PDA Launches their Adoption Assurance Program
Process and Data Automaton (PDA) is launching their Adoption Assurance program to help their clients turn information into action on their high-speed packaging lines. This is a structured program which helps drive usage and excellence at the client level. Through this process, users will develop positive habits as they deepen their working knowledge of their equipment and the software via the relationship that exists between them.
PDA’s clients frequently acquire Krones’ powerful Analytics along with the purchase of a new or upgraded packaging line. The focused deployment teams use the software to validate the functions of new equipment, and these projects culminate with comprehensive training on basic tools within Krones’ Analytics. The new lines typically run well and, along with extended OEM support on equipment, the digital tracking proficiency and unexpected downtime remediation become an afterthought for the end users.
PDA, Krones’ digitalization subsidiary in North America, has observed that usage of these tools frequently wanes following project commissioning. It is not uncommon for the client teams involved with the initial training to move into different roles post-commissioning and the software usage continuity is broken between the initial users and the daily users who are introduced to the lines later. Retained users frequently focus on a few familiar options within the package to help them operate their lines. Their focus sacrifices increasing returns by not using the software to its full potential. Adoption Assurance will enhance users’ experience and capabilities, drive continuous improvement on the equipment to which it is attached, and will help to engrain the concept of manufacturing excellence into the overall business culture of their organizations.
PDA’s team of Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) experts share a rich history working inside of manufacturing environments and they pair with the company’s software teams to craft powerful solutions. Adoption Assurance is a formal program which mates these disciplines for the benefit of field users as it takes over following a project startup and when the Hypercare phase concludes. This ensures that the manufacturing equipment delivers repeatable results and the associated software systems are generating stable, valuable data. This is a critical juncture for the client, a time when they will move past dynamic startup activities and into a continuous operating mode. This is merely the beginning of their overall journey.
Clients receive detailed training during the initial startup on reports for KPIs, downtime analysis, and more. They learn the Downtime Management module which introduces the concepts and value of proper classification of anomalies and associated mitigation actions. Adoption Assurance builds on these concepts by ensuring use of these and more of Krones’ Analytics’ tools. Data is reviewed in a structured manner with PDA’s OEE experts then they provide guidance on classification rules and techniques, all with an eye towards implementing and using more regimented reason codes for downtime events. This is all done using the client’s actual data, so their team achieves a higher-level connection to their equipment, their software, and the role each plays in managing performance.
The program is delivered via a step approach which starts with a multi-day onsite visit with PDA’s OEE experts. The combined team builds cohesion as they interact with the line(s), with the client’s onsite personnel illustrating standard operations during normal use. The PDA specialists share guidance and set goals for how to best utilize the Krones’ Analytics package to achieve results on commonly observed items or patterns. The team agrees on SOPs for standard and out-of-specification operation, and this becomes their foundation for continued interaction. The continued instances occur as a series of remote meetings, starting on a weekly basis and decreasing to monthly as the users’ discipline increases and their skills grow. This is all achieved under the direct supervision of PDA’s industry experts.
Clients’ understanding of OEE and how it drives line performance varies greatly from site to site. Further, a team’s understanding of typically varies based on how frequently they review their detailed information and use their tools to analyze and correct actions. Programs like PDA’s Adoption Assurance will help capture the enthusiasm of early adopters and ensure that the knowledge succeeds those individuals. The resultant connection will help to standardize operations and mitigate challenges associated with turnover or lack of use. Together, the equipment and support software will drive excellence.
