ENHANCING BOILER EFFICIENCY: STRATEGIES TO OPTIMIZE AVAILABILITY, PERFORMANCE, AND QUALITY IN THE FOOD AND BEVERAGE INDUSTRY
Abstract
The industrial manufacturing sector faces the dual challenge of meeting increasing global market demands while ensuring consistent, high-quality outputs, which is particularly critical in the food and beverage industry, where product consistency and quality are non-negotiable. Maintaining the efficiency and effectiveness of production equipment is imperative to address these challenges and is the cornerstone for optimising productivity. This study presents a novel approach by combining the analysis of factors affecting productivity with the application of Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) as a comprehensive metric. OEE evaluates equipment performance through three key dimensions: availability, performance efficiency, and product quality. This study utilises qualitative and quantitative research methods to explore these factors in-depth. Qualitative methods include data collection via worker interviews, questionnaires, and literature reviews supported by theoretical and experiential evidence. Quantitative analysis employs statistical tools and measurable data validated through case studies in selected companies. The findings reveal unique insights: while performance efficiency achieves an exceptional 100% and quality rates are sustained at an impressive 98.12%, equipment availability lags at an average of 52.15%, signalling substantial room for improvement. These results underscore the need for targeted interventions to enhance equipment availability through optimized maintenance schedules, machinery upgrades, and refined operational processes. Additionally, minor quality-related issues can be addressed to improve the quality rate efficiency. This study identifies critical factors impacting productivity in the food and beverage industry. It introduces actionable recommendations for enhancing equipment effectiveness, paving the way for future research and practical advancements in industrial manufacturing.
