What is the Japanese term for "Mistake Proofing"?

The correct answer is the Japanese term “Poka Yoke,” which translates to "mistake proofing." This concept is a fundamental part of quality management processes aimed at preventing errors before they occur. It involves designing tools or processes in a way that makes it nearly impossible for mistakes to happen or minimizing the likelihood of human error.

Poka Yoke techniques promote a proactive approach to quality assurance by integrating safety mechanisms directly into the workflow. For example, it can involve creating fixtures that only allow the correct assembly of parts or using sensors to detect misplaced components. These methods assure that any potential for error is either eliminated or highlighted so that operators can correct it immediately.

In contrast, the other options pertain to different concepts within the realm of manufacturing and quality management. "Kaizen" refers to the practice of continuous improvement involving all employees, "TQM" represents Total Quality Management, which is a broader management approach focused on long-term success through customer satisfaction, and “Shigeo Shingo” was a prominent industrial engineer associated with production efficiency, particularly noted for his work on the Toyota Production System, but does not directly define the concept of mistake proofing itself.