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    What You Gain from Poka Yoke Training in JapanA Practical Route to Zero Defects

    Poka Yoke training in Japan is a one-day, hands-on skills programme that teaches mistake-proofing: how to prevent human errors and process defects at source, or detect them the moment they occur. Poka Yoke (mistake-proofing) was developed by Shigeo Shingo in the 1960s as part of the Toyota Production System, and formalised in his 1986 work on source inspection and the Poka Yoke system. It remains a core Lean, Six Sigma, ISO 9001 and Total Quality Management technique. There is no better place to master it than the country where it began. Japanese manufacturers built their global quality reputation on error-proofing, and today's labour shortage and automation drive make the skill more valuable than ever. You learn why humans make mistakes, how to classify Poka Yoke devices, and how to run a structured six-step design process on your own processes. The programme suits quality engineers, production supervisors, Lean practitioners and process improvement professionals across automotive, electronics and precision manufacturing. It is a non-certification skills course: no exam, just practical capability you can apply the next day, backed by a course completion record from Invensis Learning.

    What You Gain from Poka Yoke Training in JapanA Practical Route to Zero Defects

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    Key Highlightsof the Poka Yoke Training Course

    Poka Yoke Training Eligibility in the JapanWho Can Enroll?

    Why Mistake-Proofing Skills Are Worth ItFor Your Career and Your Shop Floor

    Where Mistake-Proofing Pays off in JapanRoles, Sectors and Demand

    Poka Yoke is a defect-prevention skill that Japanese manufacturers built their global reputation on, and demand for it, and for the Poka Yoke training that builds it, is climbing again. As a deepening labour shortage, ageing workforce and automation drive reshape the shop floor, quality and production teams that can error-proof processes are increasingly sought after across automotive, electronics, precision machinery and medical devices. Roles that value the skill run from Production Engineer and Quality Engineer to Quality Assurance Manager and Continuous Improvement Lead. Here is what the Japanese market is telling us right now.

    Why Mistake-Proofing Skills Are in Demand Across Japan

    Poka Yoke is a practical, career-boosting skill for quality and production professionals in Japan. Learn to prevent defects at source and lead mistake-proofing on your own lines. Start your journey today.

    Your Japan Career Transformation

    Where You Stand Today,

    And How Mistake-Proofing Changes That

    Japan's manufacturers are automating and tightening quality under labour and cost pressure, and they increasingly separate teams that can prevent defects from those that only inspect for them. Here is which side of that line you want to be on.

    Sources: ERI SalaryExpert, Glassdoor, PayScale (Japan) 2026.

    Module 1: Introduction to Poka Yoke

    • Understanding the origin of Poka Yoke as developed by Shigeo Shingo within the Toyota Production System and its role in the evolution of zero quality control
    • Exploring the history of mistake-proofing as a quality discipline and how it has been adopted and adapted across industries globally and in the Japan
    • Examining the core principles of mistake-proofing, including the distinction between human error and process failure, and the importance of designing error out of systems
    • Understanding why Poka Yoke matters in modern manufacturing and service environments, including its contribution to waste reduction, cost savings, and customer satisfaction

    Module 2: Types of Poka Yoke Techniques

    • Understanding the fundamental distinction between prevention-type Poka Yoke, which stops errors from occurring, and detection-type Poka Yoke, which identifies errors before they become defects
    • Exploring the range of Poka Yoke devices and methods including contact methods, fixed-value methods, and motion-step methods, and how each is applied to different error types
    • Examining the decision criteria for selecting the most appropriate Poka Yoke technique for a given process, error category, and operational context
    • Reviewing examples of common Poka Yoke devices used in manufacturing and service settings, including jigs, fixtures, sensors, checklists, and visual controls

    Module 3: Application in Manufacturing

    • Exploring how Poka Yoke is applied in assembly line environments, including the design of physical mistake-proofing devices that prevent incorrect assembly, misalignment, and omission errors
    • Reviewing case studies from manufacturing operations across the Japan that demonstrate measurable defect reduction through targeted Poka Yoke implementation
    • Understanding how Poka Yoke integrates with lean manufacturing principles, including its role in supporting just-in-time production, kaizen, and total quality management systems
    • Examining how Poka Yoke contributes to statistical quality control and how it complements Six Sigma process improvement initiatives in manufacturing settings

    Module 4: Application in Services

    • Understanding how Poka Yoke principles translate from manufacturing environments to service delivery contexts, including the unique challenges posed by human-intensive and information-driven processes
    • Exploring healthcare applications of Poka Yoke, including medication administration protocols, patient identification systems, and surgical checklist design that prevent clinical errors
    • Examining financial services Poka Yoke applications, including transaction validation controls, data entry error prevention, and fraud detection mechanisms
    • Reviewing IT and software development Poka Yoke adaptations, including code validation tools, automated testing frameworks, and system design features that prevent user input errors

    Module 5: Implementation Steps

    • Learning how to systematically identify and prioritize error sources within a process using root cause analysis, failure mode and effects analysis, and direct observation techniques
    • Understanding the method selection process, including how to evaluate prevention versus detection options and match Poka Yoke techniques to specific error categories and operational constraints
    • Exploring the pilot testing phase of Poka Yoke implementation, including how to design a controlled trial, measure effectiveness, and gather stakeholder feedback before full deployment
    • Examining the steps involved in scaling a successful Poka Yoke pilot to full process implementation, including documentation, training, and integration with existing quality systems

    Module 6: Measuring Success

    • Understanding the key performance indicators used to evaluate the effectiveness of Poka Yoke implementations, including defect rates, rework costs, first-pass yield, and customer complaint metrics
    • Exploring how Poka Yoke outcomes are tracked and reported within quality management systems and continuous improvement dashboards
    • Learning how to establish continuous improvement feedback loops that use Poka Yoke performance data to drive ongoing refinement of mistake-proofing solutions
    • Examining how organizations across the Japan use Poka Yoke measurement frameworks to sustain quality improvements and demonstrate return on investment

    Module 7: Challenges and Solutions

    • Identifying the most common obstacles encountered during Poka Yoke implementation, including technical complexity, resource constraints, and misalignment with existing processes
    • Understanding how to recognize and manage organizational resistance to change, including strategies for building stakeholder support and communicating the value of mistake-proofing initiatives
    • Exploring practical approaches to troubleshooting Poka Yoke solutions that underperform, including how to diagnose root causes and adjust device design or method selection
    • Reviewing lessons learned from Poka Yoke implementations that faced significant challenges, and how the organizations involved adapted to achieve successful outcomes

    Module 8: Poka Yoke in the Digital Age

    • Exploring how digital tools and technologies are extending the capabilities of traditional Poka Yoke, including Japan of sensors, machine vision systems, and IoT-connected devices in error detection and prevention
    • Understanding how Industry 4.0 concepts such as smart manufacturing, real-time data analytics, and cyber-physical systems are reshaping the design and application of mistake-proofing solutions
    • Examining software-based Poka Yoke approaches in enterprise systems, including input validation, workflow automation, access controls, and guided user interface design that prevent human errors in digital processes
    • Reviewing emerging trends in digital Poka Yoke and how organizations across the Japan are leveraging technology to achieve higher levels of process reliability and defect prevention

    Module 9: Case Studies

    • Reviewing a selection of in-depth success stories from manufacturing and service organizations that have implemented Poka Yoke to achieve significant quality improvements and defect reductions
    • Examining the specific error types, Poka Yoke solutions, and implementation approaches used in each case study, with attention to the factors that contributed to successful outcomes
    • Exploring the lessons learned from both successful and challenging Poka Yoke implementations, including insights on technique selection, stakeholder engagement, and sustainability
    • Applying case study insights to participants' own professional contexts through structured reflection exercises that connect the course content to real workplace improvement opportunities

    Course Curriculumof the Poka Yoke Training

    This online Poka Yoke training course is structured across nine modules that progress from the foundational principles and history of Poka Yoke through to advanced digital applications and real-world implementation case studies. Each module is designed to build on the previous one, ensuring that participants develop a complete and coherent understanding of mistake-proofing as both a discipline and a practical toolkit. The curriculum is suitable for professionals across quality, manufacturing, operations, and service delivery functions, and the content is presented in a way that connects directly to the challenges and opportunities encountered in organizations operating across the Japan.

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    What You Will Build in This ProgrammeApplied Mistake-Proofing Skills

    This Poka Yoke programme teaches you to identify error-prone steps, analyse why errors happen, and design mistake-proofing solutions that prevent or detect defects at source. Across a hands-on day you move from Poka Yoke foundations and human-error analysis to classification, the six-step design process, real case studies and implementation planning.

    Spot Error-Prone Process Steps

    Use process flow diagrams, check sheets, defect logs and observation to find where errors happen most, and prioritise the highest-frequency and highest-impact steps to mistake-proof first.

    Analyse Human Error at the Root

    Understand the cognitive, physical and process factors behind mistakes, apply Shingo's error categories, and use the 5 Whys and fishbone diagrams to reach the real root cause, not just the symptom.

    Choose the Right Poka Yoke Type

    Distinguish prevention-type (control) from detection-type (warning) Poka Yoke, and select the right detection method, contact, fixed-value or motion-step, and inspection approach for each situation.

    Run the Six-Step Poka Yoke Design Process

    Work through a structured method: identify the error, analyse its root cause, select the approach, design the mechanism, implement and validate, then sustain and review, using low-cost solutions where possible.

    Apply Lessons from Real Case Studies

    Study proven mistake-proofing examples from automotive and electronics manufacturing, healthcare, service and IT, and draw out the patterns that make even simple Poka Yoke devices dramatically cut defects.

    Embed a Mistake-Proofing Culture

    Build an implementation plan, run team-based design workshops, measure effectiveness, and fold Poka Yoke into control plans and standard work so gains last and devices are not bypassed over time.

    Who Should TakePoka Yoke Training in Japan?

    Quality Control Managers

    Production Supervisors

    Process Engineers

    Manufacturing Managers

    Operations Managers

    Lean Six Sigma Practitioners

    Continuous Improvement Specialists

    Who Can Take This Certification Training

    Poka Yoke Training Modesfor Professionals and Teams

    We offer flexible training formats designed to suit different learning preferences, schedules, and professional goals. Whether you prefer self-paced learning or a structured, corporate, instructor-led experience, choose the option that best supports your skill development journey through the best Poka Yoke online training options available.

    Poka Yoke Live Virtual Training

    • Live online instructor-led sessions

    • Interactive discussions and virtual activities

    • Expert guidance from experienced trainers

    • Practice assessments and revision support

    • Dedicated Q&A sessions for concept clarification

    • Fixed schedules for accountability and momentum

    • Small batch sizes for personalized attention

    • Access from any location with internet connectivity

    JPY 63200

    Attend fully interactive Weekday Poka Yoke training sessions from anywhere while benefiting from real-time instructor guidance and collaborative learning experiences.

    Best For: Professionals seeking the flexibility of online learning without compromising on live instructor interaction.

    Poka Yoke Classroom Training

    • Instructor-led classroom sessions

    • Interactive discussions and group activities

    • Real-world examples and practical exercises

    • Structured learning with fixed schedules

    • Opportunities for peer networking and collaboration

    • Practice assessments and knowledge checks

    • Dedicated Q&A and concept clarification

    • Immediate trainer feedback and support

    Learn through face-to-face sessions led by experienced instructors in a collaborative classroom environment. This classroom Poka Yoke training format combines expert guidance, peer interaction, and hands-on activities to create an engaging learning experience.

    Best For: Learners who prefer in-person interaction, structured schedules, and collaborative learning experiences.

    Poka Yoke Corporate Group Training

    • Customized training aligned to organizational goals

    • Flexible delivery: onsite, virtual, hybrid, or blended

    • Scheduling tailored to business availability

    • Role-based examples and industry-relevant discussions

    • Progress tracking and learner assessments where applicable

    • Dedicated coordination and administrative support

    • Consistent learning experiences across teams

    • Scalable delivery for local, regional, or global workforces

    Designed for organizations that want to build capabilities at scale, standardize knowledge, and support workforce development through customized team learning initiatives and Poka Yoke training for companies.

    Best For: Organizations looking to upskill employees, address capability gaps, and deliver consistent training across teams.

    Poka Yoke Focused 1-to-1 Training

    • One-to-one instructor attention

    • Customized learning plans and objectives

    • Flexible scheduling based on availability

    • Personalized feedback and coaching

    • Additional focus on challenging topics

    • Targeted practice and revision support

    • Faster clarification of questions and concepts

    • Learning pace is adapted to individual needs

    Receive personalized instruction tailored to your goals, pace, and learning requirements through dedicated sessions delivered by our Poka Yoke training institute.

    Best For: Professionals seeking personalized guidance, accelerated learning, or focused support to achieve specific outcomes.

    Poka Yoke Live Virtual Training

    Poka Yoke Live Virtual Training

    Live online instructor-led sessions

    Interactive discussions and virtual activities

    Expert guidance from experienced trainers

    Practice assessments and revision support

    Dedicated Q&A sessions for concept clarification

    Fixed schedules for accountability and momentum

    Small batch sizes for personalized attention

    Access from any location with internet connectivity

    Starts from

    JPY 63200

    Please Note: Attend fully interactive Weekday Poka Yoke training sessions from anywhere while benefiting from real-time instructor guidance and collaborative learning experiences.

    Best For: Professionals seeking the flexibility of online learning without compromising on live instructor interaction.

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    Why Train in Mistake-Proofing with Invensis LearningFor Quality and Production Teams in Japan

    Invensis Learning delivers practical Poka Yoke training for individual professionals and manufacturing teams across Japan who want to prevent defects at source, not just inspect for them. Our programmes combine experienced practitioner trainers, hands-on exercises on your real processes, and organised courseware grounded in the Lean and Toyota Production System heritage of mistake-proofing. Whether you enrol as an individual or plan a corporate group programme, you get a professional learning experience focused on real-world application and measurable quality outcomes, backed by our ISO 9001:2015 quality management and ISO 27001:2022 information security certifications.

    • ISO 9001:2015 certified training provider with globally accredited trainers
    • Practitioner trainers with real Lean, quality and manufacturing experience
    • Hands-on, instructor-led sessions built around your own process examples
    • Flexible delivery: online (live virtual), classroom and corporate on-site formats
    • Course completion record and post-training learner support
    • 60+ quality, Lean and improvement courses across a global training network
    • Trusted by professionals and organisations across many industries

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    Years of Training Excellence

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    Learner Support

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    ISO 9001:2015 Certified

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    ISO 27001:2022 Certified

    ISO 27001:2022 Certified

    Secure SSL Encryption

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    Leaders in Training industry for 12+ years

    Leaders in Training industry for 12+ years

    Over 5000 five star reviews

    Over 5000 five star reviews

    Level AA conformance, W3C WCAG 2.2

    Level AA conformance, W3C WCAG 2.2

    Poka Yoke Training Locations in JapanInstructor-led in-person Classroom training is available for group batches. All other public cohorts are delivered as Instructor-led Live Virtual. See available cohorts.

    Poka Yoke Training Location in Japan

    Halekulani Okinawa,1967-1 Nakama, Onna Kunigami District, Okinawa 904-0401, Japan

    Poka Yoke Training Location in Japan

    Aman Tokyo, The Otemachi Tower, 1 Chome-5-6 Ōtemachi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan

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    Corporate Poka Yoke TrainingFor Your Teams

    • Tailored Poka Yoke training for your quality and production teams
    • On-site, live virtual or hybrid delivery around your shift schedules
    • Sessions built around your real lines, defects and process data
    • Cross-functional workshops so teams design mistake-proofing together
    • Practitioner trainers with automotive and electronics experience
    • Progress tracking and dedicated coordination for group programmes
    • Scalable delivery across sites in Japan and worldwide

    Leading Manufacturers

    ToyotaDensoPanasonicSonyHitachiMitsubishi Electric

    What Our Learners Say

    Designed a Fix for My Own Line in One Day

    "The hands-on exercises made all the difference. I brought a real assembly defect from my line, and by the end of the day I had designed a contact-method fixture that made the wrong-orientation error impossible. Rework on that step has dropped sharply."

    Kenji Tanaka

    Quality Engineer

    0/0

    A New Way to Think About Quality

    "As a production supervisor I had always relied on operators being careful. This course changed how I think. Shingo's error categories and the six-step design process gave me a practical way to build prevention into the process itself."

    Yuki Sato

    Production Supervisor

    0/0

    Practical and Relevant to My Work

    "Clear, practical and well paced. The case studies from automotive and electronics were close to my daily work, and the trainer helped me tell prevention-type from detection-type solutions and pick the right one for each problem."

    Haruka Yamamoto

    Process Improvement Engineer

    0/0

    Great Fit for a Cross-Functional Team

    "We ran this as an on-site programme for a cross-functional team. Having quality, engineering and maintenance design solutions together was powerful. We left with a prioritised list of error-prone steps and a shared mistake-proofing method."

    Takeshi Nakamura

    Operations Manager, Auto Parts Sector

    0/0

    Training That Translated into Real Results

    "As an L&D lead I needed training that would translate straight into shop-floor results. Invensis tailored the day to our processes, and the team is now embedding Poka Yoke into our control plans and standard work."

    Aiko Suzuki

    Head of Learning and Development, Electronics Manufacturing

    0/0



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    Frequently Asked QuestionsHere's everything you may ask...

    Poka Yoke, meaning mistake-proofing, is a Japanese Lean technique for preventing human errors and process defects at source, or detecting them the moment they occur. The one-day training covers Poka Yoke foundations, human-error analysis, the classification of Poka Yoke devices, a six-step design process, real case studies and implementation planning.

    General

    What is Poka Yoke and what does the training cover?

    Poka Yoke, meaning mistake-proofing, is a Japanese Lean technique for preventing human errors and process defects at source, or detecting them the moment they occur. The one-day training covers Poka Yoke foundations, human-error analysis, the classification of Poka Yoke devices, a six-step design process, real case studies and implementation planning.

    Who should attend Poka Yoke training in Japan?

    The training suits quality engineers, manufacturing and process engineers, production supervisors, Lean practitioners and anyone responsible for defect prevention. It is equally relevant beyond manufacturing, in healthcare, logistics, financial services and IT, wherever human error and process defects create quality or safety problems.

    Where did Poka Yoke come from?

    Poka Yoke was developed by Shigeo Shingo in the 1960s as part of the Toyota Production System, and formalised in his 1986 work on source inspection and the Poka Yoke system. It is now a core technique in Lean, Six Sigma, ISO 9001 and Total Quality Management practice around the world.

    Is Poka Yoke still relevant for modern, automated factories?

    Yes, more than ever. As Japanese plants automate and add sensors, robots and data systems, new failure modes appear, and error-proofing at source keeps defects out. With a tightening labour supply, Poka Yoke also reduces reliance on manual inspection and captures retiring operators' know-how in the process itself.

    Is Poka Yoke worth it for my career in Japan?

    Yes. Mistake-proofing is a defect-prevention specialism that employers in automotive, electronics and precision manufacturing actively look for. It strengthens roles from Production Engineer and Quality Engineer to Quality Assurance Manager and Continuous Improvement Lead, and the skill transfers across sectors and countries.

    Pricing

    How much does Poka Yoke training cost in Japan?

    Pricing varies by delivery mode (live virtual, classroom or corporate on-site), group size and schedule, so current fees are available on request. Because this is a non-certification skills course, there are no separate exam or awarding-body fees to add. Request a quote for the format that suits you.

    What is included in the course fee?

    The fee covers instructor-led delivery of all six Poka Yoke modules, hands-on error-identification and design exercises, real-world case studies, course materials, and a course completion record from Invensis Learning. Post-training learner support is included so you can apply the techniques at work.

    Do you offer corporate or group pricing?

    Yes. We offer corporate group training with tailored schedules and volume-based pricing for quality, engineering and production teams, delivered on-site or live virtual. It is especially effective when a cross-functional team designs mistake-proofing solutions for real processes together. Ask about group pricing.

    Are there any exam or certification fees?

    No. Poka Yoke training is a non-certification skills course with no examination and no external awarding body, so there are no exam or certification fees. You pay only the training fee, and you receive a course completion record on finishing the programme.

    What payment options are available?

    We accept major credit and debit cards and bank transfers, and offer instalment options on selected plans. For corporate bookings we can invoice against a purchase order. Speak with a learning advisor to choose the option that suits you.

    Assessment

    Is there an exam for Poka Yoke training?

    No. Poka Yoke training is a non-certification course with no examination. Learning is reinforced through hands-on error-identification and Poka Yoke design exercises, case studies and group discussion throughout the day, so you apply the techniques as you learn them.

    Do I receive a certificate after the training?

    You receive a course completion record from Invensis Learning. This is not a formal certification from an external awarding body, as the technique has none. What you take away is practical mistake-proofing capability that you can apply in your workplace straight away.

    How is my learning assessed during the course?

    There is no formal assessment. Instead, hands-on exercises run throughout the day, letting you identify error-prone steps and design Poka Yoke solutions for realistic scenarios. Working through these exercises is how you build and demonstrate the skill during the programme.

    Do the skills or completion record expire?

    No. There is no certification to maintain and no renewal cycle. The mistake-proofing skills you learn are immediately applicable and do not expire, so you can keep applying the six-step design process to new error opportunities as they arise on your processes.

    Are there any prerequisites to join?

    None. The course has no formal prerequisites and introduces all Poka Yoke principles from first principles. Some familiarity with quality concepts such as defects, rework and inspection is helpful but not required, so it is open to anyone responsible for quality and defect prevention.

    Course Content

    What topics does the Poka Yoke course cover?

    The programme covers six modules: an introduction to Poka Yoke and the cost of defects, understanding human error and error types, Poka Yoke classification and types, the Poka Yoke design process, worked case studies, and implementing Poka Yoke in your organisation, all with hands-on exercises.

    How long is the training?

    The course runs for one day, eight hours in total. A half-day format across two four-hour sessions is also available. Both cover all six modules with concept explanations, real-world case studies and hands-on error-identification and design exercises.

    What practical skills will I gain?

    You will be able to identify error-prone process steps, classify errors using Shingo's categories, select the right Poka Yoke type (prevention or detection), apply the six-step design process, and integrate mistake-proofing into control plans and standard work to make quality gains last.

    Does it cover the different Poka Yoke types and methods?

    Yes. You learn prevention-type (control) versus detection-type (warning) Poka Yoke, the three detection methods (contact, fixed-value and motion-step), and the inspection types (source inspection, self-check and successive check), with worked examples in manufacturing and service settings.

    Are real case studies included?

    Yes. The course draws on proven Poka Yoke examples from automotive and electronics manufacturing, healthcare (such as medication and surgical safety), service and IT. These case studies show why even simple mistake-proofing mechanisms can dramatically reduce defect rates.

    Enrollment

    How do I enrol in Poka Yoke training in Japan?

    Enrol through the Invensis Learning website. Choose your preferred format, complete the booking, and you receive joining details, schedules and course materials. For teams, contact us to arrange an on-site or live virtual group session. Talk to a learning advisor if you need help choosing.

    What delivery formats are available?

    The training is available online (live virtual instructor-led), in classroom sessions, and as corporate on-site delivery for teams. All formats are led by practitioner trainers and include the same hands-on exercises, so you can pick the option that fits your schedule and location.

    Can the course be delivered on-site for my team?

    Yes. Corporate on-site delivery is one of the most effective ways to run this course, because participants design mistake-proofing solutions for their own real processes during the session. We tailor the day to your lines and defects. Ask about corporate group training for your team.

    Can I reschedule or transfer my booking?

    Yes. You can reschedule or transfer to another batch under our booking policy. For corporate programmes we work around your team's availability and shift patterns. Contact our support team to arrange any change to your booking.

    How soon can I start?

    Public sessions run on a regular schedule, and corporate sessions can be arranged on dates that suit your team. Check the upcoming schedules for the next available dates, or speak with a learning advisor to plan an on-site programme for your organisation.