Yesterday I was reading an article on the art of "Poka Yoke" and was wondering how can i use it in my day to day life activities.
As few may be knowing "Poka Yoke" is a Japanese term that means "mistake proofing" or "error proof" or "fool proof".
Mistake proofing is the result of using wisdom and ingenuity to create methods or devices that prevent errors. The objective is to focus on the error/problem and identify steps / actions / tools to minimize the probability of an error occurring again.
Poka Yoke is not specific to manufacturing at all. There are many poka yokes in all of our daily lives that we take for granted or simply do not recognize as poka yokes.
Examples of Poka Yokes:
> One example is the small hole in almost every bathroom sink. It is a poka yoke to help prevent sink overflow.
> Another example is in our cars that have automatic transmissions. You can not remove the car key while the transmission is in an unsafe position and the wheels are unlocked. The key interlock in this case is a Safety poka yoke.
> Another example would be Memory cards for your camera, laptop, or phone. Most have a notch or tab type poka yoke that prevents the card from being installed upside down.
There are 3 levels of mistake proofing:
Level 1: Prevent an error/ mistake from occurring at the source
Level 2: Detect the error/ mistake as it is being made.
Level 3: Stop the defect from reaching the next operation.
Still... I am wondering reading this... how to use this into a life philosophy. If anyone finds a way to adapt this into our lives; please do inform me.
I am sure the most difficult part is realizing the errors/ mistakes in one's life. Hmmm.
I finally think - "Life is not about to remain error free. Life is about correcting mistakes."
As few may be knowing "Poka Yoke" is a Japanese term that means "mistake proofing" or "error proof" or "fool proof".
Mistake proofing is the result of using wisdom and ingenuity to create methods or devices that prevent errors. The objective is to focus on the error/problem and identify steps / actions / tools to minimize the probability of an error occurring again.
Poka Yoke is not specific to manufacturing at all. There are many poka yokes in all of our daily lives that we take for granted or simply do not recognize as poka yokes.
Examples of Poka Yokes:
> One example is the small hole in almost every bathroom sink. It is a poka yoke to help prevent sink overflow.
> Another example is in our cars that have automatic transmissions. You can not remove the car key while the transmission is in an unsafe position and the wheels are unlocked. The key interlock in this case is a Safety poka yoke.
> Another example would be Memory cards for your camera, laptop, or phone. Most have a notch or tab type poka yoke that prevents the card from being installed upside down.
There are 3 levels of mistake proofing:
Level 1: Prevent an error/ mistake from occurring at the source
Level 2: Detect the error/ mistake as it is being made.
Level 3: Stop the defect from reaching the next operation.
Still... I am wondering reading this... how to use this into a life philosophy. If anyone finds a way to adapt this into our lives; please do inform me.
I am sure the most difficult part is realizing the errors/ mistakes in one's life. Hmmm.
I finally think - "Life is not about to remain error free. Life is about correcting mistakes."
From: G Nagarajan [mailto:nagarajan.anita@gmail.com]
ReplyDeleteSent: Friday, April 06, 2012 11:12 AM
To: 'Suprasaad'
Subject: RE: Good Morning!!!
Dear Suprasad,
After a quite a long gap, I checked your blog and found this article on Poka yoke.
I have given my suggestion on how to practice poka yoke.
First step is identifying a mistake
Second step is finding a solution to ensure non occurrence of the mistake
Third step is implementing the solution on a continuous basis
Category 1: Most of us do the first step right
Category 2: Some of us go to the second level and find the solution.
Category 3: Very few of us ensure the solution is implemented on a continuous basis. Internalize the process within oneself.
The implementation of Poka yoke depends on which category one falls into.
The success of Poka Yoke within oneself is achieved by the self which has moved up the ladder to the third category.
Once you reach the category 3, do not stop with implementing the solution once. Do it day in and day out.
Example: One might forget to take his phone, wallet or key when he is leaving his house.
The problem: Not remembering to take all the three items when you leave the house.
Solution: How to make one remember? Make a mental check list and tick the list when you leave the house. How to ensure the list is ticked?
Identify three pockets in your trouser with the three items. Say Hip pocket is for the wallet. Front right is for the key chain. Front left is for the Mobile phone. Ensure you place the items in the respective places only. Make it a point to touch the three pockets as you leave the house. This becomes a idiot proof system Now you are following poka yoke.
Step Three: ensure the implementation is done daily by touching your pocket as you leave the house. The day you miss you get into trouble. Hence internalize the process of touching you pockets to check for the three items. Continuous or day in and day out is the key
Have a wonderful day.