Poka-Yoke is a Japanese term that means 'mistake-proofing' or 'error prevention'. When a Belt applies the practice of Poka-Yoke to a project challenge, they are aiming to design the process in such a way that mistakes are prevented or immediately caught and corrected. Thus, the activity is focused on being mistake proofed.
Sorting is the Lean Principle action in the 5S approach that deals with organizing items so that those needed regularly are readily accessible, while those needed less frequently are stored out of the way. This method ensures that the workspace is efficient and clutter-free, improving productivity and safety.
SPC (Statistical Process Control) on the outputs is more preferred than SPC on the inputs because monitoring the outputs directly measures the outcome of the process, ensuring the final product meets the desired specifications. This approach can more effectively detect issues that may affect product quality and performance, leading to faster corrective actions. SPC on inputs, although useful, does not always guarantee that the desired quality will be achieved if there are uncontrolled variables affecting the process after the inputs are measured.
Significant variation in process performance can be classified into two main categories: Common and Special. Common causes, also known as random causes, are the natural and inherent fluctuations that occur in any process. These are typically present all the time and are usually due to the system itself. Special causes, also known as assignable causes, are variations that can be traced to a specific reason, such as a malfunction or human error, and can be corrected once identified.
One of the most effective means of eliminating defects in a process is to design defect prevention into the product. By incorporating defect prevention measures during the initial design phase, potential issues can be identified and addressed before they occur, reducing the likelihood of defects throughout the product lifecycle. This proactive approach is generally more efficient and effective than reactive measures such as continuous training or ongoing projects.