ABSTRACT
The primary measure of performance in total productive maintenance (TPM) is overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). A powerful component of the TPM process, OEE clearly indicates implementation progress and equipment performance. The majority of plants and facilities in North America will probably opt to include preventive maintenance as a part of planned downtime. The threat of employees “skipping” preventive maintenance activities will outweigh any gains they perceive possible from the chance to optimize preventive maintenance practices. Performance efficiency measures speed losses and losses associated with idling equipment or minor undocumented stoppages. The plant OEE number also was graphed and shown on prominent walls near the entrance to the plant, on the plant bulletin boards, and on the first page of the monthly plant performance report. OEE is the most effective measure for driving plant improvement. It continually focuses the plant on the concept of zero waste.
