Jidoka

Jidoka, as practiced at Toyota has several meanings. It may mean "automation with human intelligence" (Autonomation). Jidoka also refers to the practice of stopping a line automatically when a defective part is detected.

Jidoka uses limit switches or devices that shut down a process when:

* The required number of pieces have been made.
* A part is defective
* The mechanism jams.

The purpose is to free equipment from the necessity of constant human attention, separate people from machines and allow workers to staff multiple operations. This form of Jidoka relates closely to Shigeo Shingo's concept of Pokayoke.

Jidoka, as applied to manned operations, refers to the practice of stopping the entire line or process when something goes amiss. This has important psychological and practical effects that contribute greatly to "continuous Improvement."