One of the "Best Manufacturing Practices" defined by the U.S. government, TPM stands for “Total Productive Maintenance” and builds a close relationship between Maintenance and Productivity, showing how good care and up-keep of the equipment will result in a higher productivity. It certainly is a key element in Lean Manufacturing as well.

TPM is not only a strategy, but a new philosophy of continuous improvement  and team work that creates a sense of ownership in the operator(s) of each machine as well as in their supervisor and the maintenance people involved.  All participants assume a real commitment.  We all reach a new attitude of higher responsibility. TPM is to Maintenance as Total Quality is to Production.

Production supervisors, operators, superintendents want to have a very clear idea about TPM. Let us review some concepts to improve our knowledge..

TPM IS NOT:

• A temporary plan that we will forget later
  
• A machine refurbishing or overhault service
  
• One more task to perform

All the contrary:

• It is a culture that arrives to stay
  
• A new way to bring machines up to their optimal condition and keep them up
  
• A practice that makes our job easier, more comfortable, more efficient and safer

TPM in America	Definition of  Maintenance	History of Maintenance	Challenges	TPM Procedure	What TPM is and what it is not
Setting priorities	Team Roles &   Responsibilities	The 5 S's Process	Autonomous Maintenance	Technical  Advantages	Personnel Attitude  Improvement
Top Management       Support	Implement TPM, It is Easier Than You Thought!	Any suggestions?	What is TPM? (handout)	Dr. Roberts' Study	Visual Systems, High Value Resource
Other Recommended Articles: From The Origins of Maintenance to the TPM Concept TPM Definition and Procedure - Leadership for Success TPM Education and Training - Self Discovery - One Point Lesson Chronic Losses - Reliability Deterioration TPM Optimal Operability and Root Cause Analysis Don't Overlook the Small Loses - SMED - Setup Reduction Time Direct Benefits of TPM in the Quality of the Product How to Determine Plant Readiness for TPM Implementation? Procedure for a Successful TPM Implementation Pilot Project TPM Program Kick Off! The Plan: Establish an Appropriate Feasible Program The Effective Steps to Start Autonomous Maintenance Permanent Advantages and Benefits from TPM More Keys to Succeed in TPM Implementation Visual Systems CMMS - Computerized Maintenance Management Systems OEE - Overall Equipment Effectiveness