Study and Characterization of New KPIs for Measuring Efficiency in Urban Loading and Unloading Zones Using the OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) Model

Featured Application: This study proposes the use of the OEE industrial model for the evaluation of the efficiency of loading and unloading zones (LUZs). For this purpose, manual observations were conducted in five specific urban zones of to characterize and establish the parameters and variables necessary for calculating OEE for the evaluation of the effectiveness of LUZs. A new Key Performance Indicator (KPI), the weighted time of occupation, was defined and integrated into the model, serving as a useful tool for identifying inefficiencies in the occupation of these zones. These contributions provide urban governance with new quantitative and precise metrics to evaluate and manage LUZs, addressing current limitations in the management of urban goods loading and unloading activities. Expected improvements include up to an 11% increase in efficiency through the elimination of unauthorised parking and a 36% improvement in compliance with allowed parking times when measures aligned with the OEE model are implemented. The use of LUZs in urban environments is a critical factor for ensuring efficient vehicle mobility in cities. Poor utilisation of these zones can generate negative externalities, such as double parking or illegal occupation of pedestrian crossings or garage doors. The purpose of the study is to provide city governance with a methodology based on the OEE model to evaluate the efficiency of individual zones or sets of zones and to inform decisions that improve their use without disrupting the coexistence with other city users. To validate the methodology, all deliveries made in selected areas of the city of Zaragoza over the course of one month were studied. The results of the study reveal a considerable loss of efficiency and some recommendations are proposed achieve a better use: only 51.44% of deliveries used the LUZs correctly, and the total OEE ratio was just 0.37. This low level of efficiency is due to the incorrect use by delivery drivers, who often use LUZs as parking spaces, and the illegal occupation of the zones by unauthorised private vehicles.