Error Proofing (Mistake Proofing) Made Easy
We design, engineer, manufacture, and market torque tools. But our customers buy error-proofing from us. Seem odd? It isn't.
The very first commercial torque wrench was the basis for the error-proofing industry. Paul Sturtevant
knew that. Every tool we have designed and built since that time has had error proofing built into it.
The concept is simple. If we don't errorproof our own tools how can you expect to fully error-proof your assembly operations? Room for error in our tools only introduces another variable into your equation.
Error proofing is about eliminating variables that cause errors. If you are using a tool that doesn't prevent the operator from making errors, how robust is that tool? An error-proofing system is only as strong as its weakest link. Can you have a lean assembly result with fat tools?
Our customers all agree that tool failure is not an option.
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We have built error-proofing into each and every single tool in our lineup. We have systematically approached this with:
Error Proofing By Design - We design our tools to reduce or eliminate the human influence in the torque application and torque testing process.
Error Proofing By Behavior Modification - We firmly believe that people want to do a good job at their craft. Our tools help provide behavior modification much like a manager or coach would provide.
Error Proofing By Guidance - All assemblies require some type of operator guidance. Some are simple while some are complex. It is simple feedback letting an operator know that the fastener is not compliant. Or guidance can come in the form of ensuring that the right tool for the job is selected, used properly, and returned to the appropriate place in the tool tray.
These three approaches all work in conjunction with each other. In some cases, there may be only one of the error-proofing approaches. In most cases, two or even all three of the error-proofing approaches find their way into a tool.
You will find error-proofing concepts on every page of this site. We help you harden processes to increase throughput and cut rework/warranty costs. Isn't that what error proofing is all about?
We have also created pages specifically devoted to error proofing.
To advance to any of these pages, click on the link below:
Error Proofing From A Different Angle: Definition of error proofing and some observations by W. Edwards Deming.
Finding The Balance: In error proofing "one size fits no one." To find what fits in your organization, start with the fundamental question of "How much responsibility for error proofing should be given to the tool, and how much should be operator responsibility?" This section provides more on this concept.
Six Error Proofing Scenarios: Error proofing solutions all have trade-offs. You can have control or you can have flexibility. Rarely do you get both. This page looks at error-proofing extremes as well as the middle ground.
How Much Are You Investing In Errors? If your current error proofing system or approach still leaves you with errors you are investing in errors, not error proofing. Error proofing is about quality and it is also very much about dollars and common sense. This page digs into that.
Understanding The Common Centerline: Not having a common centerline is one invisible place where your error-proofing approach can introduce errors instead of eliminating them. If you want to know how to calculate a common centerline and why it is important this page is for you.
There is more about error proofing in our tool pages. If you need more, your Sturtevant Richmont Sales Professional is a great resource to help.
Sturtevant Richmont tools are proudly made in Carol Stream, Illinois by highly capable hands.