Visual management refers to the placement
of tools, parts, processes, indicators in view, so the status of the system can be understood at a glance. Visual management devices relay information through signals (cards, marks, lights, bins) instead of reports. Visual management is often faster, cheaper, and more effective than any other information system by indicating normal and abnormal conditions without the use of time-consuming reports or complex systems. In essence, visuals allow you to lead with what you can see.
A business should be run like an aquarium, where everybody can see what’s going on–what’s going in, what’s moving around, what’s coming out. That’s the only way to make sure people understand what you’re doing, and why, and have some input into deciding where you are going. Then, when the unexpected happens, they know how to react and react quickly.
The guiding principle is this: Every employee, straight down to the janitor, should know the company’s numbers, being informed about quality, delivery, revenues and costs. The rationale of doing this: If everyone down the line has a basic understanding of current requirements, resources, and results (3R), then each employee would be informed enough to improve products, services, and costs. Furthermore, educated and informed employees feel more secure and are more loyal employees.
How to implement visual management
Visual tools must serve people by relaying information in an easy-to-understand format. To be effective, status boards, information monitors, and other visual devices (cards, marks, lights, bins) must meet the following three checkpoints to be effective:
- Readable at a distance of 3 meters or 10 feet
- Understandable at a glance, within 3 seconds
- Indicate status in red (must act) and green (ok)
Visual Management Examples
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