Cost and volume deployment techniques were used to identify areas where
focussed improvements were carried out and to help identify what techniques
were applicable. Nakajima's (1988) seven steps of autonomous maintenance
were followed by Company B and they also introduced planned maintenance.
Quality maintenance was used to eliminate defects by the setting and control of equipment conditions. The process was carried out by first determining the
relationship between key product characteristics and the production process.
The optimum operating conditions, which eliminate defect products, were
determined and the machine restored to these conditions, then the machines
were modified to sustain these optimal settings. For education and training
purposes the company focussed on developing multi-skilled employees so that
they could achieve all the other TPM pillars.