TPM
Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) is a workplace system that helps keep machinery and equipment running smoothly and efficiently. Think of it like having a complete health program for industrial equipment, where everyone in the company, from machine operators to maintenance staff, works together to prevent breakdowns before they happen. This approach was first used by Japanese manufacturers but is now common worldwide. Some companies might call it "Total Process Management" or "Total Production Management," but they all focus on keeping equipment reliable and productive while reducing waste and downtime.
Examples in Resumes
Implemented TPM program resulting in 40% reduction in equipment downtime
Led Total Productive Maintenance initiatives across 3 manufacturing plants
Trained operations team on TPM principles and preventive maintenance procedures
Typical job title: "TPM Coordinators"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find TPM Coordinators
Professional Organizations
Online Resources
Job Boards
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you implement a TPM program in a facility that has never used it before?
Expected Answer: Should discuss creating a step-by-step implementation plan, involving all departments, training programs, and measuring success through equipment effectiveness metrics. Should mention managing resistance to change and building team buy-in.
Q: How do you measure the success of a TPM program?
Expected Answer: Should mention tracking equipment efficiency (OEE), downtime reduction, maintenance costs, and worker productivity. Should also discuss how to present these metrics to management.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What are the main pillars of TPM and how do they work together?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain the basic pillars like autonomous maintenance, planned maintenance, and quality maintenance in simple terms, with practical examples of each.
Q: How do you train operators to perform basic maintenance tasks?
Expected Answer: Should discuss creating simple checklists, hands-on training methods, safety considerations, and how to build operator confidence in performing basic maintenance.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is the difference between preventive and reactive maintenance?
Expected Answer: Should explain that preventive maintenance is planned and done regularly to prevent breakdowns, while reactive maintenance is fixing things after they break.
Q: What basic safety procedures should be followed in equipment maintenance?
Expected Answer: Should discuss lockout/tagout procedures, personal protective equipment, and basic safety protocols when working with machinery.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic equipment maintenance procedures
- Safety protocols and procedures
- Record keeping and documentation
- Basic troubleshooting skills
Mid (2-5 years)
- Team coordination and training
- Preventive maintenance planning
- Performance metrics tracking
- Root cause analysis
Senior (5+ years)
- Program implementation and management
- Budget planning and control
- Cross-department coordination
- Strategic maintenance planning
Red Flags to Watch For
- No hands-on maintenance experience
- Lack of safety awareness
- Poor communication skills
- No experience with maintenance scheduling or planning
- Unable to work with maintenance teams and operators
Related Terms
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