OEE as a Tool for Stability and Continuity

Opposite to standard use of Overall Equipment Effectiveness as a tool to optimize production efficiency, this article delves into the innovative application of Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) as a tool for enhancing stability and continuity in manufacturing environments. Traditionally, OEE has been a metric for measuring manufacturing efficiency, focusing on three critical aspects: Availability, Performance, and Quality. However, this paper proposes a reinterpretation of OEE, transforming it from a static metric to a dynamic, probabilistic measure. This shift in perspective is rooted in the integration of discrete mathematics and probability theory, offering an approach to understanding and optimizing production systems, in comparing each system to their Digital Twin or even lines with same families of products. The article begins by exploring the traditional aspects of OEE and its role in identifying production inefficiencies. It then introduces a novel framework for OEE, redefining it as a probability measure that encapsulates the likelihood of achieving ideal manufacturing conditions. This redefinition is followed by a detailed examination of how this probabilistic approach can be practically applied in manufacturing settings, particularly in the context of digital twins and varied production systems. By reinterpreting OEE through this new lens, the article aims to provide a more standardized and comparative framework, facilitating a better understanding and enhancement of production efficiency.