Fit With Lean Manufacturing Concepts

Visual Workplace techniques play a critical role within many of the most popular lean manufacturing methodologies, such as 5S, Standard Work, Pokayoke, TPM, JIT and Kanban. 

But Visual Workplace is much more than just an accessory to the commonly practiced lean concepts.  Regardless of the methodology used, visual thinking must be applied throughout the plant whenever and wherever lean improvements are made in order reinforce and sustain those changes. 

In fact, the application of visual systems is rapidly emerging as a self-standing practice that spans the boundaries of conventional lean manufacturing tools.  In this case, the primary goal is to single-mindedly and continuously eliminate information deficits wherever they occur, in order to minimize the waste associated with not knowing (searching, asking, waiting, retrieving, reworking, etc.). 

Click the links below to see examples of how visual devices support and sustain the gains achieved through a lean initiative:

• 5S Workplace Organization
• Standard Work & Setup Reduction
• Total Productive Maintenance
• JIT & Kanban
• Lean Metrics & Management