Is TPM/QCO in Your Future?
Total Productive Maintenance/Quick Changeover (TPM/QCO) is an all-inclusive approach to equipment maintenance that strives to achieve perfect production:
- No Breakdowns – keep it running!
- No Small Stops or Slow Running – keep it running at the prescribed speed!
- No Defects – no junk to discard!
- No Delays – Quick changeover to reduce setup times and add flexibility
In addition it values a safe working environment:
- No Accidents (Saves money on Band-Aids, too!)
TPM/QCO emphasizes proactive and preventive maintenance to maximize the operational efficiency of equipment. It helps to integrate the roles of production and maintenance by placing a strong emphasis on empowering machine operators to help maintain their equipment. It makes it easier to interrupt production of one version of a product in order to modify or replace it and smoothly phase into an alternate product.
The implementation of a TPM/QCO program creates a shared responsibility for equipment that encourages greater involvement by plant floor workers. In the right environment, this can be very effective in improving productivity (increasing up time, reducing cycle times, and eliminating defects).
The Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center stands ready to show you how your job can be more productive, rewarding, fulfilling and safe when you embrace The 8 Pillars of TPM.