BY PASCAL MOREL, CMRP, RELIABILITY SERVICES SUPERVISOR AT LAURENTIDE CONTROLS
Enhancing Workforce Value through TPM Principle
In many industrial sectors, a shortage of personnel is a concerning reality. Companies struggle to find and retain skilled workers, leading to increased pressure on those already in position. In this context, enhancing workforce value and applying the TPM principle can play a crucial role in attracting and retaining workers.
What is the TPM Principle?
Total Productive Maintenance or Manufacturing (TPM) is a maintenance management system aimed at improving the overall productivity of production equipment. It is based on the idea that all members of an organization are responsible for the maintenance of their equipment. The goal of TPM is to prevent defects and breakdowns by integrating preventive and predictive maintenance practices. It also encourages the involvement of operators in the maintenance and monitoring of their machines. TPM fosters continuous improvement by focusing on reducing downtime, increasing equipment availability, and improving product quality.
In the context of personnel shortages, enhancing workforce value is a key aspect of TPM. By giving workers an active role in process improvement, training them, and empowering them, companies can address both the needs of the workers and the challenges related to personnel shortages.
The Various Stages of TPM and How to Implement Them
Awareness and Training: It is crucial to raise awareness among all staff about the philosophy and objectives of TPM. Training sessions can be organized to explain the principles and practices of TPM.
Initial Assessment: A comprehensive assessment of the current state of maintenance is conducted to identify problems, losses, and opportunities for improvement.
Setting Objectives: Specific objectives are set based on desired outcomes, such as reducing downtime, improving equipment availability, increasing productivity, etc.
Planning and Organization: An action plan is developed to define the activities and responsibilities related to the implementation of TPM. A dedicated team may be formed to manage the process.
Pilot Implementation: TPM is implemented on a pilot scale in one or more production lines. Preventive, predictive, and autonomous maintenance activities are established.
Monitoring Performance Indicators: Key performance indicators are established to measure progress made. They may include downtime, preventive maintenance performed, availability rate, etc.
Expanding TPM: Once the pilot is successful, TPM can be extended throughout the plant or organization, gradually integrating all production lines. Implementing TPM is a continuous process that requires long-term commitment and active participation from all organizational staff.
Valuing Human Participation: The Key to Success in TPM
The valorization of the workforce through the TPM principle is all the more important in the context of a personnel shortage. By giving workers an active role in process improvement, training them, and empowering them, companies can attract and retain skilled workers. Valuing the workforce also contributes to the optimization of available resources and the creation of a stimulating work environment. In a competitive market, TPM thus allows for a competitive advantage by valuing the workforce.
