How do managers in the pharmaceutical industry ensure that their plant performs reliably and safely? Michael Dixey and Pete Hibbs of GGR Associates explain some of the reasons for poor performance and suggest how these problems may be overcome.
Many pharmaceutical companies have invested heavily in recent years in new plant and equipment. Much of this equipment is running at higher speeds and for longer periods — often 24/7. Yet, despite this investment in equipment, plant performance may not be reaching target levels. Companies measuring overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) often find that plant reliability is little better than it was before the investments were made.