Poka-Yoke

Poka-Yoke

Human Error

Poka-Yoke is fool proofing, which is the basis of the Zero Quality Control (ZQC) approach, which is a technique for avoiding and eliminating mistakes. Generally this technique is used in manufacturing processes, but has much wider uses, such as; offices - order and invoice processing, hospitals - drug dispensing, aircraft maintenance - particularly with processes having the potential of inducing catastrophic in-service failures.  

QM&T's unique approach to this subjected has yielded huge saving for organisations - see post course assignments below

Example 1

The term Poka-Yoke is Japanese and can roughly be translated as mistake or fool proofing. It is derived from ‘Poka’ - inadvertent mistake and ‘yoke’ - avoid. Of course, the concept of fool proofing processes and mechanical devises has been around for many years (e.g. see photographs of floppy disk drive and electrical plugs) but is was the Japanese Matsushita Industrial Engineer Dr. Shigeo Shingo who was probably most prominent and influential in developing it into a technique. He turned the idea into a powerful approach for eliminating mistakes and achieving zero defects. Dr. Shingo used the phrase "error avoidance", as he recognised that people, or more specifically Japanese workers, may take offence at the term fool, particularly when associated with mistakes. This is especially important when considering the technique and approach requires the workers active participation in the error cause removal programme.   Note,  error cause removal and zero defects are phases first used by Philip Crosby but the approach is very different and should not be confused.

Example 2

Dr. Shingo wrote the book "Zero Quality Control: Source Inspection and the Poka-yoke system" in 1986. This original source material defined the basic approach. However, the technique has been extensively developed since. Dr. Shingo also suggests that statistical process Poka-Yoke is fool proofing, which is the basis of the Zero Quality Control (ZQC) approach, which is a technique for avoiding and eliminating mistakes. Generally this technique is used in manufacturing process but has much wider uses, such as; offices - order and invoice processing, hospitals - drug dispensing, aircraft maintenance - particularly with processes having the potential of inducing catastrophic in-service failures.

Books

Much more practical details regarding ZQC and Poka-Yoke are provided in Vorley & Tickles' book Quality Management (Tools & Techniques).

Poka-Yoke Training Courses

Business Benefits

To enable delegates to:

bullet Understand and implement the Poka-Yoke methodology
bullet Understand and practically employ the basic techniques associated with Zero Quality Control (ZQC) and Poka-Yoke.
bullet Identify where ZQC and Poka-Yoke can be used for best effect
bullet Coordinate and motivate the Poka-Yoke team to provide real, tangible solutions to what appear to be intractable quality problems.
bullet Train others in the ZQC and Poka-Yoke methodology

Who Should Attend?

Quality, Engineers, Software, Food & Drug, etc. professionals who wish apply the ZQC model and methodology to error prevention and problem solving together with obtaining a clear knowledge of ZQC associated techniques.

Course Structure

Morning

The ZQC course is broken down into:

bullet Phase I: Principles behind ZQC and Poka-Yoke
bullet Phase II: Errors and mistakes
bullet Phase III: Poka-Yoke function and devices
bullet Phase IV: ZQC implementation

Together with presenting practice examples of Poka-Yoke techniques, devices and case studies

Afternoon

bullet Practical Case Studies associated with ZQC and Poka-Yoke
bullet Exercise associated with re-enforcing the mornings Poka-Yoke theory

Post Course Assignment & Support

Following the course the delegates are encouraged to complete an Poka-Yoke work based assignment.  Successful completion of this assignment is necessary for the delegates to receive their QM&T Poka-Yoke practitioner certificate.  Throughout this period (typically one month) email support is provided from a QM&T recognised Poka-Yoke professional.

Case study material available on request.

   

Contact Information

If you would like further information please contact QM&T at:

Telephone:    +44 -0 1483 453511

Fax:    +44 -0 1483 453512

Address:   Quality Management & Training Limited PO Box 172, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 7FN United Kingdom

Electronic mail: help@qmt.co.uk

 
 

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Poka-Yoke:  http://www.poka-yoke.org.uk Everything you wanted to know about Poke-Yoke and Fool or Mistake Proofing...

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Security Management: http://www.security-management-systems.co.uk/ Security refers to the policies, procedures and technical measures used to prevent unauthorised access, alteration, theft and physical damage to information systems by outside hackers as well as employees... 

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Six Sigma:  http://www.6sigma-training.co.uk  or  http://www.sigma-6.co.uk 6F -  Six Sigma is a business strategy as well as a quality improvement technique. It began in the 1980’s at ...

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Process Mapping: http://www.process-mapping.co.uk  Process Mapping and Process Flow Charting are techniques that can be employed to not only provide a visual representation of a procedure but also have the potential to identify significant savings in the way in which the process is organised and performed.  This is particularly so when aligned with Process Cost Modelling... 

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Value Stream Mapping: (http://www.value-stream-mapping.co.uk/) is used to analyse the flow of materials and information currently required to bring a product or service to a customer. The technique originated in Toyota, where it is known as "Material and Information Flow Mapping"...

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Failure Mode Effects Analysis: http://www.fmea-training.co.uk/ Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA) or to give it its correct title Failure Mode Effects & Criticality Analysis (FMECA) is a logical technique used to identify and eliminate possible causes of failure.

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Health & Safety:  http://www.health-safety-online.co.uk  QM&T has for over 20 years successfully delivering training support and are please to announce the following products to support your Health & safety initiative.

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© Quality Management & Training Limited                                                  Edited: June 2009

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