// ROBOTICS AND SMART FACTORIES TERM
TPS
TPS, or the Toyota Production System, is an integrated socio-technical system developed by Toyota that comprises its management philosophy and practices, focusing on minimizing waste and maximizing value. It's the foundation of lean manufacturing.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
The Toyota Production System (TPS) is a comprehensive lean manufacturing methodology and management philosophy developed by Toyota, characterized by its core principles of Just-in-Time (JIT) and Jidoka, aiming to eliminate waste (Muda), overburden (Muri), and unevenness (Mura) to achieve optimal efficiency and quality.
BACKGROUND
The Toyota Production System (TPS) is an integrated socio-technical system, developed by Toyota, that comprises its management philosophy and practices. The TPS is a management system that organizes manufacturing and logistics for the automobile manufacturer, including interaction with suppliers and customers. The system is a major precursor of the more generic "lean manufacturing". Taiichi Ohno and Eiji Toyoda, Japanese industrial engineers, developed the system between 1948 and 1975.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Toyota Production System
- Lean Manufacturing
- Just-in-Time System
USAGE NOTE
TPS is the foundational model for many lean manufacturing implementations worldwide.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to TPS.
The originator of the Toyota Production System (TPS), the company continues to evolve it by integrating digital technologies, IoT, and data analytics into its manufacturing and logistics to enhance core principles like Jidoka (intelligent automation) and Just-in-Time (JIT).
Through its Digital Industries software portfolio (e.g., Opcenter MES, Teamcenter), Siemens provides solutions for creating digital twins of production systems. This allows manufacturers to simulate, analyze, and optimize production flows based on lean TPS principles before implementation.
Offers the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, including DELMIA applications, which enable virtual modeling and simulation of manufacturing operations. This supports the digital design and continuous improvement (Kaizen) of lean assembly lines and workcells inspired by TPS.
Provides a no-code frontline operations platform that empowers workers to build their own digital manufacturing apps for work instructions, quality checks, and machine monitoring. This directly supports the TPS principles of worker empowerment and Kaizen (continuous improvement).
A software company providing a factory analytics platform focused on inventory optimization and shortage management. Its technology is built on lean principles to provide visibility and actionable insights, directly supporting the Just-In-Time pillar of TPS.
Develops industrial automation and information solutions, including the Plex Smart Manufacturing Platform. Their technologies enable digital versions of TPS tools like Andon systems (alerts), Poka-Yoke (error-proofing), and automated quality control, supporting the principle of Jidoka.
Provides enterprise resource planning (ERP) and supply chain management software like SAP S/4HANA. These systems form the digital backbone for executing large-scale TPS strategies, including Heijunka (production leveling) and Just-In-Time supply chain logistics.
A leading provider of intralogistics solutions, including Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and warehouse automation. Their technology is critical for implementing the precise, automated material flow required for Just-In-Time and Just-in-Sequence systems within a TPS framework.
A non-profit research and education organization that is a leading authority on lean thinking and TPS. While not a direct technology developer, LEI researches and promotes the application of digital tools and Industry 4.0 technology to advance TPS principles.