Flevy Management Insights Q&A
What emerging technologies are proving most effective in enhancing OEE, and how can companies integrate these into their existing systems?
     Joseph Robinson    |    OEE


This article provides a detailed response to: What emerging technologies are proving most effective in enhancing OEE, and how can companies integrate these into their existing systems? For a comprehensive understanding of OEE, we also include relevant case studies for further reading and links to OEE best practice resources.

TLDR Emerging technologies like IoT, AI, ML, AR, and VR are key to enhancing Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) through strategic integration, data management, and workforce development for operational excellence.

Reading time: 5 minutes

Before we begin, let's review some important management concepts, as they related to this question.

What does Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) mean?
What does Predictive Maintenance mean?
What does Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) mean?
What does Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) mean?


Emerging technologies are increasingly becoming pivotal in enhancing Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), a core metric that measures the availability, performance, and quality of manufacturing processes. As companies strive to improve their operational efficiency and productivity, integrating these technologies into existing systems has become a strategic necessity. This integration not only drives improvements in OEE but also fosters a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

Internet of Things (IoT) and Predictive Maintenance

The Internet of Things (IoT) stands at the forefront of technologies improving OEE. IoT devices collect real-time data from equipment, providing insights into operational performance and potential issues before they escalate into costly downtime. Predictive maintenance, powered by IoT, uses this data to anticipate equipment failures and schedule maintenance proactively. According to a report by McKinsey, predictive maintenance can reduce machine downtime by up to 50% and increase machine life by 20-40%. This significant improvement in equipment availability and performance directly boosts OEE.

Companies can integrate IoT and predictive maintenance into their existing systems by deploying sensors on critical machinery and using cloud-based platforms to analyze the data. This approach not only enhances the accuracy of maintenance schedules but also optimizes resource allocation, ensuring that maintenance efforts are directed where they are most needed. Real-world examples include leading automotive manufacturers that have implemented IoT sensors in their production lines, resulting in a marked decrease in unplanned downtime and a substantial improvement in production efficiency.

Furthermore, the integration of IoT and predictive maintenance requires a strategic approach to data management and analysis. Companies should invest in training their staff to interpret IoT data and make informed decisions based on predictive analytics. This capacity building is essential for maximizing the benefits of IoT and predictive maintenance in enhancing OEE.

Are you familiar with Flevy? We are you shortcut to immediate value.
Flevy provides business best practices—the same as those produced by top-tier consulting firms and used by Fortune 100 companies. Our best practice business frameworks, financial models, and templates are of the same caliber as those produced by top-tier management consulting firms, like McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Deloitte, and Accenture. Most were developed by seasoned executives and consultants with 20+ years of experience.

Trusted by over 10,000+ Client Organizations
Since 2012, we have provided best practices to over 10,000 businesses and organizations of all sizes, from startups and small businesses to the Fortune 100, in over 130 countries.
AT&T GE Cisco Intel IBM Coke Dell Toyota HP Nike Samsung Microsoft Astrazeneca JP Morgan KPMG Walgreens Walmart 3M Kaiser Oracle SAP Google E&Y Volvo Bosch Merck Fedex Shell Amgen Eli Lilly Roche AIG Abbott Amazon PwC T-Mobile Broadcom Bayer Pearson Titleist ConEd Pfizer NTT Data Schwab

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)

AI and ML technologies are revolutionizing the way companies approach OEE improvement. By analyzing vast amounts of data, AI algorithms can identify patterns and insights that would be impossible for humans to discern, leading to more informed decision-making and strategic planning. For instance, AI can optimize production schedules by predicting the best sequence of operations to minimize changeover times and maximize throughput. A study by Accenture highlighted that AI could boost profitability rates by an average of 38% by 2035, with the manufacturing sector standing to gain significantly from these efficiencies.

Integrating AI and ML into existing systems involves leveraging data analytics platforms that can process and analyze operational data in real-time. This integration enables companies to continuously monitor and adjust their processes for optimal performance. An example of this in action is a food and beverage company that used AI to optimize its supply chain and production scheduling, resulting in a 5% increase in OEE within the first year of implementation.

However, the successful integration of AI and ML requires a robust data infrastructure and a skilled workforce capable of developing and managing AI models. Companies should focus on upskilling their employees and establishing partnerships with technology providers to build the necessary capabilities for leveraging AI and ML in enhancing OEE.

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)

AR and VR technologies are providing innovative ways to improve OEE by enhancing training and maintenance processes. AR can overlay digital information onto the physical world, helping technicians perform maintenance tasks more efficiently and with fewer errors. VR, on the other hand, can simulate production environments for training purposes, allowing employees to gain hands-on experience without the risk of disrupting actual production processes. Gartner predicts that by 2025, the use of AR and VR in training and simulation will increase employee productivity by 30%.

To integrate AR and VR into existing systems, companies should start with pilot projects focused on high-value applications, such as complex maintenance procedures or safety-critical operations. These technologies require significant investment in hardware and software, as well as in content development. However, the return on investment can be substantial, as demonstrated by an aerospace manufacturer that reduced assembly time by 25% and training costs by 40% through the use of AR-guided assembly processes.

Moreover, the successful adoption of AR and VR technologies depends on a cultural shift within the organization towards embracing digital tools and methodologies. Leadership must champion the use of these technologies and ensure that employees are provided with the necessary training and support to adapt to these new ways of working.

Integrating emerging technologies such as IoT, AI, ML, AR, and VR into existing systems presents a significant opportunity for companies to enhance their OEE. By focusing on strategic implementation, data management, and workforce development, organizations can harness these technologies to drive operational excellence and maintain a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving manufacturing landscape.

Best Practices in OEE

Here are best practices relevant to OEE from the Flevy Marketplace. View all our OEE materials here.

Did you know?
The average daily rate of a McKinsey consultant is $6,625 (not including expenses). The average price of a Flevy document is $65.

Explore all of our best practices in: OEE

OEE Case Studies

For a practical understanding of OEE, take a look at these case studies.

Operational Efficiency Advancement in Automotive Chemicals Sector

Scenario: An agricultural firm specializing in high-volume crop protection chemicals is facing a decline in Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).

Read Full Case Study

OEE Enhancement in Agritech Vertical

Scenario: The organization is a mid-sized agritech company specializing in precision farming equipment.

Read Full Case Study

OEE Enhancement in Consumer Packaged Goods Sector

Scenario: The organization in question operates within the consumer packaged goods industry and is grappling with suboptimal Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) rates.

Read Full Case Study

Operational Efficiency Enhancement for Mid-Size Construction Firm through Total Productive Maintenance

Scenario: A mid-size construction firm specializing in commercial building projects is grappling with a 20% decline in overall equipment effectiveness due to inadequate TPM practices.

Read Full Case Study

Optimizing Overall Equipment Effectiveness in Industrial Building Materials

Scenario: A leading firm in the industrial building materials sector is grappling with suboptimal Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) rates.

Read Full Case Study

OEE Improvement for D2C Cosmetics Brand in Competitive Market

Scenario: A direct-to-consumer (D2C) cosmetics company is grappling with suboptimal production line performance, causing significant product delays and affecting customer satisfaction.

Read Full Case Study




Flevy is the world's largest knowledge base of best practices.


Leverage the Experience of Experts.

Find documents of the same caliber as those used by top-tier consulting firms, like McKinsey, BCG, Bain, Deloitte, Accenture.

Download Immediately and Use.

Our PowerPoint presentations, Excel workbooks, and Word documents are completely customizable, including rebrandable.

Save Time, Effort, and Money.

Save yourself and your employees countless hours. Use that time to work on more value-added and fulfilling activities.




Read Customer Testimonials

  •  
    "Last Sunday morning, I was diligently working on an important presentation for a client and found myself in need of additional content and suitable templates for various types of graphics. Flevy.com proved to be a treasure trove for both content and design at a reasonable price, considering the time I "

    – M. E., Chief Commercial Officer, International Logistics Service Provider
  •  
    "I have used FlevyPro for several business applications. It is a great complement to working with expensive consultants. The quality and effectiveness of the tools are of the highest standards."

    – Moritz Bernhoerster, Global Sourcing Director at Fortune 500
  •  
    "My FlevyPro subscription provides me with the most popular frameworks and decks in demand in today’s market. They not only augment my existing consulting and coaching offerings and delivery, but also keep me abreast of the latest trends, inspire new products and service offerings for my practice, and educate me "

    – Bill Branson, Founder at Strategic Business Architects
  •  
    "As a small business owner, the resource material available from FlevyPro has proven to be invaluable. The ability to search for material on demand based our project events and client requirements was great for me and proved very beneficial to my clients. Importantly, being able to easily edit and tailor "

    – Michael Duff, Managing Director at Change Strategy (UK)
  •  
    "I am extremely grateful for the proactiveness and eagerness to help and I would gladly recommend the Flevy team if you are looking for data and toolkits to help you work through business solutions."

    – Trevor Booth, Partner, Fast Forward Consulting
  •  
    "If you are looking for great resources to save time with your business presentations, Flevy is truly a value-added resource. Flevy has done all the work for you and we will continue to utilize Flevy as a source to extract up-to-date information and data for our virtual and onsite presentations!"

    – Debbi Saffo, President at The NiKhar Group
  •  
    "Flevy is now a part of my business routine. I visit Flevy at least 3 times each month.

    Flevy has become my preferred learning source, because what it provides is practical, current, and useful in this era where the business world is being rewritten.

    In today's environment where there are so "

    – Omar Hernán Montes Parra, CEO at Quantum SFE
  •  
    "As a niche strategic consulting firm, Flevy and FlevyPro frameworks and documents are an on-going reference to help us structure our findings and recommendations to our clients as well as improve their clarity, strength, and visual power. For us, it is an invaluable resource to increase our impact and value."

    – David Coloma, Consulting Area Manager at Cynertia Consulting



Download our FREE Strategy & Transformation Framework Templates

Download our free compilation of 50+ Strategy & Transformation slides and templates. Frameworks include McKinsey 7-S Strategy Model, Balanced Scorecard, Disruptive Innovation, BCG Experience Curve, and many more.