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Pillars of TPM

Updated on: February 6, 2026 1 MINUTE READ Published on: Feb 03, 2023

What are the Pillars of TPM?

Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) is a foundational system in Lean Manufacturing focused on empowering machine operators to take ownership of the routine care, operation, and maintenance of their equipment.

This self-directed maintenance approach aligns TPM with the goals and is an excellent compliment to Lean Manufacturing Principles and the 5S Methodology, improving reliability, reducing unplanned downtime, and enhancing workplace safety.

Learn about the 8 pillars of TPM in the free infographic below:

 

TPM
INCREASING PRODUCTIVITY THROUGH WORKFORCE EMPOWERMENT

Infographic Transcription

  1. AUTONOMOUS MAINTENANCE
  2. PROCESS & MACHINE IMPROVEMENT
  3. PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE
  4. EARLY MANAGEMENT OF NEW EQUIPMENT
  5. PROCESS QUALITY MANAGEMENT
  6. ADMINISTRATIVE WORK
  7. EDUCATION & TRAINING
  8. SAFETY & SUSTAINED SUCCESS

THE THREE GOALS OF TPM:

  1. Zero unplanned failures
  2. Zero product defects
  3. Zero accidents

8 Pillars of Activity
Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) increases productivity, efficiency and safety by empowering operators, team leaders and managers to all play a proactive role in the day-to-day operation and maintenance of their own work areas through 8 pillars of activity.

PILLAR 1 — Autonomous Maintenance
Operators monitor the condition of their own equipment and work areas.

PILLAR 2 — Process & Machine Improvement
Team leaders collect information from operators and work areas then prioritize preventative maintenance and improvements.

PILLAR 3 — Preventative Maintenance
Preventative maintenance tasks and schedules are shared by operators and team leaders.

PILLAR 4 — Early Management of New Equipment
Based on maintenance reports, team leaders anticipate and plan for parts and equipment lifecycles and report to managers.

PILLAR 5 — Process Quality Management
Shared responsibility for operation and maintenance encourages quality improvement ideas from all work areas.

PILLAR 6 — Administrative Work
Managers prioritize data from the previous pillars and share outcomes with team leaders and work areas.

PILLAR 7 — Education & Training
Continuous improvement includes operator and work area education and training which improves morale, retention and efficiency.

PILLAR 8 — Safety & Sustained Success
Facility-wide safety is prioritized which positively impacts sustained success of the TPM program.

For a FREE Best Practice Guide to Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) Visit: DuraLabel.info/tpm-guide

DuraLabel
888-326-9244 | DuraLabel.com

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