Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1

The manufacturing industry depends on machine efficiency and productivity in order to ensure sustainable and profitable operations. In the course of business, it is common to undertake a productivity audit of overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). However, this evaluation is often reported much later, and can only be used to improve future operations, if at all. Studies have shown that OEE can be improved if that information is accessed sooner. Even a 5% productivity improvement could represent billions of dollars to Canadas GDP. This project will help to bridge that gap through the testing of a novel real-time technology solution that functions with any equipment, provides real-time data on key performance indicators, and machine operators to instantly assess and improve the manufacturing process. Fanshawe College's School of Applied Science and Technology will undertake this applied research with industry partner FreePoint Technologies Inc., a measurement and productivity solutions company based in London, Ontario that specializes in software as a service (SaaS) and niche technology for the manufacturing and industrial sectors. The project will monitor machine performance and the impact of making key performance data available in real time to equipment operators, through information gathered and relayed by FreePoints novel technology. The project will be undertaken at two manufacturing company test locations in Southern Ontario. This research will lead to further development of a fully optimized system that allows machine operators access to the real-time actionable information necessary to improve the efficiency of the machines. This project will benefit the manufacturing industry by helping to identify the untapped potential of real-time data and employee engagement as a process productivity strategy. Commercialization of this new technology will lead to job creation in the local community and provide Ontario and Canadian manufacturers with a competitive edge and an advantage in dealing with the Canadian labour shortage by attracting skilled young workers to a traditional sector that is redefining itself with the integration of leading-edge technology.