Generic approach for the customisation of the TPM programme: using the process transformation model and reliability assessment tool

This paper describes a generic method for the development and design of a TPM programme that is best suited to the organisation's needs. The research starts with an extensive review of literature on Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), which led to the formation of a model for the introduction of TPM to an organisation. A case study was conducted, which includes empirical research at the plant level to validate the proposed model and methodology as well as demonstrate its usability and application. The findings were subsequently analysed using the 'reliability assessment method'. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the method in providing a quantified assessment of the outcome at each stage of the TPM introduction process and help to identify various key factors for its success. It is, therefore, important for the readers, both academic and practitioner, to understand the proposed approach for supporting firms to managing TPM from concept to implementation. [Received 23 April 2007; Revised 11 July 2007; Accepted 27 December 2007]