Glossary
Jidoka
Tags: Glossary
The concept of adding an element of human judgment to automated equipment is known as autonomation. By doing this, the equipment becomes capable of discriminating against unacceptable quality, making the automated process more reliable. Sakichi Toyoda pioneered this concept at the turn of the twentieth century when he invented automatic looms that would instantly stop when any thread broke. This innovation allowed one operator to oversee many machines without the risk of producing large amounts of defective cloth. Over time, the term autonomation has been expanded to include any means of stopping production to prevent scrap. For example, the andon cord allows assembly-plant workers to stop the line, even if this capability is not built into the production machine itself.
What is Jidoka?
Jidoka: Adding Human Judgment to Automated Equipment
Jidoka, also known as autonomation, is a concept in logistics that involves incorporating an element of human judgment into automated equipment. By doing so, the equipment becomes capable of discerning and rejecting unacceptable quality, thereby enhancing the reliability of the automated process.
The origins of jidoka can be traced back to the pioneering work of Sakichi Toyoda at the turn of the twentieth century. Toyoda invented automatic looms that possessed the remarkable ability to instantly halt their operation whenever a thread broke. This innovative feature allowed a single operator to oversee multiple machines without the risk of producing large quantities of defective cloth. This breakthrough not only improved efficiency but also ensured that only high-quality products were being manufactured.
Over time, the term jidoka has evolved to encompass any method or mechanism that enables the cessation of production to prevent the creation of defective or substandard goods. One such example is the andon cord, which empowers assembly-plant workers to halt the production line, even if the machinery itself lacks this capability.
The significance of jidoka lies in its ability to introduce a human touch to automated processes. By incorporating human judgment, the equipment becomes more than just a mindless machine. It gains the ability to identify and respond to quality issues, reducing the likelihood of defective products reaching the market.
Jidoka serves as a crucial tool in logistics, as it helps to ensure that only products meeting the desired quality standards are produced. By preventing the production of scrap or defective items, jidoka contributes to cost savings, customer satisfaction, and overall operational efficiency.
In conclusion, jidoka, or autonomation, is a concept that involves adding an element of human judgment to automated equipment. This concept was pioneered by Sakichi Toyoda, who invented automatic looms capable of stopping when a thread broke. Jidoka has since expanded to include any means of halting production to prevent the creation of defective goods. By incorporating human judgment, jidoka enhances the reliability of automated processes and ensures the production of high-quality products.