Poka-yoke

The Japanese term poka-yoke (jap. ポカヨケ, eng. “inadvertent error prevention”) refers to a principle consisting of one or more elements that comprises technical precautions or facilities to immediately detect and prevent mistakes.

Shigeo Shingo is considered the inventor of the principle. As a mistake prevention principle, poka-yoke is similar to the biochemical principle of a key and lock. This reduces mistakes, for instance when copying genetic information.