The main purpose of the company implement improve activity is to promote the work efficiency and cost effectiveness of manufacturing. This will strengthen the company and help it to maintain it¡¦s competitive edge. The goal of the improve management activity, is to ensure the constant internal improvement of the company. By method of case study, this research explores the key success factors of the Total Productive Maintenance (TPM). The TPM activity is based on a system of Preventive Maintenance (PM) from the U.S. It was introduced to Japan between 1950 and 1960. Here it was developed into the TPM activity. Taiwan started using the TPM in 1994. Since then it has made a huge contribution to the improvement and success of many companies. At the time YIEH PHUI also decided to implement the TPM activity. In 1998 after visiting some of the companies where the activities was successfully implemented YIEH PHUI also started using the TPM activity. After one year the OEE (Over All Equipment Effectiveness) of eight productive lines was increased by 10%. The company which was already experiencing a great OEE, was surprised by the great improvement caused by the TPM activity. By 2003 the company had 11 production lines and the OEE had increased by a staggering 30%. This left the company with a 97% OEE. Compare this to the 67% OEE of 1998 and the success of the TPM activity becomes clear. What was the key factor responsible for this improvement? This is what will be explored in the rest of the paper. Now there are a variety of improve management activities in Taiwan. Some companies implement these activities with great success, while other companies are not successful. Why? What is the problem? In my case study, it was found that to be successful you not only need support from top management, but also from the head of each department. The other key factor is that each employee must feel that they also benefit from this activity. This will improve their performance. This improved performance will reflect in their monthly bonus. This will motivate the employee which in turn will lead to better progress. The design of the activity should be kept as simple as possible. The most complicated decision you¡¦d have to make in the process of implementing the activity is whether you want it or not. The research results might be a helpful reference to companies considering the implementation of the TPM activity.

This thesis is done at Swepart transmission AB in Liatorp. Swepart is a manufacturing company of transmission solutions. As customer demands and production volumes increase, it results in higher requirements on the production. The main purpose with this thesis has been to improve the Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and the profitability in one of the company’s robot cells, with an associated lathe. The study is limited to the three most common articles that is produced in Cell 1: 433, 401 and 296. The research questions purpose is to identify the potential of the capacity in the cell, but also to analyse the actions that can be done to improve the capacity. To be able to answer the research questions, observations of the production has been made and collected data from Axxos has been used. The production layout has carefully been studied to find out which factors that affect the utilization in the cell. With this collected data the OEE-index has been calculated, for the whole cell as well as for each article. Time analyses have also been made over the robots and the machines cycle times, in order to see what time losses that occur in the cell. The result in the study shows that the biggest capacity losses are related to the performance for two of the articles. Though the timeline for the last article shows that the cycle time can be decreased, just by increasing the production rate of the milling. There are also a lot of big losses in the availability that can be improved. One of the bigger losses is the lack of staff. Another important part to consider is routines with the lathe. The company have to work with the lathe by the theory of constraint, which means that the lathe always must be available and producing. An important but simple action is to increase the production rate in the article 433. This would imply that the possible run time of the lathe would increase, but also for the whole cell due to the lathe is a bottleneck. Another important action is to overhaul the way they work with OEE in Axxos, as they according to their current work is hiding big and important losses in the production. It is also important to make sure that the stops and cycle time of the lathe is registered in Axxos. Since the lathe is a bottleneck is it the most important machine to keep track of. The study has shown that there is a big potential of the capacity in the cell, but that it is mostly limited by the lathe’s slow production rate. Therefore, it is important to process the lathe as a bottleneck and eliminate the factors that decreases the lathe’s possible production time. / Detta examensarbete är utfört på Swepart transmission AB i Liatorp. Företaget är ett tillverkande företag av transmissionslösningar. Allt efter som kundkrav och tillverkningsvolymer ökar innebär det att högre krav ställs på produktionen. Syftet med arbetet har därför varit att höja OEE-talet och lönsamheten i en av företagets produktionsceller, med tillhörande svarv. Studien är begränsad till de tre vanligaste artiklarna som går i cell 1: 433, 401 och 296. Frågeställningens syfte är att identifiera kapacitetspotentialen i cellen, men även att analysera vilka åtgärder som kan göras för att höja kapaciteten. För att svara på frågeställningarna har observationer av produktionen gjorts och insamlade data från Axxos har använts. Produktionslayouten har noga studerats för att få reda på vilka faktorer som påverkar utnyttjandegraden i cellen. Med denna data har OEE-talet räknats ut för cellen, både för hela cellen och för de olika artiklarna. Även tidsaxlar över robotens och maskinernas cykeltider i cellen har gjorts för att se vilka tidsförluster som sker i cellen. Resultatet visar att de största kapacitetsförlusterna ligger i anläggningsutnyttjandet för två av artiklarna, där svarven är den styrande faktorn. Tidsaxeln för den sista artikeln visar dock att cykeltiden enkelt kan minskas genom att öka hastigheten för fräsen. Det finns också stora förluster som kan förbättras i tillgängligheten, där personalbrist utgör en stor del av stoppen. En annan viktig del att ta i beaktning är att arbeta med svarven enligt flaskhalsteori. Detta innebär att se till att svarven alltid är tillgänglig för produktion. En viktig men enkel åtgärd är att öka tillverkningstakten för artikeln 433. Detta skulle innebära att den möjliga körtiden för svarven hade ökats, och därmed för hela cellen på grund av att svarven är en flaskhals. En annan viktig åtgärd är att se över sättet de arbetar med deras OEE-tal i Axxos, då de enligt det nuvarande arbetssättet döljer viktiga och stora förluster. Det är också viktigt att se till att stoppen och cykeltider i svarven också registrerar i Axxos. Eftersom svarven är en flaskhals är den det viktigaste att hålla koll på. Arbetet har visat att det finns stor kapacitetspotential i cellen, men att det är till stor del begränsat av svarvens långsamma produktionstakt. Det är därför viktigt att behandla svarven som en flaskhals och att eliminera de faktorer som gör att svarven inte kan producera under planerad produktionstid.

The study improved the overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) of machines and processes through the implementation of a total productive maintenance (TPM) approach at Company S over a three-month period. By comparing the OEE of equipment before and after the implementation of autonomous maintenance, this study concluded that autonomous maintenance improves OEE. The target of this study was one general product line at a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) plant. Due to time limitations, the study only applied autonomous maintenance to operational activities. This research involved machine and processes selection, condition assessment, baseline OEE assessment, operator training, execution of autonomous maintenance, and OEE measurement. The approach was based on the steps of autonomous maintenance but was simplified for the conditions of the plant.

<p><strong><p>Purpose</p>– The purpose of this paper is to review the literatures on Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) and to present an overview of TPM implementation practices initiated in a ‘connecter’ manufacturer in China. It also examines the need to develop, practice and implement such maintenance campaign, which not only reduce unscheduled and scheduled failures in process but also decrease operation and maintenance costs. <strong><p>Design/methodology/approach</p>– A case-based approach in combination with scientific theory and standard tools, techniques and practices is used to discuss various issues related with TPM implementation in industry. <strong><p>Findings</p>– The findings indicate that TPM not only leads to increase in efficiency and effectiveness of manufacturing equipments measured in terms of OEE index by reducing the failure, time loss, and defects but also helps organization to improve morale of people and working environment significantly. The contributions of strategic TPM programs towards improving manufacturing competencies of the organizations have also been highlighted here. <strong><p>Originality/value</p>– The paper contains a comprehensive literature on the field of equipment maintenance and also presents an interesting investigation of TPM implementation issues which may be useful to researchers, maintenance professionals and other practitioners concerned with maintenance to understand the significance of TPM. </strong></strong></strong></strong></p>

<p><em>Purpose</em>: this thesis study aims to provide an analysis and an assessment of the current operations’ performance effectiveness at Nobel Biocare’s production plant in Karlskoga, Sweden and to describe the potential for improvement. It intends to clarify the importance of performance measurement and explain Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) metrics in particular.Furthermore, it strives to identify causes for inefficiency in production and suggest recommendations to minimize losses.</p><p><em>Methodology:</em> the study is using both qualitative and quantitative approaches in parallel as measurements are implemented to discover effectiveness rates and detect causes for production losses while assessments are made using different models, such as the Capability Maturity Model(CMM) and OEE assessments, in order to evaluate the current development level and the potential for improvement.</p><p><em>Findings:</em> the research finds that major losses are closely related to frequency of changeovers in machining processes, where average effectiveness rates were 68%. In surface treatment and packaging equipment inspected, the values were found to be between 46% and 59% as the major common cause was the absence of work due to unstable flow of orders. Assessing process orientation and maturity levels, the findings indicate on high levels in general. However, areas of weakness were identified in the different processes in which the potential for improvement is embedded. In those areas, lower OEE values were registered; low levels of maturity and process orientation were found, as low development of losses improvement were assessed. The study finally suggests that the areas of weakness suffer from lack of learning orientation that is ought to be improved and at the same time, a variety of specific recommendations are provided.</p>

<p>Purpose:this thesis study aims to provide an analysis and an assessment of the current operations’ performance effectiveness at Nobel Biocare’s production plant in Karlskoga, Sweden and to describe the potential for improvement. It intends to clarify the importance of performance measurement and explain Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) metrics in particular. Furthermore, it strives to identify causes for inefficiency in production and suggest recommendations to minimize losses.</p><p>Methodology: the study is using both qualitative and quantitative approaches in parallel as measurements are implemented to discover effectiveness rates and detect causes for production losses while assessments are made using different models, such as the Capability Maturity Model(CMM) and OEE assessments, in order to evaluate the current development level and the potential for improvement.</p><p>Findings: the research finds that major losses are closely related to frequency of changeovers in machining processes, where average effectiveness rates were 68%. In surface treatment and packaging equipment inspected, the values were found to be between 46% and 59% as the major common cause was the absence of work due to unstable flow of orders. Assessing process orientation and maturity levels, the findings indicate on high levels in general. However, areas of weakness were identified in the different processes in which the potential for improvement is embedded. In those areas, lower OEE values were registered; low levels of maturity and process orientation were found, as low development of losses improvement were assessed. The study finally suggests that the areas of weakness suffer from lack of learning orientation that is ought to be improved and at the same time, a variety of specific recommendations are provided.</p>

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review the literatures on Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) and to present an overview of TPM implementation practices initiated in a ‘connecter’ manufacturer in China. It also examines the need to develop, practice and implement such maintenance campaign, which not only reduce unscheduled and scheduled failures in process but also decrease operation and maintenance costs. Design/methodology/approach – A case-based approach in combination with scientific theory and standard tools, techniques and practices is used to discuss various issues related with TPM implementation in industry. Findings – The findings indicate that TPM not only leads to increase in efficiency and effectiveness of manufacturing equipments measured in terms of OEE index by reducing the failure, time loss, and defects but also helps organization to improve morale of people and working environment significantly. The contributions of strategic TPM programs towards improving manufacturing competencies of the organizations have also been highlighted here. Originality/value – The paper contains a comprehensive literature on the field of equipment maintenance and also presents an interesting investigation of TPM implementation issues which may be useful to researchers, maintenance professionals and other practitioners concerned with maintenance to understand the significance of TPM.

Purpose: this thesis study aims to provide an analysis and an assessment of the current operations’ performance effectiveness at Nobel Biocare’s production plant in Karlskoga, Sweden and to describe the potential for improvement. It intends to clarify the importance of performance measurement and explain Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) metrics in particular.Furthermore, it strives to identify causes for inefficiency in production and suggest recommendations to minimize losses. Methodology: the study is using both qualitative and quantitative approaches in parallel as measurements are implemented to discover effectiveness rates and detect causes for production losses while assessments are made using different models, such as the Capability Maturity Model(CMM) and OEE assessments, in order to evaluate the current development level and the potential for improvement. Findings: the research finds that major losses are closely related to frequency of changeovers in machining processes, where average effectiveness rates were 68%. In surface treatment and packaging equipment inspected, the values were found to be between 46% and 59% as the major common cause was the absence of work due to unstable flow of orders. Assessing process orientation and maturity levels, the findings indicate on high levels in general. However, areas of weakness were identified in the different processes in which the potential for improvement is embedded. In those areas, lower OEE values were registered; low levels of maturity and process orientation were found, as low development of losses improvement were assessed. The study finally suggests that the areas of weakness suffer from lack of learning orientation that is ought to be improved and at the same time, a variety of specific recommendations are provided.

Purpose:this thesis study aims to provide an analysis and an assessment of the current operations’ performance effectiveness at Nobel Biocare’s production plant in Karlskoga, Sweden and to describe the potential for improvement. It intends to clarify the importance of performance measurement and explain Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) metrics in particular. Furthermore, it strives to identify causes for inefficiency in production and suggest recommendations to minimize losses. Methodology: the study is using both qualitative and quantitative approaches in parallel as measurements are implemented to discover effectiveness rates and detect causes for production losses while assessments are made using different models, such as the Capability Maturity Model(CMM) and OEE assessments, in order to evaluate the current development level and the potential for improvement. Findings: the research finds that major losses are closely related to frequency of changeovers in machining processes, where average effectiveness rates were 68%. In surface treatment and packaging equipment inspected, the values were found to be between 46% and 59% as the major common cause was the absence of work due to unstable flow of orders. Assessing process orientation and maturity levels, the findings indicate on high levels in general. However, areas of weakness were identified in the different processes in which the potential for improvement is embedded. In those areas, lower OEE values were registered; low levels of maturity and process orientation were found, as low development of losses improvement were assessed. The study finally suggests that the areas of weakness suffer from lack of learning orientation that is ought to be improved and at the same time, a variety of specific recommendations are provided.

The companies ought to care about OEE because it is a measure that shows the effect of the performance and quality related losses on the system or equipment. In order to improve OEE, they focus on defining the losses under each OEE elements and try to eliminate these losses.This study aims to enhance raw material inventory management in order to eliminateinventory management related losses and improve OEE.  Lack of raw material and improperstorage of raw material are main problems related to inventory management. A model isdeveloped and tested in order to prevent these problems and eliminate these losses.Performance rate can be improved by preventing idle time due to lack of raw material, andquality rate can be improved by standardization and improving raw material storageprocedure. In the result of model testing, it is shown that raw material inventory managementhas an effect on OEE and OEE can be improved by enhancing raw material inventorymanagement.