Total productive maintenance (TPM) is a system to maintain and improve production systems through machines, equipment, processes, and employees. It was created by Nippon Denso in the 1970s to add business value. The principle is that many small improvements are more effective than few large improvements. TPM has eight pillars: autonomous maintenance, focused improvement, planned maintenance, quality maintenance, training and education, safety and health, office TPM, and development management. The goals are to eliminate losses, improve equipment effectiveness and manufacturing cost reduction.