Lean

Visual ManagementVisual Controls

Making the status of work, performance, and standards instantly visible so anyone can understand the situation at a glance.

Visual management makes the state of an operation understandable in seconds without asking anyone — through boards, color-coding, floor markings, andon lights, shadow boards, and KPI displays. The aim is for normal-versus-abnormal to be obvious instantly.

Visual controls are what make 5S, standard work, and tier meetings function. When the workplace "talks," problems surface immediately and self-correct faster.

Go Deeper
Visual Management guide→5S Methodology guide→
Related Terms
5S
A five-step workplace organization method that creates clean, orderly environments where abnormalities are immediately visible.
Andon
A visual signal — usually a light or board — that alerts the team to an abnormal condition on the line so it can be addressed immediately.
Tier Meetings
A layered system of short daily meetings that escalate problems up and cascade actions down the organization.
Standard Work
The documented current best method for a task, tied to takt time, sequence, and standard WIP — the baseline for improvement.
KPI
A measurable value that shows how effectively an operation is achieving its key objectives.

Put Visual Management into practice

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