In the automotive industry, an effective quality system forms the basis of many standard operating procedures used in the manufacturing environment. Specifically, the major automotive OEM’s require that suppliers implement an effective quality system that conforms to the TS16949 Technical Specification and be able to demonstrate compliance to these requirements. This is one area where a fully integrated OEE system can shine.
In this regard, the quality system is also responsible for a signficant portion of the infrastructure that exists within a manufacturing facility as well. The process used to integrate the many requirements to support the quality function can and should be used to support the implementation and integration of OEE into your organization.
Your OEE data / system can be used to demonstrate compliance to many of the requirements of TS16949. Process efficiency, preventative maintenance, quality, standardized work, and training effectiveness are a few of the areas where OEE data can be used to demonstrate continuous improvement.
We will examine the various areas where OEE can be used and aligned with the TS16949 standard. Integrating OEE into the very infrastructure of your organization is a core requirement to ensure its long term viability as key metric. We would encourage you to review the TS16949 standard for yourself to determine where and how OEE can be used.
The standard is a quick read, at approximately 40 pages. It would also serve as a good refresher to determine what is really required. We recognize that customer specifics are also part of the overall quality system, however, our intention at this time is to focus on the core TS16949 technical specification.
We will be ammending this post as we delve further into the specific details. Integration of your OEE system must be supported by a solid infrastructure if it is going to yield the benefits you are looking to achieve.
Until next time – STAY Lean