Patent ID: 6654650
Filing Date: 2003-11-25
Classification: G05B,Y02P

Abstract:
A method of error-proofing a process, said method comprising the steps of:identifying a process responsible for at least one error wherein an error is at least one of performance of an undesirable action, performance of an incorrect action, and misinterpretation of instructions for correct execution of an action, and wherein the process includes a plurality of process steps; process mapping the identified process to at least one of identify how a part, being controlled by the process, moves through the process, identify how information, being controlled by the process, flows through the process, and determine a quantity of operator intervention necessary to perform the process; identifying at least one step in the identified process at which at least one of scrap and nonconformance occurred; razing the identified process by performing at least one of: determining whether the identified step within the process can be eliminated, and if the step can be eliminated, then eliminating the step; and determining whether the identified step within the process can be simplified, and if the step can be simplified, then simplifying the step; and determining whether a different process can be substituted for the identified process; and verifying that the at least one of scrap and nonconformance has been reduced in the razed process.