Discover the Benefits of Gemba and CMMS for Total Productive Maintenance
Gemba, a Japanese term meaning “the real place,” is integral to improving operations where value is created—often the factory floor or main work areas in maintenance. Conducting a gemba walk, an on-site inspection, allows leaders to observe and understand maintenance processes, aligning perfectly with computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS) for maximizing efficiency.
A gemba walk is an essential practice within maintenance management, focusing on areas where work actually happens. By integrating CMMS into the process, leaders can gain accurate insights, ensuring that operations are not only efficient but also continuously improved. This aligns with total productive maintenance (TPM), where everyone from executives to technicians engages in maintenance activities, leveraging tools like CMMS to streamline tasks.
Conducting effective gemba walks involves several core elements to enhance maintenance with CMMS:
Before initiating a gemba walk, identify specific questions or areas to explore, such as how well-maintained the inventory system is using your CMMS data.
During walks, interact with staff to gain their perspectives on operations. This interaction, combined with CMMS analytics, helps in verifying reports and spotting opportunities for growth and safety improvements.
Post-walk, use the data gathered—augmented by insights from your CMMS—to drive changes that enhance safety, reduce costs, and improve efficiency.
Combining gemba walks with CMMS helps in reducing waste, improving processes, and empowering employees by connecting them to the broader maintenance strategy. This integration ensures comprehensive data-driven decisions, better resource allocation, and improved maintenance processes.
