What is Poka-yoke?, Mistake-Proofing TL;DRPoka-yoke is mistake-proofing, devices or process designs that prevent operators from making errors. Developed by Shigeo Shingo in the 1960s as part of the Toyota Production System. Examples: jigs that only accept parts in...
What is Jidoka?, Autonomation in TPS TL;DRJidoka is one of two pillars of the Toyota Production System (alongside Just-In-Time). Means ‘automation with a human touch’, equipment automatically detects abnormalities and stops, alerting operators before...
What is SMED (Single-Minute Exchange of Die)? TL;DRSMED (Single-Minute Exchange of Die) is a methodology developed by Shigeo Shingo to reduce manufacturing changeover time below 10 minutes. Method: separate internal activities (require stopped equipment) from external...
What is TPM (Total Productive Maintenance)? TL;DRTotal Productive Maintenance (TPM) is a manufacturing methodology developed by Seiichi Nakajima at JIPM in the 1970s. TPM frames equipment maintenance as a shared responsibility between operations and maintenance teams....
OEE Glossary, 60 Manufacturing Terms Defined Definitive glossary of 60 OEE and manufacturing terms used in 2026. Each definition is calibrated against the Nakajima TPM standard, ISO 22400 KPI definitions, and industry usage across 450+ factories. Released under CC BY...
