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The 2022 Manufacturing KPI Checklist Should Include These Five Indicators

THE 2022 MANUFACTURING KPI CHECKLIST SHOULD INCLUDE THESE FIVE INDICATORS
Every manufacturing company aims to be as efficient as possible to maximize profit. However, it's difficult to determine where you stand and what targets to establish unless you can precisely measure your efficiency. Manufacturing KPIs play an important role in this process.

Keeping track of many indicators without considering their commercial worth is a waste of time.

“Not everything that can be counted counts and not everything that counts can be counted”

- Albert Einstein

But connecting goals to measurements is a certain way to track progress and improve processes. So let's get started with how to choose the most appropriate key performance indicators (KPIs) for your business.


Manufacturing KPI 2022: How to Choose the Right One?

Why are KPIs called “Key” Performance Indicators? While any statistic can be used to assess performance, KPIs are the most critical. Hence they are called key performance indicators.  Companies' priorities while selecting their company KPIs may differ substantially depending on the industry in which they operate.

“Strategic-operational KPIs alignment gives the organization a powerful tool to use when implementing change.”

― Pearl Zhu

A corporation should not track more than ten manufacturing KPIs to avoid overblowing processes. So, manufacturing efficiency, customer satisfaction, lead times, etc., should all be included.

Depending on your business nature, you must select your KPIs. However, each of those indicators must meet a set of criteria before being considered meaningful.

So, what is a decent KPI for manufacturing?
  • It gives objective and clear data on progress toward a certain goal
  • It measures efficiency, quality, punctuality, and performance
  • It allows for tracking performance over time
  • It helps in decision making
  • It should be the one that matches the company's long-term objectives
  • It has to be measurable and quantifiable
  • It must be realistic and actionable

Following that, let's have a look at the most important manufacturing KPIs for 2022, which will assist you in better understanding your manufacturing business and formulating a growth strategy in line with that understanding.


Most Critical Manufacturing KPIs in Order of Priority

Despite the fact that manufacturers should also monitor general key performance indicators (KPIs) such as sales revenue, net profit margin, and so on, the manufacturing business demands the tracking of specific manufacturing metrics. Below are some of the most important manufacturing key performance indicators (KPIs).


Work-in-process

Using this manufacturing KPI metric, you can see how much value there is in products still in progress. It assists manufacturing organizations in determining how much of their working capital is locked up in incomplete products and can aid in identifying supply chain management difficulties.
You can compute the Work-In-Progress (WIP) by using the formula provided below.


Return on Assets 

This manufacturing KPI seems to be more about financing than manufacturing. Yes, it does. However, financial measurements are just as vital as production ones. A firm cannot exist unless it generates revenue, and this indicator measures how efficiently your company uses its assets and generates revenues.
The Return on Assets (ROA) of your company can be calculated using the formula below.

Cost Per Unit

It is critical to understand the overall manufacturing cost per unit. You can't appropriately price a product without it. This manufacturing KPI divides total manufacturing costs by the number of units produced. Materials, overhead, depreciation, and labor are standard costs.

Demand Forecasting

Companies utilize this manufacturing statistic to forecast future raw material needs to satisfy client demand. Unfortunately, this statistic is more challenging to employ because it is mainly dependent on unpredictable external circumstances. The basic formula is:

Where:
  • The seasonal factors are distinct
  • Average demand is calculated as:


Lead Time

A company's lead time, also known as order cycle time, is an important KPI. It shows how swiftly your organization processes orders and meets client requests. It is time it takes to complete an order from confirmation to delivery.

Long lead times can imply process inefficiencies that produce bottlenecks and excessive expenses. Conversely, short lead times are important since they allow you to respond to consumer needs swiftly and efficiently.

The total lead time can be divided into smaller segments as follows:
  • The time it takes to manufacture a product from start to finish
  • The time it takes to deliver a product from stock to a client
  • The time it takes suppliers to deliver products to manufacturers
By segmenting the lead time, you may more precisely identify the areas where inefficiencies in the process occur.


Toyota’s Four Key Performance Metrics 

As a company, Toyota places a high focus on environmental protection. Toyota's vehicles are designed to use less fuel and produce less waste.

Regardless of the company's size, Toyota is committed to protecting the environment. Toyota's 'Earth Charter' was created in 1992 as part of the company's Global Policy initiative. It was Toyota's first overseas facility and the UK's first ISO14001-certified car manufacturer. Waterborne paints were utilized for the first time and zero waste was sent to landfills. In 2009, Toyota Manufacturing UK did not use any incinerators.

Toyota has developed a set of key performance indicators (KPIs) for each of its major production areas. There are four key performance metrics: energy, water, waste, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). 

Since its start in 1992, Toyota Manufacturing UK has attempted to mitigate its environmental impact. The figure below illustrates the environmental KPIs for the Burnaston plant. Each year, Toyota sets new goals to improve its results.
  • 79% reduction in vehicle energy consumption
  • 62%  reduction in waste per car
  • 76% reduction in VOC emissions per car
  • 79% reduction in water consumption per vehicle


Final Words

You can use the aforementioned manufacturing KPIs to construct your manufacturing KPI template, but keep in mind that the manufacturing metrics you need to track may differ from those listed here. The first prudent move any business can make while examining its operation is to identify and track the relevant KPIs. Also, in manufacturing, there are several different KPIs, phrases, and abbreviations need to be understood and used where it makes the most sense.


FAQ


What is manufacturing KPI?

A manufacturing Key Performance Indicator (KPI) or metric is a well-defined and measurable indicator that the manufacturing sector uses to evaluate its performance over time and compare it to that of other industries.


What are the key KPIs for manufacturers?

On-Time Delivery, Production Schedule Attainment, Total Cycle Time, Throughput, Capacity Utilization, and Changeover Time are some of the key manufacturing KPIs.

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Integrate Digital Transformation into Business Goals Establish a strong connection between the digital transformation journey and the company's goals. Define the specific achievements to accomplish through digitization efforts. By aligning digital transformation initiatives with business objectives, a company can enhance its effectiveness in completing tasks, retaining existing employees, attracting new talent, and successfully overhauling company culture. Case Study: Cummins Cummins, a manufacturer of diesel and alternative fuel engines and generators is an example of a company that has capitalized on the increased demand for environmentally friendly products. Microsoft cloud compliance opportunities boost data security and IP protection. Microsoft has been one of the world's foremost technology companies for decades. Satya Nadella shifted the company's revenue model away from desktops and accelerated the transition to cloud computing. Cummins now uses Microsoft 365 for information management and collaboration to create a new workplace culture. Cummins' 58000 employees work cross-functionally and globally to stay ahead. Cummins relies on Microsoft 365 for strict security, data management and delivery, and compliance. Final Thoughts Successful digital transformation in Industry 4.0 requires a strategic and holistic approach beyond technology adoption. It demands a cultural shift, stakeholder collaboration, and a clear vision of the desired outcomes. To achieve successful digital transformation in Industry 4.0, organizations must adopt best practices that encompass technological, cultural, and strategic dimensions. Data-driven decision-making, agility, continuous learning, and a customer-centric approach are key elements in this transformative journey. By prioritizing these practices, businesses can navigate the complexities of digital transformation, drive innovation, and stay competitive in the dynamic landscape of Industry 4.0.

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Making digitalization work for you requires an understanding of your manufacturing ecosystem. Standards - such as ISA-95 - only guide you on a journey to more deeply comprehend the workings of your unique process for manufacturing your products. A batch manufacturing ecosystem often includes campaign management. Campaign management is not mentioned in ISA-95, which only speaks generally of order processing.

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Stratasys’ Latest Printer Offers Applications with Improved Parameters

Stratasys | November 06, 2023

Stratasys introduces the F3300 3D printer, offering high speed, uptime, and quality for targeting manufacturing industries with high demands. The F3300 empowers manufacturers to accelerate product development and address global supply chain challenges, delivering a strong return on investment. The latest printer will be unveiled during a live event hosted by the company on November 7. Stratasys, a leader in additive manufacturing and polymer 3D printing solutions will showcase its latest F3300 Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printer at the Formnext conference, held in Germany from November 7 to 10. This printer offers exceptional value to manufacturing customers with reduced labor, higher part quality and yield, as well as maximized uptime. The solutions provided by Stratasys provide customers a competitive edge at every stage of the product value chain. These solutions include smart and networked 3D printers, polymer materials, a software ecosystem, and components on demand. The most successful companies in the world go to Stratasys to improve health care, provide agility to manufacturing and supply chains, and alter product design. Key Advancements Faster Print Speeds: Increased gantry speeds, speedier extrusion rates, and autocalibration. Higher Part Quality and Yields: Up to 25% improvement in accuracy and repeatability with autocalibration. Maximized Uptime: Machine monitoring, extruder redundancy, and an operator-friendly interface design. Cost Savings: Offers 25-45% savings compared to other Stratasys FDM solutions. Rich Garrity, Stratasys' Chief Industrial Business Unit Officer, remarked that the next-generation AM system empowers customers to scale production and reduce the need to compromise between traditional and additive manufacturing solutions. He added that the conventional capacity limitations, rising global supply chain challenges, and application complexity are incredibly stressful for manufacturing, and F3300 will empower buyers to accelerate product development, allowing faster innovation and maximized ROI. F3300 printer expands the range of production capabilities and provides performance-oriented manufacturers with the most expansive variety of best-in-class FDM printers. The F3300 is the latest addition to the FDM family, which includes the F900, F770, F450mc, and the F123 series. F3300 complements Stratasys’ F900, known for its dependability, use of high-performance materials, and large capacity. Built for manufacturing by the inventors, the F3300 will be the most sophisticated industrial 3D printer in the market. Its advanced features and design will transform how additive manufacturing is used in demanding industries like automotive, government/military, aerospace and service bureaus. The F3300 is expected to be available for shipment from 2024. Stratasys will host a live event on November 7 at 5:30 p.m. CET to uncover the F3300.

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Manufacturing Technology

Rockwell Automation Invests in Momenta Fund for Sustainable Tech

Rockwell Automation | November 08, 2023

Rockwell Automation invests strategically in Momenta's Industry 5.0 Fund, focused on resilient, sustainable, and human-centric industrial operations. The Industry 5.0 Fund promotes a transition from shareholder to stakeholder value, emphasizing sustainability and empowering individuals with technology to make informed decisions. This partnership positions Rockwell Automation to gain early access to innovative technologies that have the potential to disrupt industrial markets and enhance sustainability while supporting startups at the forefront of digital transformation in energy, manufacturing, smart spaces, and supply chains. Rockwell Automation, a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation, has made a strategic investment in Momenta's Industry 5.0 Fund. The Industry 5.0 Fund, with an initial capital of $100 million, supports startups dedicated to advancing resilient, sustainable, and human-centric industrial operations. Switzerland-based Momenta launched the fund in cooperation with the EU Commission to promote research and innovation in line with the Commission's Industry 5.0 initiative. The fund aims to transition industries to focus on stakeholder value over shareholder value, emphasizing sustainability and empowering people with information and technology for decision-making. Targeting entrepreneurs in Europe and North America who are at the early stages of development and are at the forefront of the digital revolution in energy, manufacturing, smart spaces, and supply chains, the Industry 5.0 Fund will provide them with venture capital funding and direct value creation. Rockwell Automation is an anchor investor in the fund, allowing the company early access to cutting-edge technologies that can disrupt industrial markets and enhance sustainability. The investment aligns with Rockwell's strategy for inorganic growth and provides valuable insights into next-generation technologies driving digital transformation. Cyril Perducat, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of Rockwell, expressed excitement about partnering with Momenta to support startups poised to disrupt the industry while expanding human potential. He emphasized the intrinsic benefits of adopting technology that benefits all stakeholders. Ken Forster, a founding partner at Momenta, expressed his appreciation for Rockwell Automation's investment in their Industry 5.0 fund. He acknowledged that Rockwell Automation played a defining role in industrial automation and digital transformation within North America. Under the leadership of an impressive team, they had also been extending their global influence. Ken noted that Momenta's primary focus for the past decade had been investing in companies that drive industrial impact. He further mentioned that they couldn't have found a better partner for the Industry 5.0 fund than Rockwell Automation.

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Additive Manufacturing

Nexa3D Plans to Acquire Essentium for Broadened Capabilities

Nexa3D | November 07, 2023

Nexa3D, an ultrafast 3D printing leader, has taken a substantial step in staking its leader position in the industrial additive manufacturing space by signing a LOI to acquire Essentium, a manufacturer of HSE 3D printers and materials, adopted for high requirement, precision applications in aerospace, defense, and military. With this acquisition, Nexa3D will add high-speed extrusion (HSE) to its current product portfolio. The acquisition would broaden capabilities, diversify revenues, and expand addressable markets for the fast-growing 3D printing company. Avi Reichental, Co-founder, Chairman, and CEO of Nexa3D, stated that they are looking forward to welcoming the Essentium team to Nexa3D’s family. The acquisition will be a testament to their unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of 3D printing technology. He continued that by joining forces with Essentium, they aim to create synergies to deliver unmatched value to their customers. Together, they will drive ultrafast additive manufacturing innovation and provide even more powerful solutions for manufacturers seeking to achieve their production goals. Essentium, known for its variety of materials portfolio, true independent dual extruders (IDEX) and award-winning high-speed extrusion 3D printers, has provided solutions for complex polymer production applications 5 to 15 times quicker than other competing extrusion technologies. Essentium’s commitment to reliability and innovation has made it a go-to choice for manufacturers worldwide. Nexa3D has rapidly emerged as a leader in the 3D printing space, delivering excellent production solutions for businesses across various sectors. Best known for its ultrafast 3D printers, from desktops to the factory floor, its technology has redefined the possibilities of 3D printing production, enabling unparalleled productivity, material flexibility, and accuracy. Adopted by around 1200 customers all over the world, its printers have become the go-to solution for high-throughput production applications. This acquisition is expected to close by the end of this year or as soon as practicable afterward. Both Essentium and Nexa3D are committed to ensure a smooth transition and for maintaining uninterrupted services to existing and prospective customers. About Nexa3D Nexa3D is committed to the sustainable digitization of supply chains, driven by its relentless pursuit of advancing additive manufacturing. The company engineers ultrafast polymer 3D printers, capable of delivering remarkable productivity gains, up to 20 times greater, to professionals and businesses of varying sizes. Innovative partnerships with renowned material suppliers, combined with an open materials platform, serve as the catalyst for unlocking the full potential of additively manufactured polymers, particularly in volume production. Nexa3D leverages automated software tools, employing process interplay algorithms that optimize the production cycle.

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Manufacturing Technology

Stratasys’ Latest Printer Offers Applications with Improved Parameters

Stratasys | November 06, 2023

Stratasys introduces the F3300 3D printer, offering high speed, uptime, and quality for targeting manufacturing industries with high demands. The F3300 empowers manufacturers to accelerate product development and address global supply chain challenges, delivering a strong return on investment. The latest printer will be unveiled during a live event hosted by the company on November 7. Stratasys, a leader in additive manufacturing and polymer 3D printing solutions will showcase its latest F3300 Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printer at the Formnext conference, held in Germany from November 7 to 10. This printer offers exceptional value to manufacturing customers with reduced labor, higher part quality and yield, as well as maximized uptime. The solutions provided by Stratasys provide customers a competitive edge at every stage of the product value chain. These solutions include smart and networked 3D printers, polymer materials, a software ecosystem, and components on demand. The most successful companies in the world go to Stratasys to improve health care, provide agility to manufacturing and supply chains, and alter product design. Key Advancements Faster Print Speeds: Increased gantry speeds, speedier extrusion rates, and autocalibration. Higher Part Quality and Yields: Up to 25% improvement in accuracy and repeatability with autocalibration. Maximized Uptime: Machine monitoring, extruder redundancy, and an operator-friendly interface design. Cost Savings: Offers 25-45% savings compared to other Stratasys FDM solutions. Rich Garrity, Stratasys' Chief Industrial Business Unit Officer, remarked that the next-generation AM system empowers customers to scale production and reduce the need to compromise between traditional and additive manufacturing solutions. He added that the conventional capacity limitations, rising global supply chain challenges, and application complexity are incredibly stressful for manufacturing, and F3300 will empower buyers to accelerate product development, allowing faster innovation and maximized ROI. F3300 printer expands the range of production capabilities and provides performance-oriented manufacturers with the most expansive variety of best-in-class FDM printers. The F3300 is the latest addition to the FDM family, which includes the F900, F770, F450mc, and the F123 series. F3300 complements Stratasys’ F900, known for its dependability, use of high-performance materials, and large capacity. Built for manufacturing by the inventors, the F3300 will be the most sophisticated industrial 3D printer in the market. Its advanced features and design will transform how additive manufacturing is used in demanding industries like automotive, government/military, aerospace and service bureaus. The F3300 is expected to be available for shipment from 2024. Stratasys will host a live event on November 7 at 5:30 p.m. CET to uncover the F3300.

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Events