Hellebrekers helps customers understand and monitor the efficiency of their production machines and lines. We use our unique Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) application for this. This OEE application is one of the individually available modules in the MES Visual Link software package.
If a fault occurs, operators should not only be able to record it; they should also be able to indicate what caused it. Only then can manufacturing companies analyse why certain losses occur frequently, and how they can be avoided. Via our OEE software, the operators receive important information that can be used to systematically improve the production process.
What is OEE?
OEE software is a useful tool for operators and management. It is a good first step towards full optimisation of the production process. The OEE tool identifies losses and compares the productivity of manufacturing equipment. As the name implies, OEE focuses on the effective output of a production machine or line by comparing the number of good products to the maximum achievable. The OEE is calculated as a percentage and is based on at least the following factors:
A maximum OEE score of 100% means that the equipment produces only good items, at the maximum possible speed and without stoppages. This is obviously the ideal situation; an OEE of 80 to 85% in practice is an excellent score.
Our OEE-solution in Visual Link
To obtain an OEE score per production line, Hellebrekers has developed its own OEE application. This application is part of our Manufacturing Execution System (MES) Visual Link software. This application offers much more than a standard OEE tool. It not only measures efficiency, but also generates Line Performance Indicators (LPIs), which are linked to fault reports and other aspects. As soon as a stoppage is detected by the system, the operator immediately sees a loss-of-performance alert. He must then validate that alert or enter an explanation. Because we record all faults that occur in the machines, the system can give an accurate indication of the cause of a fault.
Data collection
OEE collects a significant volume of production data: how effectively the process is running, the production volume and performance loss in operation, the work done by the previous production shift, the machine settings, the breakdowns or stops that occurred, and so on. Thorough analysis of the data reveals where interventions are required in production and what needs to be done to maintain or increase process efficiency. A highly detailed cost analysis (cost deployment) can be prepared based on this information, and the overall efficiency increases due to a reduction in costs and increased output. All data is collected according to the NEN_ISO_22400-1 ‘Key performance indicators (KPIs) for manufacturing operations management’ standard.
Hassle-free implementation
Hellebrekers offers its customers added value in the form of a reliable and worry-free implementation process. We are expert at setting up an OEE solution that perfectly matches your production process. For example, our application is capable of calculating the OEE according to customer-specific parameters. Implementation of the final OEE system only takes place after the data collected from the pilot project has been fully validated and all adjustments signed off as completely correct. Once the implementation has been completed, we stay in close contact with the customer to discuss how the OEE project is progressing, identify issues requiring further action and familiarise employees with all aspects of the OEE system.
