How to Create and Edit a TPM

Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) checklists help ensure that equipment operates safely and reliably by verifying key conditions before use. TPMs are typically recurring, asset-specific checklists completed by operators or technicians at regular intervals.

Examples of TPMs

  • A forklift startup checklist verifying fuel level, mirror positioning, and lift function.
  • A crane pre-operation check confirming no warning lights or messages (e.g., low oil or hydraulic pressure).

Create a TPM

Follow these steps to create a TPM:

  1. Navigate to the Assets tab in the top menu bar.
  2. Select Create TPM from the dropdown menu.

  3. Fill out the following fields on the Set Up TPM screen:

    Field Description
    Description   Enter a descriptive name for the TPM. 
      Example: "Forklift – Daily Startup Checklist"
    Craft   (Optional) Assign a relevant craft.
    Estimate Hours   Enter the expected time it should take to complete the  TPM.
    Details   Use the text box to outline general instructions for the TPM.
    Add a File / Attach Existing File   Upload new or existing files, such as manuals, checklists, or diagrams.

     

4. When finished, click Create. 
5. A popup window will appear with a hyperlink to edit the TPM and add additional steps.

Editing a TPM

  1. Navigate to the Assets tab in the top menu bar.
  2. Select View TPMs from the dropdown menu.
  3. Select the TPM you want to edit and click View.
  4. From here, you can:
    • Update the Details section (description, craft, estimate hours attachments).
    • Add or modify Data Collection Steps.
    • Link the TPM to Assets and Recurring Work.

Add Data Collection Steps

Use the Data Collection Steps tab to build a step-by-step checklist that operators must complete when performing a TPM. These steps can include checkboxes, dropdowns, numeric fields, and more.

Add Steps Manually

  1. In the Data Collection Steps tab, click Add Step Group.
  2. Enter a name for the group (e.g., “Daily Safety Check”).
  3. Click Add Step to add a new checklist item.
  4. Enter a Step Description (e.g., "Inspect belt for wear and tear").
  5. Select a Data Type (e.g., checkbox, dropdown, text field).NOTE: After selecting a Data Type, additional options will appear based on the type selected.
  6. Depending on the field type you choose, you can enable the following options:
Save to Asset Field Links the technician's response to a specific asset field (e.g., “Condition”). Allows data to update the asset record directly.
Default Value Sets a pre-filled response for the step. This value can be changed by the technician during entry.
Trigger Additional Actions

Allows you to automate follow-up behavior based on the technician’s input. You can:

  • Trigger an Additional Step.
  • Display a Message (e.g., warning or confirmation).
  • Create a Work Order.
  • Notify someone by email when a value is entered.

 

Repeat to add additional steps as needed.

Copy Existing Steps

  1. In the Data Collection Steps tab, click Copy Steps.
  2. In the Copy Steps window, enter a procedure number or click the magnifying glass icon to bring up the Procedure Finder.
  3. Click Select to copy the steps into the new procedure.
  4. Edit the copied steps as needed.

Available In Tab

In the Available In tab, select where the procedure should be available by checking the boxes for the applicable plants or facilities.

Where Used Tab

In the Where Used tab, you can see where the procedure is applied, including:

  • Assets
  • Recurring Tasks
  • Work Definitions

Click an item to view more details.

Review Activity Log

The Activity Log tab displays all logged activities related to the procedure, including who made changes and when.

 

To learn how to attach a TPM to an asset or complete a TPM, see the following articles: