Types of OEE losses - the A the P and the Q

Although it’s a simple calculation, OEE is often misunderstood and sometimes the differences have quite an impact on the integrity of the measure. How each element should be applied – and the difference between a breakdown and a minor stop for instance – can also impact the success of a site’s loss management strategy.

6 Major losses of OEE
As a rule, breakdowns, set-up, and adjustment fall within the availability measure, with minor stops and slow running contributing to performance loss. Defects, rework, and start-up losses are part of the quality measure. Rework can be seen as a performance loss (the products take longer to make than usual), but if they are not right first time (RFT) then they really ought to be considered a quality loss.

Target Speed
The basic rule for establishing the target speed is that the performance element is always product and plant specific. It’s a moving target, so make it more demanding as the plant performance improves.

Changeovers
Whilst a changeover is planned to occur at a set time, it’s still an opportunity for improvement; for many companies it’s the biggest opportunity. For example, if an average lost time due to changeovers is 1 hour per day whilst a competitor starts up with equipment that will automatically changeover at the push of a button - the competitor can produce for an extra 7 hours each week. Changeovers should always be unplanned events.

Contact Us for specialist advice on how to apply the OEE measure to your organisation.