First things first: What is a KPI?
KPI stands for Key Performance Indicators and gives you insights on the performance of your machines, operations, company,… By setting some measurable targets, you are able to make some strategic choices.
But what performance indicators are interesting for machines?
1. Production volume
It’s like kicking in an open door. But measuring your production volume is not only key to track your performance. It gives you the bigger picture and you are able to compare with previous similar periods.
Comparing it to previous similar periods with the help of a dashboard is a good indicator of evolution, to stop anomalies, regress or progress.
Measuring the production volume of each machine makes up for which percentage of the total production it produces. It gives you insight on the importance of your machine – no one wants to see a 45%-production machine breaking down without a plan B.
A good production volume is one that satisfies demand but does not leave too much inventory in stocks. So it helps you to steer your operations.
2. Defects per unit (DPU)
DPU measures the average number of defects per every product unit. In order to get a clear view on the cause of defects, you need to know the quantity of defects per unit.
It’s found by dividing the total number of defects found by the number of units.
For example, if 30 units are produced and a total of 60 defects have been found, the DPU equals 2.
3. Downtime
Maximizing the output is the number one goal. Downtime means the machine is not producing, so performance is going down. Measuring downtime is one thing, but finding the cause of the downtime is crucial.
By analyzing the data causing the downtime, you are able to improve or even to predict potential downtime. Predictive maintenance, alerting or planned downtime makes it possible to avoid downtime.
Capture makes it possible to give you insights on the downtime and the cause of it. By combining reporting, alerting and the dashboarding, you are able to analyze and to (re)act in no time.
4. Takt time
Takt time is the amount of time it takes to complete a task or the cycle time for an operation. Tracking this information helps you to identiy and reduce bottlenecks. It is a crucial metric for optimizing your capacity, reducing waste of the process and supports continuous improvement.
Capture is the perfect tool to collect, explore and adapt your machine data. It gives the right data to the right person anytime and at any place.
Must read: Better understanding of machineperformance through Capture for Pattyn
