We’re excited to announce a significant update to the innius platform: the new Downtime Reasons functionality. Initially rolled out as a beta release to a select group of customers in our test program, this major enhancement is now available in preview mode for all innius users. The results from our testing phase have been highly encouraging, marking an exciting step forward in how downtime reasons are assigned and managed.
What is the new Downtime Reasons functionality?
This new functionality brings a more structured and synchronized approach to understanding downtime.
The improved version introduces several key changes:
- Downtime is still detected automatically based on real-time machine data.
- Operators are now prompted to assign a reason for each detected downtime period in the Operations app, using a standardized list of predefined reasons.
- Downtime reasons can be fixed (always available) or dynamic, depending on other sensor inputs, adding flexibility to the system.
- Operators have the option to add comments to elaborate on a reason but cannot alter the start and end times of the detected periods. They can only split these periods into separate segments if needed.
- Downtime periods become visible in the Operations app from the moment downtime starts and remain available for up to 9 hours. This design prevents operators from being overwhelmed and ensures that downtime reasons can be recorded after a shift ends, aligning with operators’ workflows.
How does this change the innius apps?
The new Downtime Reasons functionality impacts the innius apps as follows:
- innius Admin App:
- This is where downtime sensors and reasons are defined, alongside other critical settings. Users can manage the list of available downtime reasons, ensuring they align with production processes and sensor data.
- innius Operations App:
- Downtime periods detected by machine data are presented to operators, who are prompted to select a reason from a pre-determined list.
- Operators have up to 9 hours to assign reasons, allowing them to complete this task at the end of their shift if necessary. The system ensures reasons are mapped directly to the machine-detected downtime periods for consistency.
- innius Insight App:
- Features the Downtime Reason Manager, which provides a comprehensive view of all machines. Managers can see a detailed list of downtime periods, whether reasons have been provided, and the specific reasons logged.
- The Downtime Reason Manager also allows for downtime periods to be split further, and it enables managers to adjust or add descriptions as needed, giving greater control and flexibility over downtime data analysis.
- The Downtime Report uses Pareto analysis to pinpoint the most significant causes of downtime, providing actionable insights for improving efficiency.
How Does This Relate to OEE?
The improved Downtime Reasons functionality plays a crucial role in understanding and improving Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE). The innius Insight app includes the OEE Drilldown Report, which presents OEE data for the selected period in a graph based on the well-known textbook OEE diagram. This report allows a drilldown into the OEE calculation data, helping you identify different reasons for loss and how these compare.
One of the Six Big Losses associated with OEE is Unplanned Downtime, which affects Actual Production Time. The new Downtime Reasons functionality and Downtime Report enable deeper understanding of the specific causes of this loss, allowing plant managers to take targeted actions to improve OEE.
When and how can I start using the new Downtime Reasons functionality?
The new features are available now for all customers to preview. Feel free to test it and send us your feedback.
To learn more, refer to the new Knowledge Base articles that guide you through setting up and using the enhanced Downtime Reasons system.