What is Poka-Yoke?

Poka-Yoke is a Japanese term that translates to "mistake-proofing" or "error prevention." It refers specifically to techniques that are designed to help operators avoid mistakes in manufacturing and service processes. The primary goal of Poka-Yoke is to eliminate defects by implementing systems that prevent errors from occurring in the first place. This can be achieved through various means, such as designing tools and processes that make it difficult or impossible to make mistakes, or providing automatic feedback when a potential error is about to occur.

By focusing on preventing errors, Poka-Yoke contributes significantly to quality improvement within an organization. It emphasizes the importance of designing processes in a way that enhances reliability and accuracy, ultimately leading to improved product quality and customer satisfaction. This proactive approach to error prevention is crucial in Lean Six Sigma methodologies, as it aligns with the objective of continuous improvement and waste reduction.