Optimizing warehouse machine maintenance for efficient automated packaging

Abstract

PURPOSE: This article aims to determine the potential for warehouse maintenance using overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) and related metrics.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: Used observation and internal data to identify warehouse maintenance functioning and calculate OEE and related metrics for two key machines for the automated packaging process.

FINDINGS: For both machines analysed, low utilisation can be indicated. It is supported by the results of one of the components of the OEE indicator. The machine underutilisation during the period under review was influenced by the pandemic and the specific nature of the goods that the machines could not handle. The other two components of the OEE indicator, i.e. quality and performance, were satisfactory.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The study showed that the OEE measure can be a key tool for measuring and controlling the efficiency of machines and maintenance in the logistics industry.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE: Application of OEE in the context of the maintenance issue in a warehousing environment.