Unplanned downtime crippled beverage production by 12.5%: report

Non-alcoholic beverage production fell 12.5% ​​between April and June compared to the previous three months as producers were hampered by unplanned downtime, according to OFS findings from its quarterly. Benchmark Report on Non-Alcoholic Beverages.

In total, filling lines spent 37% of operating time in unplanned downtime—an increase of more than a third from the previous quarter, leaving producers with just over half of the potential yield attainable

“This may sound like bleak reading, but demand for non-alcoholic beverages in general has increased so much that it’s no surprise to see teething issues with production,” commented OFS CEO James Magee.

“Really, this is an opportunity to double down on that demand and meet it in a smart, sustainable way. With this kind of data in hand, non-alcoholic producers can not only take advantage of market opportunities, but potentially avoid completely unnecessary investments in new production capacity because they can use what they have more effectively.”

Despite downtime issues, the aforementioned non-alcoholic beverage producers are exceptional in terms of waste efficiency with only 1.32% of units lost between the start and end of the line of filling.

Compared to the already waste-efficient craft beer industry – which OFS analyzed in a separate report – non-alcoholic producers are more than a third more efficient.

Other key statistics from the report include:

• On average, output was 5,550 units per hour, 46.7% behind potential output of 10,413 units per hour.
• It took an average of 52.8 minutes to set up a job, a nearly 15% improvement from the previous quarter.

The industry scored an average OEE score – considered the gold standard for measuring productivity – of 34%, a sharp drop from 46% last quarter.

Magee says data is important when improving OEE. The data allows manufacturers to get a better and more consistent handle on areas such as unplanned downtime, changeover time, and maximizing efficiency in production schedules.

“Having access to real-time information like the metrics outlined in this report is a sign of maturity in any industry and something that should be part and parcel of the operations of non-alcoholic beverage producers as the industry is expanding,” he said.

“The data we have obtained in these reports and the associated learnings are just the beginning. Using simple, affordable technology, non-alcoholic beverage producers can gain visibility into packaging efficiency, waste, energy use, and more to help them capitalize on opportunities.”

The Benchmark Report on Non-Alcoholic Beverages provides insights into how data can be used to improve production efficiency in the soft drinks industry.

It analyzed the production of millions of liters of kombucha, coconut water, dairy drinks and soft drinks by Australian, New Zealand and US producers between April and June this year to determine a view of ‘what looks like’ .

It includes key performance benchmark data and explains why knowing overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) can have a significant impact on a producer’s bottom line.

GET READY FOR XCONF AUSTRALIA 2022

Thoughtworks presents XConf Australia, in person in three cities, bringing together people who care deeply about software and its impact on the world.

In its fifth year, XConf is our annual technology event made by technologists for technologists.

Participate in a robust agenda of conversations as local thought leaders and Thoughtworks technologists share first-hand experiences and exchange new ways to empower teams, deliver quality software and drive innovation for responsible technology.

Explore how at Thoughtworks, we improve tech, together.

Tickets are now available and all proceeds will be donated to Indigitek, a non-profit organization that aims to create career pathways in technology for First Nations Peoples.

Click the button below to register and get your ticket for the event in Melbourne, Sydney or Brisbane

GET YOUR TICKET!