A physical device that prevents an operator from installing a component in the wrong orientation is an example of which concept?

A physical device that prevents an operator from installing a component in the wrong orientation is an example of which concept?

• A. Poka Yoke
• B. Andon
• C. SMED
• D. Fishbone

Answer: (A)

Poka-yoke is about preventing mistakes at the source by designing the process so the wrong action can’t be performed or is immediately obvious. A physical device that blocks or guides a component so it can only be installed in the correct orientation fits this idea perfectly. It makes incorrect assembly either impossible or readily detectable, reducing defects and rework. Andon is about signaling problems when they occur, not preventing the error itself. SMED focuses on reducing changeover time, not error-proofing the assembly process. Fishbone is a diagram used to analyze root causes of defects, not a mechanism to stop mistakes upfront.

Poka-yoke is about preventing mistakes at the source by designing the process so the wrong action can’t be performed or is immediately obvious. A physical device that blocks or guides a component so it can only be installed in the correct orientation fits this idea perfectly. It makes incorrect assembly either impossible or readily detectable, reducing defects and rework.

Andon is about signaling problems when they occur, not preventing the error itself. SMED focuses on reducing changeover time, not error-proofing the assembly process. Fishbone is a diagram used to analyze root causes of defects, not a mechanism to stop mistakes upfront.