Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) Practice Exam

What does jidoka in the Toyota Production System refer to?

1. Continuous production by machines

2. Stopping production for quality issues

3. Automating entire production lines

4. Scheduling production in advance

The correct answer is: Stopping production for quality issues

The concept of jidoka in the Toyota Production System is fundamentally about stopping the production process to address quality issues. This principle emphasizes the importance of building quality into the manufacturing process rather than relying on inspection to catch defects after they occur. Jidoka allows workers and machines to identify problems as they arise, enabling immediate intervention. This not only helps in maintaining high standards of quality but also prevents defective products from continuing down the manufacturing line, thereby saving time and resources. By allowing the system to halt and address quality concerns, organizations can foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. The practice of jidoka ensures that quality is integral to the process, and it shifts the focus from pure output to the integrity of the output. This principle is a cornerstone of lean manufacturing, aligning well with the idea of not compromising quality for quantity. In contrast, the other options pertain to different aspects of production and efficiency, but they do not capture the essence of jidoka. Continuous production can lead to the propagation of defects if quality is not monitored. Automating entire production lines may improve efficiency but does not address the need for quality intervention. Scheduling production in advance focuses on planning rather than the immediate management of quality considerations on the production floor.