04 Jun Case Study: BAADER Automatic Cut Up Machine Service

Preventative Maintenance: The Key to High OEE in Food Processing

In the fast-paced world of South African food processing, minimising downtime and maintaining consistent output are critical factors in achieving high OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness). Food processing plants operate around the clock, and regular preventative maintenance is the key to keeping production lines running smoothly, ensuring they consistently meet targeted capacities efficiently — like well-oiled machines.

By conducting regular inspections, lubrications, and timely replacements of worn components, processors can optimise equipment performance and extend its longevity, thereby supporting continuous and reliable production. This approach translates to maximised asset utilisation, a key driver of increased profitability and enhanced cost control in the competitive food processing industry.

According to industry data, unplanned downtime costs South African food processors millions per annum. Preventative maintenance is crucial to avoid these costly interruptions. A recent study published in the Journal of Food Engineering found that implementing preventative maintenance programs can significantly enhance OEE in food processing facilities. The study suggests that these programs have the potential to increase OEE by up to 15%.

Case Study: Enhancing Equipment Longevity

Our Team of certified technicians recently completed a comprehensive annual service on a BAADER Proflex KFC 9-piece Automatic Cut Up Machine at a customer’s processing facility in Africa. This proactive approach to preventative maintenance identified and addressed potential issues before they could result in costly downtime.

Key Findings and Actions:

• ⚙️ Detailed Inspection: The technicians conducted a thorough inspection of all critical components of the Automatic Cut Up Machine, identifying service requirements and potential issues.
• 🔩 Preventative Maintenance: The ACM service included replacing and greasing critical components like bearings, seals, and couplings with inserts on various sections of the machinery to improve performance and reduce the risk of future breakdowns.
• 🛠️ Critical Issue Identification: During the Silver Dollar Wing Cutter startup, our team identified, investigated and solved a critical issue which they promptly corrected to ensure continued ACM operation.

The Baader ACM Classic System components serviced during this visit were:

• Wing Stretcher
• Tail Cutter
• Pre-Keel Cutter
• Silver Dollar Wing Cutter
• Vertical Split
• Breast Quarter Cut
• Drum Thigh Cutter 🍗

Reap the Rewards: Invest in Preventative Maintenance

Implementing a proactive preventative maintenance strategy enables processors to enhance operational efficiency, maintain hygienic processing environments, and prevent disruptive and costly breakdowns that can halt an entire processing operation.

Don’t wait for a breakdown to cripple your production. Contact DFS today to schedule your equipment service. Our experts identify & fix issues before they impact production. We provide detailed service reports & OEM spare parts.