OEE Integration – Part VI

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 […]

OEE Integration – Part V

Defining overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) criteria as part of the scope of work or purchase order agreement is quickly becoming standard practice throughout the automotive industry and manufacturing in general. OEE Assessments OEE criteria should be performed for every new purchase.  Often times, a high speed machine may be incorporated into a mixed technology production environment.  It is also possible that the […]

OEE Integration – Part IV

OEE and APQP – New Equipment / Program / Process Launch In parts I – III we discussed the role of leadership to define policies and procedures.  We also discussed developing the infrastructure of your team through training and development.  However, this still doesn’t put OEE at the forefront of your company.  If the goal of your company is to achieve world class […]

OEE: Take the Hit

The simplicity of measuring and calculating OEE is compounded by the factors that ultimately influence the end result.  Because the concept of OEE can be readily embraced by most employees, it is easy for many people to get involved in the process of making improvements. Unfortunately the variables involved with OEE, like those of many other measurement systems, fall under scrutiny.  […]

OEE and Overtime

A number of requests have been received recently that point to a lack of clarity in the definition of Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).  One of the questions we were recently asked is: How do you calculate OEE for Overtime hours? Overtime and OEE Our first response is quite simple.  OEE doesn’t care whether you are working overtime or straight time.  […]

Upcoming Topics for March 2009

We have received several topic requests that we will work on for the month of March, 2009.  If you have a topic that you would like to see featured on our site, send an e-mail to LeanExecution@gmail.com. OEE on the Shop Floor – Measurement:  What should we be measuring to make OEE practical at the shop floor level.  What factors […]

OEE and LEAN

Incorporating and tracking performance using Lean metrics doesn’t make a company Lean any more than tracking weight puts you on a diet.  Measurements are like decisions, nothing changes unless actions are taken. How does this apply to OEE?  How does OEE apply to LEAN?  As we’ve mentioned in previous posts, many companies invest a significant amount of time, money, and effort to develop exorbitant […]

Lean Culture

Background Being in business for many years is, and can be, both a blessing and a curse.  On one hand, the company has established itself and is well rooted in its chosen industry.  On the other hand, it has established and well rooted “behaviors” built on a culture that have stood the test of time.  This could be for better or worse. […]

Ten Tips to Lean

Lean can be applied to all types of businesses and spans across all facets within your current business.  A lean culture recognizes that waste is everywhere.  A focus on Value Added activities become the norm as waste continues to be identified and eliminated throughout the organization. It’s not just a manufacturing tool. A true lean strategy will lead to the transformation of the […]

Lean Innovation

If Lean Innovation is to become part of the new business norm, then why is that so many companies attempt to emulate what others have done?  Innovation itself implies a sense of newness or differentiation from what was or is.  It seems that “copy cats” are simply looking for the easy way out and call themselves lean in the process. […]