Lean Six Sigma For Dummies, 4th Edition

Chapter 13

Discovering the Opportunity for Prevention

IN THIS CHAPTER

Using prevention rather than cure

Undertaking proactive maintenance

Applying Visual Management

Leveling your processes

The concept of prevention has been in existence for a long time. Even before our grandmothers told us that prevention is better than cure, and probably even before Lao Tzu highlighted its importance back in 600 BC:

• Before it moves, hold it,
• Before it goes wrong, mold it,
• Drain off water in winter before it freezes,
• Before weeds grow, sow them to the breezes.
• You can deal with what has not happened,
• Can foresee
• Harmful events and not allow them to be.

Closely related is the concept of “no fault forward,” meaning that mistakes should be identified as soon as they happen rather than be allowed to travel downstream through the process. This chapter examines how prevention and detection can be applied in our processes.

Looking at Prevention Tools and Techniques

You can prevent or at least reduce the impact of problems by using a whole range of tools and techniques.

Introducing Jidoka

Jidoka