Toyota Production System (TPS) terms

TPS is an integrated approach to production which manages equipment, materials, & people in the most efficient manner possible. All the while ensuring a healthy & safe work environment. It’s also the formula behind our world-class quality compressors at competitive prices.

TPS is built on two main principles: “Just-In-Time” production & “Jidoka.”

Just-In-Time: Simply put, producing “what is needed, when it is needed, in the amount needed.”

Jidoka: Refers to stopping production for equipment malfunction, quality issues, etc. to prevent the passing of defects. It helps identify & correct problem areas using localization & isolation, & makes it possible to “build” quality at the production process.

Kaizen: A system of small, continuous improvement performed by all employees. Strives to eliminate muda & increase the speed, efficiency, & quality of processes without increasing cost.

Muda: Waste. Anything that is non-value added.There are seven types of muda: Overproduction, waiting, conveyance, processing, inventory, motion, & correction.

Kanban: Literally, “kan” means signal, & “ban” means cards. These “signal cards” are part of a pull system that cues inventory levels to align with actual consumption.

5S: “A place for everything, & everything in its place.” Accomplished through a series of steps translated to 1) Separate, 2) Simple Sequence, 3) Sanitize, 4) Spotless, & 5) Systematic.

Visual Management: The method by which associates can tell at a glance if activities are proceeding normally. Each department posts clear, statistical information for everyone to see.