As Rudolph pointed out, "The term should be Poka-yoke."
Error-proofing is the idea behind the term -- minimize error with the goal
of elimination.  The ideal is to create a jig/fixture that will only allow
the workpiece to be loaded one way -- the correct way.  Other examples would
include the use of indicators "andons" to direct an operator to the correct
bin -- could be coupled with other indicators (red lights or sirens) if an
incorrect bin is chosen.
Other related topics are:
        Toyota Production Model
        One piece flow manufacturing
        Taiichi Ohno
        Continuous Improvement - Kaizan

I was exposed to these concepts at a former employer and some of these
concepts can be implemented easily and inexpensively.

Steve Sauer

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