“Increasing plant productivity through OEE management” published in 2nd edition by Springer Verlag

In the age of Industry 4.0, optimising plant productivity plays a decisive role in the success of manufacturing companies. The book “Increasing Plant Productivity through OEE Management”, published in its 2nd edition, by Prof. Dr. Markus Focke and Jörn Steinbeck provides a comprehensive guide to the effective use and implementation of OEE management (Overall Equipment Effectiveness). In this article, we take a look at the key content and significance of the book for modern manufacturing companies.

What is OEE management?

OEE stands for Overall Equipment Effectiveness and represents true plant productivity. This key figure consists of three components: degree of availability, level of performance and level of quality. By analyzing these three components, companies can identify specific types of losses and take targeted measures to improve them. The book emphasizes that OEE management is more than just a key figure — it is a comprehensive process for increasing plant productivity.

OEE management methods and tools

The authors explain in detail the various methods and tools required for effective OEE management. A key aspect is the precise collection of data, which serves as a basis for analyzing losses. Both manual and digital recording methods can be used, with the use of Industry 4.0 technologies providing a simple and cost-effective introduction to digital data collection.

The role of Industry 4.0 technologies

Industry 4.0 and the associated technologies play a central role in modern OEE management. By using sensors, IoT (Internet of Things) and big data, companies can monitor their systems even more precisely and continuously. This not only enables real-time analysis, but also the early identification of malfunctions and the implementation of predictive maintenance measures.

Implementation and change management

Another important point that the book covers is the implementation of OEE management and the associated change management. The authors emphasize that this is not just a technical project, but that employee acceptance and commitment are decisive for success. Change management, lots of communication and the involvement of employees in the improvement process are essential. Managers play a key role and must be trained and supported accordingly.

Practical application examples

The book offers numerous practical application examples that help readers put theory into practice. These examples illustrate how companies have successfully implemented OEE management and what positive effects this had on their production processes. From increasing production stability to reducing waste to improving employee motivation — the positive effects are varied and measurable.

conclusion

“Increasing plant productivity through OEE management”, published in its 2nd edition by Springer Verlag, is an indispensable book for anyone working in production and wants to sustainably improve their plant productivity. It offers not only theoretical foundations, but also practice-oriented approaches and tools to successfully implement OEE management. Particularly noteworthy is the emphasis on the role of Industry 4.0 technologies and the necessary change management. For managers, process engineers and students, this book is a valuable resource for overcoming the challenges of modern production and remaining competitive.

The book is available in print and digitally and can be ordered e.g. from amazon or anywhere in specialist bookstores.

If you find out more about the authors or have any questions, you can contact Prof. Dr. Markus Focke and Dipl.-Ing. Jörn Steinbeck on LinkedIn and talk to them directly.

Suggested citation: M. Focke and J. Steinbeck, “Increasing plant productivity through OEE management,” Springer, 2024.