ERP Functions: Production 3

Last week we discussed about the Overall Equipment Efficiency of the production. In this week we shall see the constraints involved in achieving good OEE and how to measure them. Along with that we shall also see the implications of these parameters in production operations.

The first parameter is Performance. The performance is mainly depends on the machine and the operator. Machines needs to be properly maintained with periodical verification and other activities in order to make it perform to its designed capacity. We shall discuss the machine maintenance further. Second major effecting factor is the operator who is operating the machine. He/she must be skilled enough to utilize the machine to its maximum capacity and also for longer performance of the machine. In-fact the performance of the machine is actually the performance of the operator.

Next is Quality. Again this parameter is depending upon the machine, operator and material of the product. As explained before properly maintained machine with skilled and efficient operator are the major factors to produce defect free products. Along with this the quality of material is also effects the quality of finished product. Quality is in terms of dimensions, chemical composition, micro structure, free from unwanted or destructive materials. Usually every industry verifies the quality of the raw-material while inwarding inside the factory. Then in production after the operations that effects the quality parameters, quality checking is done before the product is moved for next operation. QA (Quality Assurance) & QC (Quality Control) department must ensure the quality of all the materials of overall plant. Also in case of deviations of quality the root cause is also to be analyzed. We shall discuss these further.

Lastly Utilization. This parameter is effected by various factors. Major factors are power break down, machine break down, non availability of input materials, non availability of operators etc. Each of these factors have caused by external and internal sources. Some are avoidable some are not. So since several sources are involved it is efforts of factory as a whole that can bring good utilization. Periodic review of the factors effecting poor utilization is must. Even though factory has high capacity machines and efficient operators and quality materials if all those cant be utilized i.e. cant be run means factory can't meet the production requirement.

So we now have looked into the factors effecting the production. Next week we shall discuss on another major function of the industry i.e. QA & QC.

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