Definition
The Toyota Production System (TPS) is an integrated socio-technical system, developed by Toyota, that comprises its management philosophy and practices. The TPS organizes manufacturing and logistics for the automobile manufacturer, including interaction with suppliers and customers.
Why It Matters
TPS is the gold standard for ‘Lean’ manufacturing. It proved that eliminating waste and empowering the frontline worker can produce higher quality at lower costs. Its principles (JIT, Jidoka) are the foundation of almost all modern high-performance industrial organizations.
Core Concepts
- Jidoka (Autonomation): Providing machines and operators the ability to detect when an abnormal condition has occurred and immediately stop work.
- Just-in-Time (JIT): Making only “what is needed, when it is needed, and in the amount needed.”
- Kaizen (Continuous Improvement): A philosophy that focuses upon continuous improvement of all functions and involves all employees from the CEO to the assembly line workers.
- Muda (Waste Elimination): The systematic identification and removal of seven types of waste.