Total productive maintenance: Tips to boost efficiency

Whenever we write about a system that was developed to improve manufacturing efficiency, we have to start with Japan and often with Toyota. This was the case when we talked about:

• Lean manufacturing
• Just-in-time manufacturing
• Kanban boards

And this time is no different. Somewhere between 1950 and 1970, a man named Seiichi Nakajima developed a method we now know as total productive maintenance or TPM.

It’s probably no surprise that the first company to ever benefit from this method was none other than — drumroll — Nippondenso. Well, this name may not actually tell you much — it didn’t tell me much before I started researching the history surrounding TPM. However, as it turns out, Nippondenso builds automotive parts for Toyota.

Now that we have once again established Japan, and more precisely, Toyota as the manufacturer constantly on the cutting edge of innovation, let’s get to the topic at hand and see what this total productive maintenance really is about.

What is TPM?

Total productive maintenance is a systematic way of managing machines and equipment to improve their performance and lifespan. It focuses on preventing breakdowns and maximizing the efficiency of the equipment we use.

Think of TPM as taking care of a car. Regular oil changes, tire rotations, and inspections keep the vehicle running and help prevent any major problems. TPM does something similar for machines and equipment in factories.

In TPM, everyone who works with the machines gets involved in their upkeep.

It’s not just the maintenance crew’s responsibility but a team effort. Operators and managers learn how to perform routine maintenance tasks and keep an eye out for potential issues. By catching small problems early on and fixing them, you can avoid costly repairs and keep the machines running at their best.

TPM is all about being proactive.

Instead of waiting for something to break down, it’s best to take steps to prevent it from happening. This saves time and money while helping businesses run more smoothly. Giving the machines regular check-ups helps keep them in top shape and ensures you can keep up with the production demand.

What are the benefits of TPM?

TPM provides a holistic approach to maintenance and operations management, offering many benefits to organizations that implement and embrace its principles. Below, you’ll find some of the key benefits of TPM.

Increased equipment reliability

TPM focuses on proactive maintenance and equipment care which improves equipment reliability. Addressing potential issues and performing regular maintenance activities helps organizations reduce breakdowns, unplanned downtime, and disruptions in production.

Better equipment availability

TPM makes sure your equipment is available for production by minimizing breakdowns and reducing setup times. This leads to increased effectiveness and allows companies to consistently meet production targets.

Higher product quality

Since TPM focuses on quality maintenance, it ensures your equipment is in optimal condition to produce high-quality products. Preventing defects and errors helps to improve product quality and, in turn, customer satisfaction.

Improved overall equipment effectiveness (OEE)

OEE is a metric that measures the utilization and performance of equipment. Through different TPM methods, organizations can enhance OEE by reducing downtime, improving cycle times, and optimizing equipment efficiency.

Motivated workers

TPM promotes active participation and empowerment of workers by involving them in maintenance and offering training. This builds a sense of ownership and responsibility, enhancing a team-oriented and learning-focused work environment.

Cost savings

TPM helps reduce maintenance costs by focusing on preventive and predictive practices. It minimizes the need for costly repairs, emergency maintenance, and equipment replacement due to premature failures. Additionally, improved equipment efficiency reduces downtime, contributing to cost savings and increased profitability.

Safer workplace environment

Safety is an inherent part of TPM in manufacturing. Promoting regular equipment inspections, maintenance, and employee training helps identify and address potential safety hazards. It also creates a safer and healthier workplace environment for employees.

Continuous improvement culture

TPM fosters a culture of continuous improvement by engaging employees in problem-solving activities, encouraging innovative ideas, and promoting an ongoing learning and development mindset.

What are the 8 pillars of TPM?

The TPM philosophy consists of eight pillars aiming to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of equipment and processes:

1. Autonomous maintenance
2. Focused improvement
3. Planned maintenance
4. Quality maintenance
5. Early equipment management
6. Education and training
7. Administrative and office TPM
8. Safety, health, and environment (SHE)

Let’s take a look at these in more detail.

1. Autonomous maintenance

Empower operators to take responsibility for routine maintenance tasks, including cleaning, inspection, and minor repairs. It promotes a proactive approach to equipment maintenance and encourages a sense of ownership among operators.

2. Focused improvement

Identifying and eliminating losses, inefficiencies, and waste in production processes encourages continuous improvement. This pillar emphasizes problem-solving, root cause analysis, and implementing innovative ideas.

3. Planned maintenance

Planned and scheduled maintenance activities focus on preventing equipment failures and unplanned downtime. It involves creating inspection plans, conducting preventive maintenance, and regularly monitoring equipment conditions.

4. Quality maintenance

Prevent defects, errors, and quality issues in the production process with a thorough inspection, quality control, and proactive measures to maintain and improve product quality.

5. Early equipment management

Consider equipment reliability and maintainability during the design and acquisition phase. Early equipment management focuses on improving equipment effectiveness, reducing life cycle costs, and ensuring ease of maintenance.

6. Education and training

Recognize the importance of providing ongoing education and training to employees at all levels. This includes technical training, skill development, and knowledge sharing to enhance competence and promote a culture of continuous learning.

7. Administrative and office TPM

The seventh pillar extends the TPM principles beyond the production floor and into administrative and support functions. It focuses on optimizing administrative processes, reducing waste, improving workflow, and enhancing overall office efficiency.

8. Safety, Health, and Environment (SHE)

The final pillar focuses on a safe and healthy work environment, adhering to safety protocols, and minimizing the environmental impact of operations.

The foundation

Now that we have the eight pillars, we need to ensure a strong foundation. Don’t worry — you don’t have to come up with it. This was also developed by Mr. Nakajima. The foundation for the eight pillars is 5S:

• Sort — Remove everything that’s not needed in the working area
• Straighten — Organize all the items that are left
• Shine — Clean the work area
• Standardize — Standardize the above three activities and schedule them
• Sustain — Make sure the standards are constantly followed

Looks like the top minds in Japan agree with what our parents have been hammering to us for decades. Having only the necessary tools and equipment nicely organized in your clean work area makes it much easier to find what you’re looking for. It also reduces risks and frustration.

7 steps to implement TPM

Implementing a TPM system involves several steps and requires a systematic approach. Here’s a general outline you can follow to implement TPM.

1. Establish a TPM team

Form a team of representatives from various departments, including production, maintenance, engineering, quality, and management. This team will lead and drive the TPM implementation process.

2. Conduct an initial assessment

Evaluate the current state of maintenance practices and equipment performance. Identify areas that need improvement and prioritize them based on their impact on productivity, reliability, and business goals.

3. Set TPM goals and objectives

Define specific and measurable goals for TPM implementation — TPM KPIs (key performance indicators). Some examples could be:

• Reduce equipment downtime
• Improve OEE
• Increase maintenance efficiency
• Enhance employee skills and involvement

4. Develop a detailed implementation plan

Create a comprehensive plan that outlines the activities, timelines, and responsibilities for TPM implementation. This should include initiatives such as:

• Autonomous maintenance
• Planned maintenance
• Focused improvement
• Education and training programs

5. Implement autonomous maintenance

Empower operators to take responsibility for routine maintenance tasks and conduct autonomous maintenance activities, such as cleaning, inspection, and minor repairs. Provide training and guidance to operators to ensure they can perform these tasks effectively.

6. Implement planned maintenance

Develop a maintenance schedule based on equipment conditions and historical data. Implement predictive maintenance strategies to prevent failures and extend equipment life. Set up a system for tracking maintenance activities and monitoring key performance indicators.

7. Continuous improvement

Nurture a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging employees to identify and address equipment-related issues and inefficiencies. Implement improvement projects and encourage employees to be more involved through suggestion systems, team meetings, and training programs.

The implementation may require additional steps or customization depending on your business, industry, and goals. It’s crucial to configure TPM according to your business needs and to keep adjusting it as you progress.