34. If it fails, it stops

JIDOKA METHOD is part of the Toyota Production System (the origin of many methodologies we use today).

At first, it’s counterintuitive.

In a nutshell, we can say that this method involves:

1. Quality control at the source
2. Automation
3. Avoiding the spread of errors and defects
4. Exposing errors to find a possible solution

The flip side of this method is:

1. Quality control at the end of the process
2. Manual tasks
3. Proceeding even when errors or defects are visible
4. Hiding errors or not measuring results

In a Jidoka system, when machines detect an abnormal condition, they automatically stop functioning immediately so that operators can correct the error and continue. Instead of hiding the error and isolating it, the central idea is to make it visible, bring it to the surface, and make it obvious and unavoidable.

It is within the framework of this method that we promote testing, measurement, exposure of results, and immediate analysis when results are not as expected.

It’s counterintuitive, but the Jidoka method results in cost and time savings, improves quality, and tends toward sustained process optimization.