opting for a monitoring tool like TeepTrak, the plant was able to identify the main bottlenecks, reduce unscheduled downtime, and consequently increase its OEE by 15% within six months. This approach enabled them to optimize resources and strengthen their competitiveness in the marketplace.

It is crucial for every plant manager or COO to take tangible measures to steer production performance. Choosing to accurately measure OEE with modern tools makes it easier to identify potential losses and gains. A well-structured OEE project helps to clearly define priorities and anticipate the benefits of a continuous improvement program. To achieve this, solutions like TeepTrak are essential.

FAQ

Question 1: What’s the difference between OEE and OEM?

The OEE measures the efficiency of equipment in production, while the OEM is the original equipment manufacturer. OEE analyzes the actual use of equipment.

Question 2: How can we effectively improve our OEE?

To improve OEE, it is essential to implement proactive maintenance practices, use real-time monitoring tools and adopt Lean management methods.

Question 3: Where to start digitizing your shop floor?

Start by assessing your specific performance needs, then integrate a tracking system like TeepTrak for a clear, precise view of your performance indicators.