There is disclosed a method (400) of operating a molding system (100), the method (400) executable by a controller (140) of the molding system (100). The method comprises appreciating (402) a plurality of operational parameters associated with the molding system (100); based on at least a sub-set of the plurality of operational parameters, generating (404) a machine performance index, the machine performance index being a single value representative of the at least a sub-set of the plurality of operational parameters and being instrumental in enabling an operator of the molding system (100) to appreciate an economic productivity factor associated therewith; causing (406) the machine performance index to be displayed on an interface of the controller (140).