"We’re not on schedule."
"This machine is running too slowly."
"We need to increase the pace."
These phrases echo across many shop floors. But what exactly is production pace ? How can it be measured objectively? And more importantly, how can you act when it starts to drift?
👉 Spoiler: it’s not about “putting on pressure” but about fine-tuned control—using the right data at the right time.
What exactly is pace?
Pace is the actual production rate of a machine, workstation, or line.
It can be measured by:
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The number of parts produced per hour
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The cycle time per part
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The gap between actual pace and theoretical pace
But raw data has little value if it isn’t compared to a clear reference target.
Why tracking pace is crucial
Without real-time visibility into pace, you’re flying blind. Concretely:
❌ Progressive slowdowns go unnoticed
❌ Micro-stops remain invisible
❌ Gaps between planning and reality remain unexplained
❌ Decisions are distorted (e.g. rejecting too many parts when the real issue is a poor pace setting).
Manufacturers that adopt precise digital performance tracking can increase productivity by up to 30%.
(McKinsey,The future of manufacturing productivity).
Pace is the thermometer of real efficiency—but only if it’s measured and used properly.
Common pitfalls to avoid
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Manual tracking (paper, Excel) ➝ delayed, smoothed, or lost data
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End-of-shift analysis only ➝ short slowdowns disappear from the radar
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Comparing heterogeneous products or lines ➝ biased numbers
The real need: reliable, real-time measurement, workstation by workstation, machine by machine.
KEYPROD: instant visibility on your pace
With KEYPROD, you can:
📲 Track the actual pace of each machine
🧠 Automatically compare it with the theoretical pace
🧾 Visualize cycle times part by part
🔍 Detect slowdowns invisible to the naked eye
📉 Anticipate delays instead of suffering them
In the automotive sector: the Johnson Electric example
A concrete example is Johnson Electric, an international leader in motor and electromechanical systems for the automotive industry.
In this sector, pace is not just an internal KPI—it’s a strategic issue. Lines must maintain a high, constant rhythm, and automakers regularly conduct pace audits to ensure suppliers meet their production commitments. Any deviation can have major consequences across the automotive supply chain.
At its Morat site in Switzerland, Johnson Electric relied on manual tracking via paper and Excel, non-standardized and difficult to exploit. The result: little real-time visibility, possible errors, and reports that took far too long to produce.
In these conditions, controlling pace with precision was a real challenge. Slowdowns often went unnoticed, and teams couldn’t effectively anticipate the gaps revealed during audits.
With KEYPROD, Johnson Electric digitized its production monitoring. Teams now benefit from reliable indicators, instantly visualize production rates per machine, and quickly identify the root causes of downtime. The result: reduced downtime, greater responsiveness to disruptions, and measurable improvements in pace and efficiency, line by line.
Beyond operational gains, the human impact is tangible: operators save time, resources are better allocated, and motivation increases thanks to clear visualization of the impact of their actions.
🎯 In summary: in the automotive sector, where pace and audits are critical, Johnson Electric turned pace monitoring into a true lever of sustainable, shared performance.
The concrete advantages of the KEYPROD approach
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Faster reaction to deviations
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More reliable planning
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Better-informed, more engaged teams
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Decisions based on facts
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Sustainable performance—without overloading the shop floor
In summary
Pace is not just about “producing faster.” It’s about:
✔️ Understanding why it slows down
✔️ Reacting earlier and smarter
✔️ Valuing the right settings and the right practices
With KEYPROD, you transform your pace into a measurable, understandable, and controllable performance lever.
Ready to discover your true production pace?
➡️ Request a free trial of KEYPROD and regain control of your pace—without spreadsheets or guesswork.
