Stoppages of automated equipment lines adversely affect productivity, cost, and lead time. Such losses make decreasing the number of stoppages a crucial element of TPM. This book presents a scientific approach to determining the causes of stoppages and the actions that can be taken to diminish their occurrence.

Lean manufacturing cannot happen in a factory that lacks dependable, effective equipment. Breakdowns and processing defects translate into excess work-in-process and finished inventory, kept on hand just in case. Recurring minor stoppages force employees to watch automated equipment that should run by itself. TPM gives a framework for addressing such problems, but many companies implement TPM at a superficial level, and the resulting productivity gains fall short of their potential. If your TPM implementation has resulted in posters and logos rather than a rise of productivity, how are you...