As manufacturing continues to evolve, so too do the expectations placed on OEE software suppliers. Today’s manufacturers are no longer satisfied with tools that simply display metrics. They demand real-time insights, predictive capabilities, and solutions that actively drive performance improvements.

If you're currently evaluating OEE software providers, it’s vital to look beyond surface-level features. To help you make the best choice for your operations, here are 10 tough—but essential—questions to ask any OEE software supplier before you commit.

1. How long will it take to implement the OEE software and see results?

While server installation might be straightforward, real return on investment comes from fully integrating the software into your operations. Ask:

• How long does equipment integration take?

• How soon will data validation and configuration be completed?

• What’s the typical training schedule?

• How quickly can I expect actionable insights?

• Most importantly: when will the software start to pay for itself?

2. How much data can be collected automatically, without manual input?

Manual data entry is time-consuming and prone to errors. A strong OEE system should automate data collection wherever possible. Ask:

• What proportion of data is captured automatically?

• What systems and sensors are supported?

• How does the software manage data gaps or inconsistencies?

3. Can I present OEE results in a way that my teams actually understand?

Raw data is of limited use without clarity. The best OEE systems tailor insights for each audience. Ask:

• Are dashboards customisable for different roles (e.g., management, maintenance, production)?

• Can I easily create role-specific dashboards?

• Is the software designed to support collaborative decision-making?

4. How easy is it to analyse OEE data and drill into the details?

A good dashboard is just the starting point—you need deep analytics to drive meaningful improvements. Ask:

• Can I filter by machine, line, shift, or operator?

• How deep can I drill into charts—right down to specific events?

• Do I need a separate reporting tool or advanced technical knowledge?

5. Will the software help identify improvement opportunities and recommend actions?

Pareto charts are helpful, but they don’t provide the full picture. You need to know where to focus and what to do. Ask:

• Does the system quantify potential for improvement?

• Can it prioritise opportunities based on impact and feasibility?

• Does it suggest specific actions to close performance gaps?

6. Can the software support real-time decisions on the shop floor?

Insights that arrive too late offer little value. Ask your supplier:

• Can the system provide real-time alerts or predictive insights?

• How does it support operators during downtime or performance dips?

• Can it help prevent recurring issues before they escalate?

7. Can it assess whether performance interventions actually work?

Action alone isn’t enough—you need to measure outcomes. Ask:

• Can the software track the effectiveness of maintenance or technical interventions?

• Will it escalate unresolved issues?

• Does it assess the impact of your Preventive Maintenance (PM) programme?

8. Does it help prevent problems—not just report on them?

True OEE improvement is proactive. Ask:

• Can the software anticipate and prevent potential failures?

• Does it use historical patterns and real-time data to foresee issues?

• Will it help transition from reactive to predictive maintenance?

9. What kind of support will I receive if something goes wrong?

Support can make or break your success with OEE software. Ask:

• Will I have a dedicated Customer Success Manager?

• Do I have direct access to developers or technical experts?

• What is the typical response time for critical issues?

• Is senior management involved in customer success?

10. Beyond the software—can you help deliver real performance gains?

OEE improvement involves people and processes, not just software. Ask:

• Can your supplier support training and change management?

• Do they offer coaching in operational excellence?

• Will they collaborate with internal teams to ensure successful adoption?

Choosing an OEE software supplier is more than a technology choice,it’s a strategic investment. By asking these 10 essential questions, you can be confident your chosen partner offers more than performance tracking—they’ll help you improve it.

Choose a provider like MaintMaster that goes beyond software, bringing deep industry knowledge, strong support, and a commitment to long-term success.