Tip of the Week: 10 Ways to Succeed at an OEE Project Where 90% Fail
- Collect the requirements. Learn from everyone with the intent of developing a phased approach to implementing on your shop floor with OEE being Phase 1.
- Create your list. Capture all of required functions, taking into account what the “output” of the system will be. What does the plant manager need to see in real-time? What KPI’s does each line need displayed in real-time? What reports are required?
- Insist Upon Real-time. In the moment data for the right OEE is the right approach. If it’s possible, collect the data automatically. Remember that real-time feedback to line operators results in an automatic increase in OEE.
- Evaluate your lines. Focus where production counts can be monitored automatically. If the data is in your PLC’s, can you get it out? OPC communication is the right way to go here. If not, the approach is to install a new dedicated PLC with sensors installed on each line.
- Find Your Data Points. If automatic production monitoring is not applicable, what will be your collection points and how will you collect the data?
- Calculate the Load. Determine how to load the “job” you’re reporting on into the OEE system. This will typically be the order/operation or the product from the ERP.
- Recognize Great Data. Do not accept “manual collection of data” as a viable approach because it produces false results and is labor-intensive.
- Be Tough. Evaluate systems based on OEE specificity to start and expandability to future phase functions as determined by your requirements. Plan to justify the OEE purchase on its own merits.
- Go Easy. Make sure the system is easy to implement. Software installation and configuration should take no more than 2 weeks.
- Be Simple. Put together a detailed but simple project plan indicating who will do what, how long it will take, and how you will monitor progress.
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