POD (Point of Detection)

The location, process step, or moment in time where a defect or problem is first discovered or identified. Different from Point of Cause (POC) where the problem originates. The gap between POC and POD represents opportunity for improvement—the longer the gap, the more costly the problem becomes. Ideally, POD should be as close as possible to POC through in-process inspection, mistake-proofing, or real-time monitoring. Used in root cause analysis to understand why problems escape detection. Related to Escape Point concept in 8D which asks why existing detection methods failed.