# Jidoka (Autonomation)

> Source: https://netray.co/glossary/jidoka
> Publisher: Netray (netray.co), AI and integration engineering for ERP and manufacturing systems.
> Section: Glossary

## Short answer

Jidoka, or autonomation, is a lean principle where a machine or operator detects an abnormality and stops the process automatically, so defects are not passed downstream and the problem is fixed at its source.

## Aliases

- autonomation
- automation with a human touch
- built-in quality

## Category

manufacturing

## Full Definition

Jidoka is one of the two pillars of the Toyota Production System, alongside just-in-time. Its origin is the Toyoda automatic loom, which stopped itself when a thread broke. The idea is to give machines the ability to sense abnormality and stop, and to give people the authority to stop the line.

A jidoka system has four steps: detect the abnormality, stop, fix the immediate condition, and investigate and correct the root cause. Andon signals tell supervisors where and when a stop occurred. Poka-yoke devices make certain errors impossible or immediately detectable. Together they stop defects from accumulating in batches.

On the data side, equipment signals, MES events and quality inspection results can be recorded against the job. Stops, defect counts and reason codes in ERP or MES (for example shop floor and quality transactions in Infor SyteLine, SAP QM, and Infor LN) support the investigation step and trending of repeat abnormalities.

The main risk is a culture that punishes stoppages. If operators fear pulling the cord, defects flow through. Management must treat a stop as information, and respond fast to it.

## Why It Matters

- Stops defects at the source instead of finding them in final inspection.
- Reduces scrap and rework by preventing batch defects.
- Frees operators from watching machines, so one person can run several.
- Creates a steady stream of problem data for root cause work.

## In Practice

A torque station on an assembly line has a controller that rejects out-of-range tightening and stops the fixture. An andon light calls the team lead. The event is logged with a reason code against the work order. Weekly review of the log shows one fastener causing most stops, leading to a supplier corrective action.

## Faq

### What does jidoka mean?

**Answer:** It is often translated as automation with a human touch, or autonomation: machines that detect problems and stop themselves.

### How is jidoka different from poka-yoke?

**Answer:** Jidoka is the broader principle of detecting and stopping on abnormality. Poka-yoke is a specific error-proofing device that supports it.

### What are the two pillars of the Toyota Production System?

**Answer:** Just-in-time and jidoka.

### Does jidoka require automation?

**Answer:** No. Manual operations can use jidoka too, by giving operators clear stop criteria and the authority to stop the line.

## Search terms

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