In manufacturing, efficiency is key to maintaining competitiveness. However, one often overlooked area that can significantly impact productivity and profitability is the changeover between shifts. Every minute of downtime during shift changeovers can accumulate, leading to substantial financial losses. This translates to a significant amount of "money left on the table" each year. To address this, companies need a robust strategy to streamline these transitions and minimize downtime. This involves a comprehensive approach that includes cataloging data assets, creating centralized repositories, discovering data patterns, conducting deep data analysis, building clear data narratives, transforming insights into actionable strategies, and continuously refining processes. For instance, cataloging data assets and creating a centralized repository can provide a clear picture of current operations. Identifying patterns and bottlenecks during shift changes helps in pinpointing inefficiencies. Deep data analysis uncovers the root causes, while clear data narratives make the information more understandable. Transforming these insights into actionable strategies can then optimize shift changeovers, and ongoing monitoring ensures sustained improvements. It's time to dive into your operational data and discover the potential savings and efficiency improvements that await.
Indirectly this is what we are working on with Fixaible. Our model is sole focus is engineering and teaching it schematics and other drawings to pin point the problems for technicians quickly to reduce downtime. While this doesn’t solve the turnover issue it’s a piece in the manufacturing puzzle of losses.
Manufacturing & Supply Chain Advocate | Industry 4.0 & AI Enthusiast | Committed to Efficiency & Innovation
2wBeen a while since I talked about shift changeovers, that's for sure, but a topic, as you say, overlooked when looking for ways to improve. Data is 100% a core part, 5 ways to help get this done that I've seen. 1. Record Shift Handover Notes for key points and issues. 2. Implement a Brief Team Huddle 5 minute handover session 3. Use a Centralised Logbook to spot trends 4. Set Clear Roles and Responsibilities using checklists to support this. 5. Regular Feedback Sessions in short weekly meetings to discuss issues and resolve them.