Glossary · Data, timing and communication
Key Performance Indicator (KPI)
Also known as: KPI, Key figure
German: Key Performance Indicator (KPI)
In manufacturing and automation, a key performance indicator (KPI) is a defined, measurable value calculated from production data that shows how well a process, machine or organization achieves a goal, for example overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), availability or scrap rate.
- Data and interfaces
In one sentence
A key performance indicator (KPI) is a defined, measurable value, such as OEE or scrap rate, that shows how well a process meets a goal.
Example
The line dashboard shows OEE per shift, calculated from availability, performance and quality counts reported by each machine.
How it applies
- Engineering: A KPI needs an exact formula, data sources, time base and handling of special states (planned downtime, setup); ISO 22400-2 defines KPIs for manufacturing operations management.
- Data: Wrong or stale data produce wrong KPIs; timestamps and quality status of the source signals matter.
- Documentation: When a machine reports KPIs, the documentation team should document their definitions and the machine states they depend on, so customers can compare values correctly.
- Interpretation: KPIs compared between plants or machines are only meaningful when the same definitions are used.
KPI vs. performance requirement
A KPI measures achieved performance in operation. A Performance requirement specifies what the system must achieve and is verified before handover.