Understanding availability in the OEE formula: A practical guide

In a competitive industrial context, understanding and improving availability, one of the three pillars of Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), is crucial for plants. Availability refers to the proportion of time that equipment is actually operational compared with the planned time. When availability is low, it indicates problems of frequent breakdowns or inappropriate maintenance, negatively impacting productivity and significantly increasing production costs.

The causes of this low availability are often multiple: unplanned downtime, corrective rather than preventive maintenance, and prolonged transitions on production lines. These factors not only reduce production capacity, but also lower overall OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness), thus penalizing industrial efficiency. The economic impact is considerable, as every minute of downtime translates into direct and indirect financial losses.

To remedy these problems, plants can adopt effective strategies. Firstly, implementing a real-time control system such as TeepTrak enables in-depth analysis of the causes of stoppages, facilitating rapid decision-making. Secondly, integrating preventive maintenance methods derived from Lean Management is essential for reducing breakdowns. Finally, monitoring availability by analyzing key performance indicators (KPIs) provides a clear view of progress made.

A case in point is a production line in an electronic components factory. Initially faced with frequent downtime due to inefficient gauge changes, the plant implemented the TeepTrak solution to continuously monitor its equipment. By quickly identifying bottlenecks and optimizing maintenance processes, it improved equipment availability, increasing its OEE by 15% in just six months.

In conclusion, to sustainably improve OEE, it is imperative to focus on availability through continuous analysis and strategic adjustments. Tools such as TeepTrak facilitate this approach by providing greater visibility and precise analysis of downtime. Starting a TRS/OEE project not only improves performance, but also delivers significant cost and productivity gains.

FAQ

Question 1: How can we improve equipment availability?

To improve availability, implement preventive maintenance and use real-time monitoring tools like TeepTrak to diagnose breakdowns.

Question 2: What is the impact of low availability on TRS?

Low availability reduces OEE by increasing downtime, which in turn reduces production capacity and increases costs.

Question 3: Where to start improving OEE?

Start by accurately measuring your current availability using systems like TeepTrak, and identify the main causes of downtime.