What does 'total productive maintenance' (TPM) aim to achieve?

Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) focuses on increasing operational efficiency by involving all employees in the maintenance process. This approach not only emphasizes the importance of preventing equipment downtime but also seeks to foster a culture of proactive maintenance. By encouraging employees at all levels to take responsibility for their equipment, TPM aims to create a more collaborative environment where maintenance is seen as a shared responsibility rather than solely the domain of maintenance personnel.

The coordinated activities within TPM include routine maintenance practices, operator training, and equipment monitoring, which all contribute to a more reliable production process. This holistic approach leads to better equipment effectiveness, reduced downtime, improved quality, and overall enhanced productivity, aligning closely with the goals of operational efficiency.

The other options do not accurately represent the core objectives of TPM; reducing production costs is a potential outcome but not a primary aim, minimizing employee involvement contradicts the philosophy of TPM, and delegating maintenance to external contractors undermines the foundational principle of engaging employees in maintenance activities.