Optimizing OEE in pharmaceutical manufacturing: A complete guide

In the pharmaceutical industry, operational efficiency is crucial to meeting regulatory requirements, reducing costs and maximizing productivity. Companies are constantly seeking to improve their Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) to achieve these goals. However, measuring and optimizing OEE can be complex, due to the varied and strictly controlled processes involved in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Low OEE is often caused by prolonged downtime, sub-optimal machine performance and fluctuating quality. These problems can result from a lack of visibility on equipment operation, unresolved bottlenecks or inadequate maintenance. This inefficiency can lead to lower productivity, higher costs and delivery delays.

To overcome these challenges, digitizing the shop floor is a key solution. Tools such as those from TeepTrak enable real-time performance monitoring, downtime analysis and bottleneck identification. Implementing preventive maintenance systems and using performance indicators such as TRS/OEE help optimize processes. Organizing regular training sessions for staff can also improve understanding of and adherence to new processes.

A case in point is a pharmaceutical plant where the adoption of TeepTrak led to a considerable improvement in OEE. By identifying the main causes of downtime through real-time monitoring, the plant was able to reduce stoppages by 25% in six months. In addition, by optimizing maintenance procedures, the plant increased its operational availability, thereby boosting production capacity.

Starting with a complete audit of production lines and identifying the main causes of loss is essential. Then, gradually integrating real-time tracking solutions, such as those offered by TeepTrak, can transform a plant. With improved visibility and optimized processes, pharmaceutical companies can not only increase their OEE, but also ensure better compliance and consistent product quality. Now it’s time to take action, increase performance and effectively integrate a TRS/OEE project.

FAQ

Question 1: How can TRS be improved in pharmaceutical manufacturing?

To improve OEE, it’s crucial to monitor and analyze performance in real time, identify and correct bottlenecks, and implement effective preventive maintenance.

Question 2: What is the impact of a low OEE on production costs?

A low OEE can lead to higher production costs due to lower equipment utilization, increased waste and additional labor requirements to compensate for inefficiencies.

Question 3: