What is Asset Utilization? How and Why to Calculate It?

Article Written by:

Ganesh Veerappan

Asset utilization is a crucial metric in asset management, used by businesses across industries to measure the efficiency and effectiveness of their asset usage. It represents the percentage of the maximum possible productive time an asset produces. The higher the asset utilization rate, the more efficient the use of that asset.

What is Asset Utilization? How and Why to Calculate It?

Table of Contents

What is Asset Utilization?

Asset Utilization is a critical measure that quantifies the efficiency and productivity of an organization's assets. It's calculated as the ratio of the actual output to the maximum possible output of an asset. It indicates how effectively a company uses its assets to generate revenue.

Understanding Asset Utilization

Asset utilization is tied to the broader philosophy of asset management. Asset management is the systematic process of developing, operating, maintaining, upgrading, and disposing of assets most cost-effectively. An important part of this process is ensuring that the assets are used as effectively and efficiently as possible - this is where asset utilization comes into play.

Calculating Asset Utilization

The basic formula for calculating asset utilization is:

Asset Utilization = (Actual Output/Maximum Possible Output) x 100%

The actual output is what the asset has produced in a given period, and the maximum possible output is what it could have produced if it had been operating at its full capacity.

Key Factors Impacting Asset Utilization

Several factors can impact asset utilization. These include the efficiency of operations (OEE), Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF), proactive maintenance strategies, and spare parts inventory management.

Overall Equipment Efficiency (OEE)

This measures how well a manufacturing operation is utilized. It is the product of the three constituent metrics – Availability, Performance, and Quality. Higher OEE means higher asset utilization.

Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF)

This measures an asset's reliability. Higher MTBF means the asset is less likely to fail, which leads to higher asset utilization.

Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF)

Proactive maintenance, like preventive and predictive maintenance, can reduce unplanned downtime, thus increasing asset utilization.

Spare Parts Inventory Management

Having the right spare parts available when needed, can significantly reduce downtime during repairs, thereby improving asset utilization.

Importance of Asset Utilization

High asset utilization is usually a sign of high operational efficiency. It indicates that assets are being used effectively, and little time, capacity, or output is wasted. By monitoring and improving asset utilization, businesses can significantly enhance their productivity, reduce costs, and increase profitability.

Asset Utilization Rate

This is a straightforward calculation. As I mentioned earlier, the formula is: Asset Utilization Rate = (Actual Output / Maximum Possible Output) * 100
For example, if a production line can produce a maximum of 500 units per day (Maximum Possible Output), and it currently produces 400 units (Actual Output), the asset utilization rate would be: Asset Utilization Rate = (400 / 500) * 100 = 80%

Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)

OEE measures the efficiency of a machine or a production line. It's calculated using the formula: OEE = Availability * Performance * Quality
Here, Availability refers to the ratio of Actual Operating Time to Planned Production Time. Performance is the ratio of Ideal Cycle Time to Total Pieces. And Quality is the ratio of Good Pieces to Total Pieces. For example, if we have Availability as 90%, Performance as 95%, and Quality as 98%, then OEE would be: OEE = 0.90 * 0.95 * 0.98 = 0.837 or 83.7%

Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF)

This is a common measure of the reliability of an asset. It's calculated using the formula: MTBF = Total Uptime / Number of Breakdowns
For example, if a machine operated for 1,000 hours (Total Uptime) and broke down 5 times (Number of Breakdowns), the MTBF would be: MTBF = 1,000 / 5 = 200 hours

Spare Parts Inventory Turnover Ratio

This measures how quickly inventory is used. It's calculated as: Spare Parts Inventory Turnover Ratio = Cost of Goods Sold / Average Inventory Value
For example, if the cost of goods sold (i.e., spare parts used) is $10,000 and the average inventory value is $2,500, then the Spare Parts Inventory Turnover Ratio would be: Spare Parts Inventory Turnover Ratio = $10,000 / $2,500 = 4 Remember, these calculations provide important insights, but they should always be contextualized to your specific operations and industry standards.

Best Practices for Asset Utilization using Cryotos CMMS Software:

Real-time tracking and monitoring

Cryotos CMMS offers real-time tracking of your assets. It allows you to monitor asset status and performance continuously, giving you a clear picture of your asset utilization.

Preventive Maintenance Schedules

One of the best practices to improve asset utilization is to carry out regular preventive maintenance. Cryotos CMMS allows you to create, assign, and manage preventive maintenance schedules easily, thus reducing the risk of sudden equipment breakdowns and increasing uptime.

Asset Lifecycle Management

Cryotos CMMS supports the management of the complete lifecycle of an asset, from acquisition to disposal. This feature provides insights into the asset's performance over time, enabling you to make informed decisions about replacements or upgrades, thus enhancing overall asset utilization.

Data Analytics and Reports

Cryotos CMMS comes with powerful analytics and reporting features. You can generate detailed reports on different aspects of asset management, including asset utilization. This helps in identifying trends, spotting issues early, and making data-driven decisions to improve asset utilization.

Integration with IoT devices

Cryotos CMMS can be integrated with IoT devices, allowing for automated data collection and condition monitoring. This can help predict potential issues before they result in equipment failure, thus maintaining a high asset utilization rate.

Importance of using Cryotos CMMS for Asset Utilization:

Increased Operational Efficiency

By streamlining maintenance management and enabling preventive maintenance, Cryotos CMMS helps to increase the operational efficiency of your assets, leading to improved asset utilization.

Reduced Downtime

Unexpected equipment failures can significantly reduce asset utilization. Cryotos CMMS helps to minimize unplanned downtime through effective preventive maintenance and condition monitoring.

Informed Decision-Making

The detailed reports and analytics provided by Cryotos CMMS enable you to make informed decisions about asset management, from scheduling maintenance activities to deciding when to replace or upgrade an asset.

Cost Savings

By improving asset utilization, Cryotos CMMS can help to reduce maintenance costs, extend asset life, and ultimately save money for your organization.

Compliance

Cryotos CMMS can help to maintain compliance with industry standards and regulations related to asset management, thereby avoiding costly fines and penalties. By adopting these best practices and leveraging the benefits of Cryotos CMMS, you can significantly improve your organization's asset utilization.

Key Metrics Involved in the Calculation of Asset Utilization

Several key metrics are involved in the calculation of asset utilization, including:

Product Yield

This metric refers to the quantity of a product produced per unit of time. Higher yield indicates more efficient use of assets.

Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)

This holistic measure of asset productivity combines availability, performance, and quality. A higher Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) suggests better asset utilization.

Unplanned Downtime

This refers to unexpected or unscheduled stops in production. Reducing unplanned downtime can significantly improve asset utilization.

Maintenance Spend

This is the cost of maintaining and repairing assets. Effective maintenance strategies can extend asset lifespan, thereby improving asset utilization.

How to Calculate Asset Utilization?

The basic formula for calculating asset utilization is:

Asset Utilization = (Actual Output/Maximum Possible Output) x 100%

Best Practices to Improve Asset Utilization

Improving asset utilization involves several best practices:

Implement a Proactive Maintenance Strategy

Implementing preventive and predictive maintenance can help reduce unplanned downtime and extend asset lifespan.

Optimize Production Schedules

Aligning production schedules with demand can prevent overutilization or underutilization of assets.

Use Asset Management Software

Software like CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) can provide valuable insights into asset performance, aiding in effective decision-making.

Invest in Training

Ensuring your team is well-trained on proper equipment operation can reduce errors and machine misuse, improving asset utilization.

Regular Asset Audits

Regularly reviewing and assessing your assets can help identify inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement.

Remember, the objective is to increase asset utilization and optimize it in line with broader business goals and constraints.

In Conclusion

Asset utilization is a vital performance indicator for any asset-intensive organization. By effectively tracking and optimizing asset utilization, companies can better manage their resources, improve operational efficiency, and ultimately enhance their bottom line.

References

Understanding asset utilization and how to calculate it

OEE (OVERALL EQUIPMENT EFFECTIVENESS)

Mean time between failures - Wikipedia

MTBF: A Complete Overview

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