POKA-YOKE
to avoid (yokeru) inadvertent errors (poka)
http://www.campbell.berry.edu/faculty/jgrout/mistakeproofing667.ppt
Introduction
• Mistake proofing and poka yoke is the use of
process or design features to prevent errors
or their negative impact.
• The term Poka yoke is Japanese slang for
“avoiding inadvertent errors” which was
formalized by Shigeo Shingo.
• Inexpensive.
• Very effective.
• Based on simplicity and ingenuity.
3
Background and History
Shingo suggested a solution that became
the first poka yoke device:
– In the old method, a worker began by taking
two springs out of a large parts box and then
assembled a switch.
– In the new approach, a small dish is placed in
front of the parts box and the worker's first
task is to take two springs out of the box and
place them on the dish. Then the worker
assembles the switch. If any spring remains
on the dish, then the worker knows that he or
she has forgotten to insert it.
– The new procedure completely eliminated the
problem of the missing springs.
4
Ten Types of Human Mistakes
• Forgetfulness
• Misunderstanding
• Wrong identification
• Lack of experience
• Willful (ignoring rules or procedure)
• Inadvertent or sloppiness
• Slowliness
• Lack of standardization
• Surprise (unexpected machine operation,
• etc.)
Intentional (sabotage)
5
This is not about punishing workers
• Mistake proofing recognizes that every
human will make mistakes and tries to set up
systems that minimize or eliminate those
mistakes.
Everyday Examples
3.5 inch diskettes cannot be inserted unless diskette
is oriented correctly. This is as far as a disk can be
inserted upside-down. The beveled corner of the
diskette along with the fact that the diskette is not
square, prohibit incorrect orientation.
http://www.campbell.berry.edu/faculty/jgrout/mistakeproofing667.ppt
http://www.assuredquality.com/example_2.htm
Evidence of the Effectiveness
1
0.9
0.8
0.7
Probability
0.6
Frequency of Occurrence
0.5
0.4 Cumulative Probability
0.3
0.2
0.1
0
$100 to$250
$250 to $1000
$25 to $100
$25 or less
$1000 or more
Cost
http://www.campbell.berry.edu/faculty/jgrout/mistakeproofing667.ppt
…and Very Effective
The “10:1, 100:1, even 1000:1” rates of return referred to
by Bhote above are not unreasonable in practice.
http://www.campbell.berry.edu/faculty/jgrout/mistakeproofing667.ppt
Common Mistake-proofing Devices
• Guide Pins
• Blinking lights and alarms
• Limit switches
• Proximity switches
• Counters
• Checklists
http://www.campbell.berry.edu/faculty/jgrout/mistakeproofing667.ppt
What is Poke-yoke?
A method that uses sensor or other devices for catching
errors that may pass by operators or assemblers.
1. Control Approach
- Shuts down the process when an error
occurs.
- Keeps the “suspect” part in place when
an operation is incomplete.
2. Warning Approach
- Signals the operator to stop the
process and correct the problem.
Poka-yoke systems consist of three primary
methods:
1. Contact
2. Counting
3. Motion-Sequence
Toggle Switches
Limit Switches
http://www.landp.com.au/special/presentation_demos/mproof_smpl_1.ppt
Energy Contact Devices
Photoelectric switches can
Light
be used with objects that
are translucent or
transparent depending upon
the need.
Transmission method: two units,
Transmitter Receiver one to transmit light, the other to
receive.
Reflecting method:PE sensor
responds to light reflected from
object to detect presence.
Object
An example of a
contact device using a
limit switch. In this
case the switch makes
contact with a metal
barb sensing it’s
presence. If no
contact is made the
process will shut
down.
http://www.landp.com.au/special/presentation_demos/mproof_smpl_1.ppt
Counting Method
http://www.landp.com.au/special/presentation_demos/mproof_smpl_1.ppt
Counting Method
“I have an extra
part. I must have
omitted a step!”
http://www.landp.com.au/special/presentation_demos/mproof_smpl_1.ppt
Motion-Sequence Method
The third poka-yoke method uses sensors to determine if a motion or a step
in a process has occurred. If the step has not occurred or has occurred out
of sequence, the the sensor signals a timer or other device to stop the
machine and signal the operator.
This method uses sensors and photo-electric
devices connected to a timer. If movement does
not occur when required, the switch signals to
stop the process or warn the operator.
http://www.landp.com.au/special/presentation_demos/mproof_smpl_1.ppt
Motion-Sequence Method
In order to help operators select the right parts for the right step in a process
the “sequencing” aspect of the motion-step method is used. This is
especially helpful when using multiple parts that are similar in size and
Inshape.
this example, each step of the machine cycle is wired to an indicator board
and a timer. If each cycle of the machine is not performed within the required
“time” and “sequence”, the indicator light for that step will be turned on and
the machine will stop.
http://www.landp.com.au/special/presentation_demos/mproof_smpl_1.ppt
Physical Contact Sensors
These devices work by
physically touching
something. This can be a
machine part or an actual
piece being manufactured.
In most cases these
devices send an electronic
signal when they are
touched. Depending on
the process, this signal can
shut down the operation or
give an operator a warning
signal.
http://www.landp.com.au/special/presentation_demos/mproof_smpl_1.ppt
Touch Switch
Used to physically detect the presence or absence of an
object or item-prevents missing parts.
Used to physically detect the height of a part or
dimension.
http://www.landp.com.au/special/presentation_demos/mproof_smpl_1.ppt
Energy Sensors
These devices work by
using energy to detect
whether or not an defect
has occurred.
Fiber optic
Vibration
Photoelectric
http://www.landp.com.au/special/presentation_demos/mproof_smpl_1.ppt
Warning Sensors
Color Code
Warning sensors signal the
operator that there is a
problem. These sensors use
colors, alarms, lights to get
the workers attention !
Lights connected
Lights to Micro switches
& timers
http://www.landp.com.au/special/presentation_demos/mproof_smpl_1.ppt