3 Main Types of Poka Yoke Techniques

In today's competitive business environment, companies are constantly looking for ways to improve quality, reduce waste, and enhance efficiency. One effective technique for achieving these goals is poka yoke, which is a Japanese term that translates to "mistake-proofing" or "error-proofing.

Poka yoke is a technique that uses devices or methods to prevent errors from occurring or to detect errors before they can cause defects or harm. The aim is to identify and eliminate the root cause of errors, rather than relying on inspection or correction after the fact.

The concept of poka yoke was first introduced by Shigeo Shingo, a Japanese industrial engineer who is known for his contributions to the Toyota Production System. Shingo believed that the best way to improve quality and productivity was to focus on preventing errors and defects, rather than on detecting and correcting them.

There are many different types of poka yoke techniques, but they can generally be categorized into two main groups: prevention and detection.

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1. Prevention poka yoke:

Techniques are designed to prevent errors from occurring in the first place. Examples include designing products or processes to be error-proof, simplifying tasks to reduce the risk of errors, and providing clear instructions or visual cues to guide workers.

Another example of prevention poka yoke is the use of mistake-proofing devices in the assembly of automotive engines. One such device is a torque-limiting wrench, which is used to ensure that bolts are tightened to the correct torque specification. In the past, workers would often over-tighten or under-tighten bolts, leading to engine failures or other problems. With the use of torque-limiting wrenches, workers can easily and quickly tighten bolts to the correct torque specification without the risk of error.

2. Detection poka yoke:

Techniques are designed to detect errors as soon as possible, so that corrective action can be taken before defects or harm occur. Examples include using sensors or other devices to detect errors in machinery or equipment, implementing quality control checks to verify that products meet specifications, and using statistical process control to monitor and analyse process data.
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For example, a manufacturer may use sensors to detect when a machine is not operating within its normal range of performance, such as when it is producing defective products or operating at an inefficient level. This allows workers to identify the problem and take corrective action before it causes significant harm or disruption to the process.

In the healthcare industry, poka yoke techniques are used to prevent errors in medication administration. For example, some hospitals use barcoding systems to ensure that the right medication is given to the right patient at the right time. The barcode on the medication is scanned, along with the patient's ID, to ensure that there are no errors in the medication administration process.
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Another example of poka yoke in healthcare is the use of checklists or standard operating procedures to guide clinicians through complex or high-risk procedures, such as surgery or anesthesia. This reduces the risk of errors and ensures that all necessary steps are taken to ensure patient safety.

There are Three Main Types of Poka Yoke Techniques:

• Contact method: This type of poka yoke involves using physical devices to detect errors. For example, a machine may be designed with sensors that prevent incorrect parts from being assembled, or a fixture may be used to ensure that a product is positioned correctly for processing.
• ‍Fixed value method: This type of poka yoke involves setting a fixed value or standard that must be met in order for a process to proceed. For example, a machine may be designed to automatically stop if a part is out of tolerance, or a software program may prevent data from being entered if it doesn't meet certain criteria.
• ‍Motion step method: This type of poka yoke involves using a series of steps or motions to prevent errors. For example, a machine may be designed with a safety gate that prevents operators from accessing the dangerous areas of the machine until certain steps have been completed, or a software program may require users to complete certain tasks before moving on to the next step.

One of the key benefits of poka yoke is that it can help to reduce waste and improve efficiency. By preventing errors and defects, companies can avoid the costs of rework, scrap, and customer returns, as well as the costs of lost productivity and damaged reputation.

Another benefit of poka yoke is that it can help to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty. By producing high-quality products that meet or exceed customer expectations, companies can build a loyal customer base and establish a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

Some More Common Examples:

One of the most common is when a car driver with a manual gearbox must press on the clutch pedal (a process step – Poka-Yoke) before starting the engine. The interlock prevents an unintended movement of the car.

Another example is a car with an automatic transmission, which has a switch that requires the vehicle to be in “Park” or “Neutral” before it can be started.

Control Poka-Yoke common example can be a simple mobile charger which with its design prevents any error from occurring in plugging the mobile.

Other examples can be found in the child-proof electric sockets or the washing machine that does not start if the door is not closed properly to prevent flooding. These types of automation don’t allow mistakes or incorrect operation from the start.

Overall, poka yoke is a powerful technique for improving quality, reducing waste, and enhancing efficiency. By focusing on prevention and detection of errors, companies can achieve sustainable improvements in their processes and products, and ultimately deliver greater value to their customers.