TPM Secretariat- Backbone of TPM

What are the functions of a TPM Secretariate and how it is established in a company? 

We are talking about the backbone in the whole TPM initiative here. The TPM Secretariat is the central nervous system that runs all TPM activities throughout the organization.

It is a team that is responsible for coordinating and managing the Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) program within an organization. The TPM Secretariat serves as the primary point of contact for TPM-related activities and acts as a central hub for TPM-related information and resources.

TPM Secretariat is an arm of management that acts as the eyes and ears of management and also advises the management in taking the right actions at right time. Normally, the department is headed by a top executive from the management. He is normally No. 2 of the company and has great knowledge of TPM-related tasks, systems, and concepts.

Here are some of the functions of a TPM Secretariat and how it can be established within a company:

1. Planning and coordination: The TPM Secretariat is responsible for planning and coordinating TPM-related activities within the organization. This includes developing a TPM roadmap, setting TPM targets, and establishing a TPM team. The TPM Secretariat works with different departments and stakeholders within the organization to ensure that TPM activities are aligned with business objectives and that resources are allocated appropriately.

2. Training and education: Training is the core function of the TPM Secretariat. The TPM tasks are done by the operatives and not by the Secretariat. But, the inspiration, concepts and skills are facilitated by the TPM Secretariat. The TPM Secretariat provides training and education to all members of the organization on TPM principles and tools. This includes developing training programs, conducting training sessions, and providing coaching and mentoring to TPM teams. The TPM Secretariat also facilitates the sharing of best practices and knowledge transfer between different departments and sites. Training also includes visiting the other plant sites from companies implementing TPM. These TPM visits are very effective part of the TPM education of employees.

3. Data collection and analysis: The TPM Secretariat collects data on equipment performance, maintenance activities, and downtime, and uses this data to identify areas for improvement. The TPM Secretariat also analyzes this data to identify trends and patterns, and to develop predictive maintenance strategies.

4. Standardization and improvement: The TPM Secretariat works to standardize processes and procedures across the organization, and to continuously improve them. This includes developing standard work instructions, establishing visual management systems, and implementing continuous improvement activities such as Kaizen events.

5. Maintenance support: The TPM Secretariat provides support to maintenance teams to ensure that equipment is well-maintained and operating at peak performance. This includes developing preventive maintenance programs, establishing equipment care procedures, and implementing autonomous maintenance activities.

To establish a TPM Secretariat within a company, the following steps can be taken:

1. Identify the need: The first step is to identify the need for a TPM Secretariat within the organization. This may involve assessing the current level of TPM implementation, identifying gaps, and defining the goals and objectives of the TPM program.

2. Develop a plan: Based on the identified need, develop a plan for establishing the TPM Secretariat. This plan should include the scope of the TPM program, the roles and responsibilities of the TPM Secretariat, the resources required, and a timeline for implementation.

3. Establish the TPM Secretariat team: Establish a team of individuals who will be responsible for managing the TPM program within the organization. This team should be cross-functional and include representatives from different departments within the organization.

4. Provide training and education: Provide training and education to the TPM Secretariat team on TPM principles and tools. This should include training on the TPM roadmap, TPM targets, and TPM tools such as one-point lessons and Kaizen events.

5. Implement the TPM program: Implement the TPM program within the organization, with the support of the TPM Secretariat. This may involve setting up TPM teams, developing a TPM roadmap, and establishing TPM targets.

6. Monitor and measure progress: The TPM Secretariat should monitor and measure progress regularly to ensure that the TPM program is achieving its goals and objectives. This may involve collecting data on equipment performance, maintenance activities, and downtime, and analyzing this data to identify areas for improvement.

7. Continuous improvement: The TPM Secretariat should continuously seek ways to improve the TPM program and its implementation within the organization. This may involve conducting Kaizen events, developing new training programs, and implementing new TPM tools and techniques.

Establishing a TPM Secretariat within a company can help to ensure that TPM is implemented effectively and efficiently across the organization. By providing training and education, standardizing processes, collecting and analyzing data, and supporting maintenance activities, the TPM Secretariat can help to drive continuous improvement and enhance overall equipment effectiveness. The TPM Secretariat can also help to foster a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing within the organization, as different departments and teams work together to achieve common TPM goals and objectives.

In conclusion, a TPM Secretariat plays a vital role in managing and coordinating TPM activities within an organization. By providing planning and coordination, training and education, data collection and analysis, standardization and improvement, and maintenance support, the TPM Secretariat can help to ensure that TPM is implemented effectively and efficiently across the organization. To establish a TPM Secretariat within a company, it is important to identify the need, develop a plan, establish a cross-functional team, provide training and education, implement the TPM program, monitor and measure progress, and continuously seek ways to improve the program. With a strong TPM Secretariat in place, organizations can drive continuous improvement, enhance productivity, and optimize equipment performance.