MCP Overall Equipment Effectiveness Services

OEE may be defined as a measure of the performance (effectiveness) of an item of equipment and should not be confused with the “Time & Motion Studies” of the 1970’s.

It is an engineering based methodology that quantifies the hidden performance losses of the equipment. These losses are termed the ‘Six Losses’, but in reality are six groups of losses, namely:

• Breakdowns 

• Changeovers and set-ups

• Idling and minor stops

• Reduced speed 

• Service Quality defects 

• Reduced Throughput or Waste

OEE is able to compare these different categories of loss by expressing them all in the same units - units of time.


How OEE Works

OEE is a simple measure of machine efficiency. The way OEE is calculated and displayed enables everyone to understand what effect the problems have on machine efficiency.

To be able to do this the “throughput “ rate for the machinery must be known or estimated. This could be considered as the absolute maximum theoretical number of units that can be processed within a given time. The point of using OEE is to identify how the machine can do better.

All losses are then recorded into relevant categories for further analysis.

The Continuous Improvement Cycle

The success of OEE relies upon the Continuous Improvement Cycle. This is represented diagrammatically below:

Define

The Define stage incorporates Steps One to Four on the preceding page. It is a necessary part of the process – to actually define what the problems may be in order to obtain accurate measurements. All problem areas (actual or perceived) should be categorized into suitable action groups.

Measure

Accurate measurements of all stoppages must be made, regardless of duration and frequency. Measurements may be recorded manually or by electronic methods (manual is preferred) and must be processed in a timely fashion.

Analyze

The analysis of events must take place as soon as possible after the event to prevent time related distortion. Actions to improve a situation may include:

• Work Practice Issues

• Failure Mode Analysis

• Design Modifications

Improve

Improvement in many cases may begin immediately through direct interface with operational personnel. More complex issues will need to be analyzed for cost effectiveness. It is important that all changes me implemented immediately to gain benefits as soon as possible.


Repeated Cycle

The cyclic nature of the OEE Process deems that all circumstances be continuously monitored and changed as necessary. For example:

• Problems that have been totally eliminated through design or work practices changes need not be recorded.

• New problems that have arisen for whatever reasons need to be documented and analyzed.

• Problems that, in the past have been deemed as “not economically viable for action” may increase dramatically in frequency, thus changing their respective viability status.

• The effectiveness of improvements may need to be monitored.