TPM - Total Productive Manufacturing
This month we look at a strategy that used to be classed as ‘left field’ – but today is helping major Australian and international companies save hundreds of thousands of dollars - TPM or Total Productive Manufacturing
Most articles on robotics focus on how to enjoy productivity gains by automating manual processes with the use of robotics, upgrading existing equipment with new technology, and by integrating robotics into existing systems. Generally there is a strong emphasis on technology in all three approaches.
The benefits gained by investing in these areas are absolutely measurable, but further gains can also be made by looking at other strategies that compliment such investments.
TPM, which was originally known as "Total Productive Maintenance" is a well-established company-wide improvement strategy that focuses on maximising the performance of both your plant and your people.
The words correctly interpreted mean Total (all employees) Productive (creating greater return on investment) Maintenance (by caring for the plant and equipment so as to maximise its performance and output). To better reflect this correct interpretation the letters TPM now stand for a variety of words such as Total Process Management; Total Productive Manufacturing; Total Productive Mining; or even Teamwork between Production and Maintenance.
TPM has been a strategy of Japanese Manufacturing for many decades, and now in Australasia and throughout the world most leading companies are incorporating TPM principles and practices in the way they run their companies.
Like the rest of the western world, Australia did not find out about TPM until the early 90s. By the mid 90s it was clear there was an urgent need for an Australasian version of TPM, which resulted in The Centre for TPM (Australasia) being established. The Centre has been instrumental in bringing this well kept Japanese secret to the Australian Manufacturing Industry through its Australasian TPM3 methodology.
TPM3 is based on the third generation of TPM. The first generation in 1970 focused on improving equipment performance or effectiveness from an equipment focus perspective. Late in the 80s this was extended to include the production planning function. In more recent times it has been recognised that the whole company can benefit from the equipment operating perfectly resulting in significant improvements in output, quality and safety.
TPM3 involves everyone in the company, but in particular all the operators and support staff. It focuses on getting them to care about the plant and equipment with stunning results in cost reduction, improved capacity and a significant reduction in accidents.
These outcomes are exactly the same as what any company wishes to achieve when investing in new technology, so when deployed together the gains will be even greater.
If you would like to hear more about TPM and TPM3, MAR is sponsoring a seminar in February where Ross Kennedy, the Managing Director of The Centre for TPM (Australasia) will be delivering the keynote address.
If you would like to know more about TPM please contact The Centre for TPM (Australasia) on 02-4226 6184 or visit their website at www.ctpm.org.au
Machinery Automation & Robotics
1/101 Derby Street
Silverwater NSW 2128
Phone: (61) 2 9748 7001
http://www.machineryautomation.com.au