Overwhelming response in training program and competition on Poka – Yoke: Human Mistake Proofing

Ludhiana, December 18, 2021: Chamber of Industrial and Commercial Undertakings (CICU) has been organising various programs for the benefit of the industry and trade sectors of Punjab. Skill Up-gradation of the Industrial employees/workers is one of the key agenda under the “Make in India”, “Zero Defects and Zero Effect” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives by the Government & facilitated by Chamber of Industrial & Commercial Undertakings. CICU has recognised its responsibility in this regards and organised a Training Program and Competition on Poka Yoke: Human Mistake Proofing at CICU Complex, Focal Point Ludhiana.
 
Poka-Yoke is a Japanese Concept which means mistake proofing or also referred as error proofing. A Poka - Yoke is that device prevents the incorrect parts from being made or assembled, or easily identifies a flaw or error. It was introduced by Mr. Shigeo Shingo in 1961, who was an industrial engineer at Toyota Motor Corporation. This technique helps to reduce cost of poor quality and avoid 100% inspection.
 
Upkar Singh Ahuja, President CICU in his welcome address said that there is a dire need for the up-gradation of the industry in terms of skills especially in Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises for Global Competition, learning latest and innovative skills has become very important and skill development plays a vital role in its up-gradation. There is a direct co-relation between skill up-gradation of employees and performance of the SMEs. He further said the Poka - Yoke has a very effective tool for improving productivity, quality, reducing rejections and implementing effective safety measures. It also simplifies and stream lines the production process. It has proved its effectiveness in many companies. The objective of the competition is to help companies witness successful practices and case studies in adopting Poka Yoke Methodology.
 
More than 80 participants including of Senior Managers, Managers, Assistant Managers and Engineers working at Assembly lines, Machines, Equipment, Tooling and Maintenance Departments, Designers, Tool Makers, Project Developers, Unit Heads attended this program.
 
The interactive and thought provoking program was conducted by R.S. Solanki, who is Executive MBA, B.Tech., Industrial Engineering Specialization in Total Quality Management, BE in Mechnical Engg., Lean 6 Sigma Black Belt, Lead Auditor ISO 9001:2008 with 28+ years of rich experience in training & consultancy to the reputed companies. He enlightened the participants with various error proof systems, tools and techniques of Poka Yoke for practical implementation in various types of industries. Important tips regarding day-to-day shop floor problems and their solutions for use in industrial and business enterprises were also explained to them. 
 
In the Competition session, companies and their delegates explained the practical Poka Yoke with PPTs and videos.  12 leading companies i.e. Auto International, Vardhman Special Steel Ltd., Highway Industries Unit – I,  New Swan Enterprises Unit - VI, Highway Industries Unit – III ( Four teams : Himalaya, Sambhav, Pragati and Ujjwal) , New Swan Enterprises Unit – II, Vardhman Spinning and General Mills, Vardhman Yarns & threads Ltd. and New Swan Enterprises Unit – V participated in the Competition.
 
Three eminent jury members R.S. Solanki - Senior Trainer & Consultant and S.B. Singh – Consultant & Advisor and Pankaj Kaundal – Assistant Manager Institute of Auto Parts & Hand Tools evaluated the presented PPTs and declared the results for Gold, Silver and Bronze  Awards to the teams. They appreciated the quality Poka Yoke works done by teams and advised trainees to adopt and implement these practices in their respective companies for improvements. This program was coordinated by Sh. N K Gupta – Director and his Team.
 
Pankaj Sharma, General Secretary CICU in his concluding remarks said that due to globalization of the Indian economy, MSME Sector is facing new challenges. This program will make valuable contribution for increasing production and quality as well as cost reduction. He was hopeful that knowledge shared in this program, if implemented practically and effectively by the participants will definitely benefits the industry.
 
The program was highly appreciated by the participants and they expressed their thanks for adding value to their knowledge and skills.