Dogs Chasing OEE

Dogs instinctively chase cars, but when they catch one, they don’t know what to do and simply stand next to the car and bark at it.

This resembles managers chasing magical metrics like OEE. When given the metrics, they are paralyzed and start philosophizing over the numbers. Besides, these magical numbers measure the past, which is impossible to change.

To avoid this costly inaction, I advise implementing the business process as a managerial context first. Then, focus on measuring what matters for that business process. This is significantly a more productive approach than collecting all the data, pushing data into charts, charts into presentations and walls aimlessly.

For example, in the context of continuous improvement, you should focus on the most important assets/operations, then their most important performance l,evers and identify the top three reasons for waste. Usually, a good Gemba and an open discussion are enough to find these very quickly. Then, focus on improving things and keeping your frontline workers happy with their workplace.

If it is challenging to find improvement opportunities, then refine your metrics.

If making the improvements is becoming challenging, streamline your processes and tools and invest in your team’s training and motivation.

As simple as that.

Otherwise, you will waste a lot of time waiting for the perfect metrics to start making improvements.

© Saip Eren Yilmaz, 2023