Machine utilization
Is your utilization really 70%?
Most plants believe a utilization number that came from an assumption. ThingConnect measures it from the controller — when each machine actually ran, for how long, on what — so capacity and capex decisions rest on facts.
Decisions being made on assumed numbers
- A new machine gets approved while three existing ones sit idle 30% of the day — invisibly.
- Quotes assume capacity that the floor doesn’t actually have.
- ‘We’re running flat out’ and ‘the machines are half idle’ are both said in the same meeting.
- Second-shift viability is debated on gut feel because nobody trusts the utilization sheet.
How ThingConnect does it
Measured, not assumed
Utilization is computed from controller run state against calendar or shift time — your choice of denominator, stated on every report.
Per machine, per cell, per week
Rank machines by utilization, spot the chronically idle ones, and see patterns by shift and day of week.
The capex conversation, settled
When someone proposes buying capacity, the utilization report shows whether you already own it. This report pays for the system.
Common questions
How is utilization different from OEE?
Utilization asks ‘was the machine running?’ against total available time; OEE also weighs speed and quality while running. ThingConnect reports both, clearly labeled, because mixing them up is the most common measurement mistake we see.
Utilization against what — 24 hours or shift time?
Your choice, and both can be shown. Calendar-time utilization (TEEP-style) exposes unused capacity; shift-time utilization measures how well staffed time is used.
Can we compare machines and periods?
Yes — per machine, group, line, or plant, across any date range, exportable to Excel.
How accurate is it on older machines?
As accurate as the control’s own state reporting, which is what the machine itself believes. Machines without a connectable control are flagged in the site survey rather than guessed at.
See it on machines like yours
A 30-minute demo, then a pilot on your own floor if it fits.