FrieslandCampina boosts autonomous maintenance with EZ-GO
FrieslandCampina has been working with the EZ-GO app since 2018, to improve the safety, quality and efficiency of their production locations. One of the key areas where the app has benefited the operation is autonomous maintenance.
2018working with EZ-GO since
2days to digitise a table full of procedures
1instruction round to prepare a new operator
Plant manager Challako van Gerrevink, CI specialist Jacob Scheffer, CI project manager Hidde Essers and CI manager Jacqueline Kerstma explain what it does across Leeuwarden, Lochem and Wolvega.
Benefits
No more hardcopy on the production line
Many of their locations were still using hardcopy checklists, AM tasks, work instructions and audit forms. The EZ-GO app offers an alternative, which was one of FrieslandCampina’s primary reasons for adopting it. Direct stakeholders such as operators and team leaders digitise all of that documentation themselves.
Challako van Gerrevink, Plant manager Leeuwarden: “It was all very user-friendly. Within the space of two days, we had transferred an entire table’s worth of hardcopy procedures and instructions into the app.”
The company quickly discovered other benefits, including the ability to include photos and videos. Jacob Scheffer, CI specialist in Leeuwarden: “Hardcopy leaves room for interpretation; a photo or video sets a clear, unambiguous standard for everyone.” It also simplifies onboarding: all it takes to prepare a new operator for their first independent shift is one instructional round with the app.
Autonomous maintenance
Conduct the AM project in tandem with the app
The app is often implemented in tandem with an autonomous maintenance process. FrieslandCampina Lochem is no exception, according to CI project manager Hidde Essers: “Cleaning, inspection and other repetitive tasks are now being assisted by the app. The machines are in good shape and are being kept that way because of how the inspections are conducted. This has a positive effect on our operational efficiency.”
“It’s easy to transfer good procedures into the app. But if those aren’t in place yet, it is wise to conduct the AM project in parallel with the implementation of the app. Do not use hardcopy or T-Cards first. Enter everything into the EZ-GO app straight away.”
“The EZ-GO app is the enabler of improvement. All I can say is: go, go, go!”
An operator can create an action in the app, such as an improvement suggestion for the monitoring process or a potential production-related issue. Hidde Essers explains: “Mechanics and operators collaborate more closely now. Various maintenance tasks have been transferred to the operators, leaving the mechanics more room to focus on structural maintenance. They communicate more, trust each other more and operators and Technical Services work together to find solutions before problems arise. The app facilitates this.”
Continuous improvement
Reports and improvement proposals
The app generates overviews and reports that can be discussed in team meetings. Valuable, according to CI specialist Scheffer: “The statistics reveal points of attention and necessary adjustments, which are discussed in our operator meetings. As a result, our efficiency is improving on a continuous basis.”
Implementation
Quick rollout
To conclude, we asked CI manager Jacqueline Kerstma from FrieslandCampina Wolvega whether it’s worth it. She couldn’t be any clearer: “It makes perfect sense and it is very noticeable that the app makes a big difference. It offers overview, the ability to steer, improve the process, safety, quality and efficiency.”
Want the same on your own shop floor?
In half an hour we show you what EZ-GO does with your safety, quality and efficiency. On your own lines, not on a slide.
