TPS
TPS (Toyota Production System) is a well-known approach to organizing manufacturing and business operations that was created by Toyota. It's like a recipe book for running efficient operations, focusing on reducing waste and making continuous improvements. When you see TPS mentioned in a resume, it usually means the person has experience with lean manufacturing principles and process improvement. Similar systems include Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma. Many companies across different industries have adopted these principles, even if they don't call it TPS specifically. You might also hear it referred to as "The Toyota Way" or "Lean Production System."
Examples in Resumes
Implemented TPS principles to reduce production waste by 25%
Led Toyota Production System training for 50+ employees
Applied TPS methodologies to streamline warehouse operations
Utilized Lean TPS concepts to improve customer satisfaction metrics
Typical job title: "Process Improvement Specialists"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Process Improvement Specialists
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Learning Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: Can you describe a major TPS implementation you've led and its results?
Expected Answer: Looking for candidates who can explain how they've led large-scale process improvements, managed change across departments, and can provide specific metrics about waste reduction, efficiency gains, or cost savings.
Q: How do you handle resistance to TPS implementation from senior management?
Expected Answer: Should discuss experience with change management, ability to demonstrate ROI, and methods for gaining buy-in through pilot programs or small wins.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What are the main pillars of TPS and how have you applied them?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain Just-in-Time and Jidoka (built-in quality) in simple terms and provide examples of how they've used these principles in real work situations.
Q: Explain how you've used TPS tools to solve a specific problem.
Expected Answer: Should describe practical application of TPS tools like 5S, Kanban, or standardized work, with specific examples and results.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What do you understand about the 7 wastes in TPS?
Expected Answer: Should be able to list and explain the basic types of waste (transport, inventory, motion, waiting, overproduction, over-processing, defects) in simple terms.
Q: What is 5S and why is it important?
Expected Answer: Should explain the basic concept of workplace organization (Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain) and its benefits for efficiency.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of TPS principles
- Experience with 5S implementation
- Knowledge of standard work procedures
- Ability to identify basic forms of waste
Mid (2-5 years)
- Implementation of Kanban systems
- Value Stream Mapping
- Problem-solving using TPS tools
- Team leadership in improvement projects
Senior (5+ years)
- Large-scale TPS implementation
- Change management
- Strategic planning for continuous improvement
- Cultural transformation leadership
Red Flags to Watch For
- No hands-on experience with process improvement projects
- Unable to provide specific examples of waste reduction
- Lack of experience with change management
- No understanding of basic lean concepts
- Cannot explain TPS principles in simple terms
Related Terms
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