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Strategos
L e a n
B r i e f i n g
The Newsletter of Lean Manufacturing Strategy
24
February 2009
www.strategosinc.com
Dynamic Effects In TPM
How TPM Builds On Itself In A
Virtuous Cycle
Depictions of Total Productive Maintenance
(TPM) commonly
feature a building with "pillars" that support a roof of
"Lean" resting on a foundation of education and responsible values.
While this depiction is helpful, it is insufficient for
full understanding.
TPM is a dynamical system, i.e., it changes over time.
The dynamic effects are not captured by the "pillar" model.
After all, what could
be more permanent, static and unchanging than the Parthenon?
Of course, nobody really "believes" in the
static model. If the system did not bring
changes, why use it? But, the static model leads to an
unspoken assumption that improvements are linear. In fact, they are more
likely exponential.
Perhaps more damaging, the static model
encourages a false belief in the robustness
of the system; an assumption that "If we build these pillars then
we will always get steadily improving results." In reality, the system
is quite sensitive at certain points. The
mechanisms that bring exponential improvement can also produce exponential waste.
I have added a new page to our TPM series.
It addresses the dynamics of TPM and interactions between TPM and other elements of
Lean.
This dynamic model is also in our
updated version of "TPM In A Nutshell." The
"TPM In A Nutshell" graphic
is available as a free download or, for purchase, as a
giant 6'x8' banner for the
training room or shop.
The broader topic of dynamical systems is
terribly important in any organization.
Dynamic effects, more than static structure, create most successes and
failures. I am planning a
series of articles on Systems Thinking and its application in
Lean. The current pieces on our site that discuss this topic do not
do it justice.
Best Regards,
Quarterman Lee
qlee@lean-briefing.com
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