Improvement of Operational Efficiency by Optimising the OEE Score. : A Case Study of a Large Manufacturer.

Abstract: Purpose: This thesis has two main purposes. The first purpose is to demonstrate the benefits of increasing the Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) score for the operational efficiency of the stamping process in a production line of a large outdoor products manufacturer. The second purpose of this thesis is to improve the operational efficiency of stamping machines by suggesting practical recommendations to the case company. Methodology: The methodology used in this thesis is an empirical research of a single case study. The methods used in the case study are document study, observations, and Interviews. Observations are used to aim the research design process in order to formulate the problem. A document study is conducted in order to calculate the OEE score of the stamping machines. Finally, the interviews are conducted in order to investigate the problem further. Findings: According to the findings, the availability component appears to be the primary factor contributing to the lower OEE score of the stamping machines. Additionally, the thesis identified three key themes affecting the OEE score in a stamping process, including Quality and Time Issues, Waste of Excess Work and Overproduction, and Digitalisation Issues. Implications: The thesis suggests suitable solutions that can be implemented to improve the OEE score of stamping machines. The recommendations made in this thesis can be a starting point for  all companies with stamping processes that are willing and able to improve their OEE score or wish to become more efficient and sustainable. Limitations: The thesis focuses on the stamping process in a factory of an outdoor products manufacturer, and the recommendations cannot be applied to all production line processes. Additionally, this is a single case study, meaning that only one company provides the data. Further research is needed to determine the generalizability of the findings and the applicability of the recommendations suggested in this thesis to other manufacturing processes and industries.