Data-driven insights on how machines are utilized and the main causes of downtime
Hello manufacturers,
It’s Halloween, and while the spooky season is in full swing, I’m here to help you keep inefficiencies from haunting your production floor. Are downtime monsters lurking nearby? Is machine utilization giving you the chills? This edition of “OEE Monthly” is packed with insights to keep productivity steady and operations smooth.
So, grab your Halloween candy stash, settle in, and get ready for treats — not tricks — as we dive into data-driven insights across 15 industries on how machines are utilized, the main causes of downtime, success stories, and more.
[Free Report] Machine Utilization and Downtime Analysis
Machine utilization is a performance indicator of how well your equipment is working or being utilized. It measures the effective active time of a machine compared to the amount of time it should be working. Not measuring this indicator can be a critical mistake for companies. After all, if your machines aren’t operating at their full potential, your factories are inefficient and losing money, which in turn can lead to inaccurate investment decisions.
Our latest research across 15 industries reveals that over 43% of the planned production time is lost to unplanned and unknown downtime — a huge opportunity for improvement, as nearly half of the planned time is spent with machines down.
One thing is clear – machines are underutilized. But why is that? We also examined the main causes of downtime across these industries and identified 7 main categories, illustrated below.
Make sure you download the free report for more insights, as well as two case studies of how Evocon helped manufacturing companies maximize machine utilization and reduce downtime.
How H+H Improved OEE by Implementing Evocon Across Borders
H+H, a global leader in wall-building solutions, successfully embraced digitalization by rolling out Evocon across 23 factories in Central Western Europe (CWE), Poland, and the UK. This journey began with a pilot project in Poland, and thanks to positive feedback from operators and factory managers, it quickly expanded to multiple locations.
Each location found unique benefits from Evocon. In Poland, the system helped prioritize improvement projects. In CWE, it reduced paperwork and provided a fast overview of machine-specific issues, while in the UK, they noticed how Evocon provided fast and easy data access for factory and continuous improvement managers, and improved efficiency for operators. This ease of access saves time and simplifies the decision-making process.
Effective change management was critical to this success. Engaging operators early on and providing them with intuitive, easy-to-use software helped overcome any initial resistance and ensure smooth adoption across all locations.
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Evocon’s ISMS Received a “Mature” Rating from CyberVadis
Evocon’s Information Security Management System (ISMS) has been awarded a “Mature” rating by CyberVadis , a globally recognized leader in cybersecurity and data assessments. This rating is CyberVadis’ highest, demonstrating our commitment to advanced data protection and cybersecurity practices.
What does this mean for Evocon customers?
This achievement enhances trust and confidence in our security measures, bringing our customers the following benefits:
We’re continually focused on enhancing our systems to uphold the highest standards of security and support.
Europe's Manufacturing Sector Still in Decline
European manufacturing has been in decline since July 2022, according to a recent report from Euronews . The Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for August remained below the growth threshold at 45.8. The PMI is a number that shows how well the manufacturing industry is doing, with a result of 50 and above indicating growth. This decline reflects structural challenges and reducing demand in major economies like Germany and France, while only Greece, Spain, and Ireland reported slight growth.
Sales across the eurozone have dropped to their lowest levels in over two years, and new export business has shrunk at its fastest rate in eight months, leading to job losses for the 15th consecutive month.
To navigate these challenges, manufacturers can focus on optimizing efficiency and adapting to market shifts through digital solutions for real-time production monitoring and automated data collection. Efficiency now means more than just improving processes — it’s about integrating digital tools that provide insights directly on the shop floor, help reduce downtime, and make more informed decisions.
I hope this edition of “OEE Monthly” brought up some fresh ideas for banishing inefficiency and tackling downtime demons haunting your production floor. Don’t let productivity insights ghost you! Subscribe to get the latest insights, case studies, and expert advice to keep your operations running smooth.
See you in November!