Lean vocabulary: the dictionary for your organization's performance

Master the meaning of lean terms and concepts. Get clear definitions that turn the language of management into practical results in your day-to-day work.

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A

2 terms

Automatic Line Stop

Ensures that a production process stops whenever a problem or defect occurs. On an automated line, this usually means installing sensors and buttons that automatically stop the line when an abnormality is detected.

See: Error-Proofing, Fixed-Position Stop System, Jidoka.

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Autonomation

See : Jidoka.

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E

1 term

Error-Proofing

Methods that help operators avoid mistakes in their work, such as choosing the wrong part, assembling a part incorrectly, forgetting a component, etc. Also known as poka-yoke (defect-proofing) or baka-yoke (foolproofing).

See : Inspection, Jidoka.

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I

1 term

Inspection

In mass production, the practice of checking product quality by specialized supervisors who are external to the product manufacturing processes. See : Error-Proofing, Jidoka, Poka-Yoke.

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J

1 term

Jidoka

Providing machines and operators with the ability to detect when an abnormal condition has occurred and immediately stop work. This enables operations to build quality into the product at each step of the process and separates people from machines for more efficient work. Jidoka is one of the two pillars of the Toyota Production System, along with Just-in-Time.

See : Andon, Error-Proofing, Automatic Line Stop, Inspection, Just-in-Time (JIT), Multi-Process Handling, Toyota Production System, Visual Management.

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S

1 term

Shingo, Shigeo (1909-1990)

An engineer and consultant whose books and teachings were key contributions to the dissemination of the Toyota Production System.

See: Setup Reduction, Single-Minute Exchange of Die - SMED.

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T

1 term

Toyoda, Sakichi (1867-1930)

Founder of the Toyota group, he invented a self-monitoring device for the looms in his factory in the early 20th century that stopped the machines if a thread broke. This innovation allowed one operator to run several machines and led to the concept of Jidoka, which means "automation with human intelligence." It is one of the two pillars of the Toyota Production System.

See : Toyoda, Kiichiro; Toyota Production System.

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Frequently asked questions about the Lean Glossary

It is a glossary of terms and concepts used in lean management. It helps you understand lean terminology by aligning definitions and examples for study, reading and day-to-day application.

Use the search box to look for a specific term, browse by letter or filter by theme. Click the item to see a summary and open the full definition.

Some terms may have translations in other languages. When a translation is not available, the site may show the Portuguese version as a reference.

Yes. New terms may be added and definitions may be revised to keep the content clear, consistent and evolving over time.

Ao longo do Vocabulário, você encontrará links para conceitos relacionados e conteúdos do Lean Institute Brasil, como artigos, materiais da Central do Conhecimento, livros e capacitações.

A academia lean do Lean Institute Brasil oferece trilhas de capacitação EaD e presenciais, incluindo o Programa Prático de Formação Lean (PPFL), que ensina a utilizar frameworks consolidados e a aplicá-los resolvendo problemas de negócio reais.