What is the difference between Factory 4.0 and Poka-Yoke? Why does it matter?
Wikipedia says that Industry 4.0 is a name given to the current trend of automation and data exchange in manufacturing technologies. It includes cyber-physical systems, the Internet of things, cloud computing, and cognitive computing. Industry 4.0 is also sometimes referred to as the fourth industrial revolution.
A poka-yoke is any mechanism in any process that helps an equipment operator avoid
(yokeru) mistakes (poka). Its purpose is to eliminate product defects by preventing, correcting, or drawing attention to human errors as they occur.
Both are aimed at eliminating assembly errors. Factory 4.0 is a very systematic and holistic approach. Poka-Yoke tends to be more focused on specific areas. It might be an assembly line or a work cell where errors are problematic.
Our customers have factories and assembly operations around the globe. As a result, our customers use our wireless error-proofing controllers and tools as a part of their Factory 4.0 initiatives. Our customer base includes the auto industry, construction equipment makers, aerospace, airlines, appliance makers, med-tech companies, electronics companies, and more.
A broad-based customer base like ours has very diverse torque applications and user-centric demands. Customers typically use less than 30% of the functionality in our controllers. But across that wide range of customer needs, each customer uses a different 30% of the functionality.
That level of flexibility is one of the many reasons why customers buy Sturtevant Richmont wireless error-proofing tools. The ROI that is rapidly realized from investment in our error-proofing systems is another reason why they buy our torque tools and controllers.
We invite you to explore more about our wireless error proofing controllers, digital torque tools, wireless click wrenches, Pneumatic Sensor Transceivers, and software,
Sturtevant Richmont controllers and torque wrenches are made in America by highly capable hands.