Total productive maintenance (TPM) as a tool for improving productivity: a case study of application in the bottleneck of an auto-parts machining line

This article provides an application of the total productive maintenance (TPM) philosophy as a systematic means for avoiding losses and increasing productivity in an auto-parts machining line. This is achieved by strategically implementing the pillars of TPM on the basis of failure data, then performing a thorough “root cause analysis” thereof (targeted improvement). Preventive maintenance plans and the empowerment of the autonomous maintenance program operator teams become the main pillar in the implementation of this new philosophy as a result. All this is done with the full support of the general management and each area of the organization in order to guarantee the full implementation and sustainability of the program.