Lean, quality improvement & root cause · Working

Poka-yoke

Also called: mistake proofing

ELI5

Error-proofing designed to prevent or immediately reveal mistakes.

Used in conversation

“The process map needs an exception path for poka-yoke.”

Pitch context

You will see “Poka-yoke” in operating plans, procurement packs, supplier reviews and supply-chain reports when the discussion reaches lean, quality improvement & root cause.

Why it matters: In lean, quality improvement & root cause, the definition can change ownership, capacity, process, cost or safety decisions.

Sources & evidence · 3

Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Productivity programmeDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
U.S. Acquisition.gov — Federal Acquisition Regulation Part 15 — Contracting by NegotiationSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16
UK Government — Groceries Supply Code of PracticeSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16