TPM is the term known as Total Productive Maintenance being practiced in Japan as one of the applications of Japanese management system is different.

A complete definition of TPM would be:

1. TPM is a method to maximize the overall equipment effectiveness

2. TPM established a thorough system for maintenance for the entire life cycle of the equipment

3. TPM is implemented by multiple departments and not only maintenance, like engineering, production, Q C , HR

4. TPM involve every single employee from top management to workers on the shop floor

5. TPM is based on the promotion of Maintenance through a combination of KAIZAN (Continuous improvement), Motivation and Autonomous Small Group Activities

There is a difference between predictive maintenance and Total Productive Maintenance. There are various methods and techniques for implementing in your organization.

Appropriate Technology + an Attitude of Mind -------> TPM

(small resources) (or method of working) (or Miracles)

1.Zero defect is possible It is not just a slogan.

2.Zero Un- planned Maintenance downtime! Preclude the need to replace my mechanically wearing part i.e. the wear life becomes infinite.

The link between 1 & 2 and TPM will be clearly established in the workshop.

The significance thus is zero Defects concept and Total Employee Involvement TEI

For TPM personnel, Q C and production have to work in tandem with Maintenance to meet the required objectives of the optimum life cycle cost of a machine.

I agree with the explanation of TPM provided Dr. K N Sheth. I would like to add few more points: TPM is supported by its Five Pillars; they are:

1. One of the main objective of TPM is to continuously improve Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) through Improvement activities focusing on elimination of six big equipment losses designed to increase equipment effectiveness (OEE).

2. Autonomous maintenance program performed by equipment operators; requires preparing operators to be active partners with maintenance and engineering in improving equipment performance and reliability

3. A planned maintenance system for the entire life of the equipment including preventive and predictive maintenance.

4. Maintenance prevention through effective new equipment design.

5. Continuous training of operators and maintenance people.

Article key success factors of TPM - Total Productive Maintenance

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