Selecting the Right Data Analytics Vendor for Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)

Are you eager to uncover the hidden gems revolutionizing OEE data analytics for mid-market manufacturers? Unlock this ABI Research Highlight to dive into the standout innovators like Litmus Automation, MachineMetrics, Crosser Technologies, and Augury.

Efficient data analytics for Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) is vital for manufacturers aiming to optimize production, reduce downtime, and enhance operational performance. As the demand for actionable insights grows, up-and-coming data analytics vendors are stepping up with innovative OEE solutions tailored to the needs of mid-market manufacturers. This Research Highlight from ABI Research’s competitive assessment evaluates the top innovators and implementers among 10 data analytics companies offering OEE metrics through software or platform solutions. These vendors, founded within the last 15 years and employing fewer than 2,000 people, are poised to grow into influential providers. They are distinct from established manufacturing tech giants like Siemens, Mitsubishi Electric, and Rockwell Automation.

 

OEE Innovation Criteria

The following criteria assess the innovation capabilities of data analytics vendors providing OEE solutions:

• Connectivity: OEE vendors score highly if their solutions connect to prominent equipment providers (e.g., FANUC, Haas, Siemens) and support Internet of Things (IoT) hardware, factory floor sensors, and edge devices. Bonus points are awarded for integrations with software like Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), and Historians.
• Deployment Methods: Solutions offering on-premises, Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), and hybrid options rank well. Flexibility in deployment addresses security and latency concerns, making OEE solutions accessible across devices like desktops, tablets, and smartphones an important factor.
• Usability: Vendors catering to new users with out-of-the-box (OOTB) functionality, industry-specific configurability, and customizable dashboards excel in this category.
• New Technology: OEE solutions that automate data input, contextualize machine data, and deploy Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML) for predictive and prescriptive analytics stand out in the competitive landscape.
• Visualization: High marks go to vendors offering tailored OEE displays (e.g., custom dashboards and one-click Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)) for specific stakeholders like engineers, managers, and executives.

 

Top Innovators for OEE Solution

 

1. Litmus Automation (Score: 77.5)

Litmus Automation leads the innovation ranking with its flagship product, Litmus Edge, a versatile DataOps platform founded in 2013. Offering on-premises, SaaS, and hybrid deployment options, Litmus Edge connects to over 52 machine Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), including ABB, FANUC, and Siemens. It also integrates with critical software like ERP, MES, and SCADA. Litmus Automation’s low-code, customizable interface allows users to tailor dashboards and KPIs, while AI and ML capabilities via Litmus Edge Manager enable predictive analytics (e.g., forecasting machine downtime). Although it lacks pre-configured industry-specific solutions, its robust connectivity and new technology deployment secure its top spot.

 

2. MachineMetrics (Score: 77.0)

Founded in 2014, MachineMetrics ranks a close second in terms of OEE technology innovation with its Edge Platform, a SaaS-based solution excelling in connectivity and new technology. It supports major machine providers like FANUC, Haas, and Siemens via protocols such as MTConnect and OP-CUA, capturing data from over 20,000 factory floor sensors. The platform’s real-time dashboards, anomaly detection, and Internet of Things (IoT)-driven data standardization enhance OEE calculations. While it trails slightly behind Litmus Automation due to limited deployment flexibility (primarily SaaS with minor hardware), its quick time-to-value and scalability make it a strong contender.

 

3. Crosser Technologies (Score: 73.3)

Established in 2016, Crosser Technologies stands out for its streaming analytics and integration capabilities through the Crosser Platform. It excels in connectivity, linking to 800+ machines from providers like Siemens, FANUC, and Yokogawa via REST Application Programmable Interfaces (APIs) and supporting essential OEE software integrations. However, its innovation score is tempered by weaker visualization options, requiring external tools like PowerBI for customized displays. Its focus on connectivity and scalability positions it as a mainstream innovator among up-and-coming OEE vendors

 

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OEE Implementation Criteria

The following implementation criteria evaluate the practical application of OEE data analytics solutions:

• Commercial Success: OEE vendors with growing user bases, revenue, and high-profile clients rank highly.
• Time-to-Value (TTV): Quick insight delivery and Return on Investment (ROI), supported by robust customer service, are key factors.
• GTM Strategy: Strong partnerships and global deployments that streamline installation boost scores.
• Manufacturing Vertical Penetration: Coverage of diverse manufacturing verticals, especially process or discrete subverticals, is critical.
• Scalability for Enterprise: OEE solutions that scale from single machines to multi-factory deployments excel in manufacturing operations.
• Pricing Structure: Flexible purchasing options (e.g., subscriptions, site-based pricing) enhance vendor appeal.

 

Top OEE Implementers

 

1. Augury (Score: 79.1)

Augury takes the lead in OEE implementation, offering Machine Health and Process Health platforms that cater to all manufacturing industries, with a specialty in process verticals like food & beverage, chemicals, energy, pulp and paper, and pharmaceuticals. Its flexible pricing—annual subscriptions including IoT hardware—combined with partnerships with resellers like ProPAP and Caverion, ensures broad market reach for its OEE software. Lastly, Augury delivers a time-to-value of 1 to 3 months, supported by extensive training and customer resources like the Endpoint Online Community.

 

2. Litmus Automation (Score: 75.6)

Litmus Automation also shines in OEE implementation, barely edging out MachineMetrics. Litmus Edge is deployed in over 1,000 factories worldwide and achieves a 97% customer retention rate. Its scalability for enterprise use, enabled by Kubernetes and standardized templates, allows manufacturers to expand from single sites to 20 to 50 factories within 3 to 6 months. Litmus’ pricing structure was deemed superior to other OEE solution providers, offering a site-based pricing model that provides flexibility and appeals to enterprises seeking multi-factory deployments. Doubling its deployment growth in the past year, Litmus Automation demonstrates strong commercial success and a clear trajectory for expansion.

3. MachineMetrics (Score: 75.4)

MachineMetrics secures third place in OEE implementation with its Edge Platform, adopted by 200+ manufacturers across 500+ factories. The company boasts a 40% year-over-year growth rate. Its standout time-to-value—30 to 60 days for operational benefits and a 15 to 60 day Return on Investment (ROI)—surpasses industry averages. This is supported with robust customer support, including 24/7 engineer access and the MachineMetrics Academy. While it excels with mid-sized manufacturers, its focus on direct sales and subscription-based machine licenses limits the OEE solution’s scalability compared to Augury and Litmus Automation.

Conclusion

To dive deeper into how these OEE vendors can transform your manufacturing operations, download the full ABI Research competitive ranking report today and gain the insights needed to make informed decisions.