Industry 4.0 & Manufacturing Operations

OEE Performance

Performance is the OEE factor that compares actual output with the output possible at the ideal cycle time during run time, capturing losses from slow cycles and small stops that are not recorded as downtime.

Performance is calculated as ideal cycle time multiplied by total count, divided by run time, where total count includes both good and rejected parts. An equivalent form compares the actual run rate with the ideal run rate. For example, a machine with an ideal cycle time of one minute that runs for 100 minutes and produces 80 parts has a performance of 80 per cent.

Performance losses correspond to two of the six big losses: small stops, such as brief jams and sensor trips, and reduced speed, where equipment runs slower than its ideal rate because of wear, material problems or cautious settings. Because these losses are often invisible in manual records, automated cycle counting from machine controllers or sensors usually reveals more performance loss than operators expect.

The choice of ideal cycle time is critical. It should reflect the theoretical best rate, such as the design or nameplate speed, rather than a historical average, otherwise improvement potential is hidden. Where a machine runs many products, each should have its own ideal cycle time. A performance figure above 100 per cent is a sign that the reference rate is wrong.

Key points

• Performance equals ideal cycle time times total count, divided by run time.
• Captures small stops and reduced speed during run time.
• Ideal cycle time should be the theoretical best rate, set per product.
• Values above 100 per cent indicate an incorrect reference rate.

Related terms

• Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)Industry 4.0 & Manufacturing Operations
• OEE AvailabilityIndustry 4.0 & Manufacturing Operations
• OEE QualityIndustry 4.0 & Manufacturing Operations
• Six Big LossesIndustry 4.0 & Manufacturing Operations