Total Productive Maintenance (TPM)

Total productive maintenance or TPM as it is known is a focussed effort by both maintenance/engineering teams and plant operating teams in maintaining a reliable and efficient plant which is able to run and produce finish goods whenever required without interruptions or breakdowns.

TPM is a comprehensive approach to maintenance. It takes into account the needs of all stakeholders and is performed continually. Total productive maintenance is part of a continuous improvement program and is achieved through a well planned maintenance schedule, plant life-cycle management, adequate spares and tools management, and empowerment of production crews in autonomous maintenance.

TPM can help reduce plant downtime, shorten changeover times and increase OEE. These improvements are obtained over time and are sometimes not readily visible after the implementation of a TPM system. The key to the success of such a system is team involvement and a multi skilled workforce.

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