Introduction: TPM Is Not What You Think It Is 

Talk to any plant manager or operational head about TPM — and you’ll likely hear phrases like: 
“It’s too technical”, “Just another maintenance schedule”, or worse, “It’s not for us.” 

We’re here to tell you: That’s a myth. 

Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) is not a maintenance initiative. It’s a strategic mindset shift that transforms operations, boosts reliability, and builds a high-performance culture. 

Yet despite its proven results, TPM is often misunderstood. And these myths are costing organizations dearly — in productivity, downtime, and employee morale. 

Myth #1: “TPM Is Just for the Maintenance Team” 

Truth: TPM Is for Everyone — From Operator to CEO 

One of the biggest misconceptions is that TPM is “maintenance’s job.” In reality, TPM is a company-wide system that empowers: 

• Operators to take ownership of their machines 

• Supervisors to identify waste and inefficiencies 

• Management to make data-driven decisions 

• Leadership to align performance with strategy 

At greendot, we implement TPM through cross-functional training, visual management, and standardization tools like 5S and Autonomous Maintenance. TPM doesn’t belong to one department — it belongs to the organization. 

At greendot, we’ve helped companies across industries break past these myths — and unlock TPM’s full potential. Let’s bust the biggest misconceptions and show you how to lead smarter, leaner, and more resilient operations. 

Myth #2: “TPM Slows Down Production” 

Truth: TPM Speeds It Up (Sustainably) 

When done right, TPM doesn’t add delays — it eliminates them. 

Regular checks, autonomous maintenance, and early problem detection reduce: 

• Unplanned breakdowns 

• Sudden downtime 

• Last-minute firefighting 

Take our client MCON Rasayan — after implementing TPM: 

• Equipment availability rose from 22.77% to 38.94% 

• OEE improved by 48% 

• Daily output increased by 38% 

• Rejection dropped by nearly 50% 

Sustainable speed comes from stability — and TPM creates that stability. 

Myth #3: “TPM Is Only for Large, High-Tech Companies” 

Truth: TPM Works in Any Size or Industry 

Whether you’re a mid-sized chemical plant, a logistics warehouse, or a construction equipment manufacturer, TPM adapts to your scale. 

We’ve helped companies with: 

• 20+ operators in a single line 

• 5+ machines in a dry mix unit 

• Multi-site logistics hubs 

• Batch-driven industries like food and chemicals 

TPM is not one-size-fits-all, but it is scalable — and we customize it to fit your people, your processes, and your environment. 

Myth #4: “TPM Is Just a Japanese Buzzword” 

Truth: TPM Is a Global Business Strategy 

Originating from Japan doesn’t make TPM “foreign.” It’s been successfully implemented by global leaders like: 

• Toyota 

• Nestlé 

• Tata Steel 

• Unilever 

• Bosch 

Today, TPM is embedded in standards like IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and ISO 55001 (Asset Management). At greendot, we’ve adapted TPM for Indian industries, resource-constrained environments, and ESG-aligned organizations. 

It’s not a buzzword — it’s a business enabler. 

Myth #5: “TPM Is Expensive to Implement” 

Truth: TPM Saves More Than It Costs 

Initial investments in TPM — training, audits, visual systems — can look significant. But the return is massive: 

• Reduced breakdowns 

• Lower maintenance costs 

• Fewer rejections 

• Fewer delayed deliveries 

• Better energy and resource usage 

• Safer, cleaner shopfloors 

Your ROI is not just in cost savings — it’s in productivity, morale, customer satisfaction, and long-term growth. 

Bonus: What TPM Actually Stands For in the Real World 

Let’s redefine TPM in business language: 

• Transparency in operations 

• Predictability in output 

• Momentum in continuous improvement 

That’s what leaders need today — and that’s what TPM delivers. 

How greendot Makes TPM Work for You 

At greendot, we don’t just hand you a TPM checklist. We partner with your teams to: 

• Audit your current practices 

• Identify hidden losses 

• Train and empower frontline operators 

• Create visual systems and KPIs 

• Align TPM with your business goals 

• Measure, review, and scale 

We make TPM practical, measurable, and culturally embedded. 

Final Thought: Stop Treating TPM Like a Maintenance Hack 

If you’re looking to reduce chaos, improve consistency, and build a performance-driven culture — TPM is your best kept secret. 

And it’s time to stop believing the myths and start building the systems that create lasting impact.