METHODS FOR ERROR PROOFING

Methods for error proofing, which also improve material, or information, flow through a process, are described. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of identifying a process responsible for at least one error, process mapping the identified process, identifying at least one step in the identified process at which scrap and/or nonconformance occurred, and razing the identified process. The step of razing, in the one embodiment, is performed by determining whether a plurality of errors throughout the identified process occurs, and if a plurality of errors are identified throughout the identified process, determining whether a different process can be substituted for the identified process, and if the different process can be substituted for the identified process, then substituting the different process for the identified process. If the different process cannot be substituted for the identified process, then the process further includes performing the steps of determining whether the identified step can be eliminated, and if the step can be eliminated, then eliminating the step.