The Newsletter of Lean Manufacturing Strategy
25
September 2004
www.strategosinc.com
Jidoka
& Autonomation
Obscure
Elements of Lean Manufacturing
Taiichi Ohno considered Jidoka
one of two pillars for the Toyota
Production System. Yet, Jidoka
(and Autonomation) receive little attention. Many lean practitioners have, at best, a
fuzzy idea of their meaning. The reasons lie in history, shop slang and
the vagaries of translating Japanese.
Autonomation
simply shuts off a machine when something goes awry. Jidoka
means the same thing but sometimes it means automation (in the usual
sense) and sometimes it's something else entirely. It's all a bit
complicated, as I learned when embarking on, what seemed, a simple little
essay.
Autonomation
(Jidoka meaning #1a) was, indeed, very important in the early days of lean
at the Kamigo Engine plant. But solid state controls and inexpensive
sensors are so commonplace today that the concept now seems trivial.
Jidoka
(meaning #2) refers to the stoppage of manual assembly processes.
It can have profound effects in a proper environment but requires
considerable foresight and managerial guts.
All
of this needs a lot more explanation than would appear at first glance.
Our new web pages make this attempt starting at www.strategosinc.com/jidoka.htm.
Future
issues of Lean Briefing will address the related concept of Pokayoke
and another misunderstood element, Mixed-Model
Production.
All
The Best,
Quarterman
Lee
qlee@strategosinc.com
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