Downtime Tracking for detailed information on availability and performance
Downtime Tracking helps to identify problems
Besides planned downtimes, for example for maintenance or set-ups, many unplanned errors occur that lead to low OEE and less output. Very often, the reasons for downtimes are not tracked and/or there is a lack of awareness that minor stoppages or running at reduced speed can have a huge impact on outputs in the long run. Downtime Tracking enables (categorised) statistics, makes problems visible and can help to optimise machines and processes. As a first step, simply raising awareness can lead to quick positive results, while long-term statistics will help to identify any hidden problems.
Another aspect is that some factors may indicate serial machine problems if they are experienced by multiple end customers. It would be a huge benefit for machine builders if they could obtain feedback from the field regarding reasons for stoppages. As a result, they could use this as a basis for further developments.
Lenze Downtime Tracking as an addition to the OEE-solution
The Lenze Downtime Tracking is closely linked to the OEE solution and it is a highly effective addition, as it can supply the aforementioned detailed information about availability and performance. The basis for this is the tracking of the duration and frequency of production modes and downtimes. Statistics are generated that identify, for example, the top 3 causes of downtime. Currently, the functionality includes a logbook, which is based on the machine status data from the PLC.
Benefits in Production
Downtime Tracking will take the digitalisation of production and OEE tracking one step further. Availability and performance are no longer just factors, but can be broken down and linked to various errors. Based on the PLC-related data tracking, machine-related and manually initiated downtimes are tracked. This is the basis for production optimisations and raising the OEE.
Opportunities for Machine Builders
Implementing Downtime Tracking in machines can help machine builders to obtain data from the field. Just like the OEE solution, Downtime Tracking is easily implemented and works perfectly with the Lenze system. Furthermore, no additional components are needed, as it is based on components that are already in use for machine automation. The cloud connection offers further options, especially in the context of industry 4.0 and digitalisation. In general, offering digital services is always a differentiating feature for innovative machine builders. Despite this, making use of the obtained customer data will enable better and more targeted developments and thus help the machine builder to keep up with the market in the future.
Join the conversation!
Do you want to know more about the availability of your machines? Do you want to offer your customers more digitalised products? Or would you simply like to know more about the topic? Our experts will be happy to discuss your options and ideas!
