ABB Basic Quality Tools Series

Visual Management
Using visual elements to control work and monitor
status

ABB Group 9AKK105151D0124

15 July 2010, Slide 1
 Visual Management - Content
What is it for?
Visual management is a method of creating an information-rich
environment by the use of visual signals, symbols and objects.
It helps anybody in the workplace to know what the current status is
and what to do next

Where could I use it?

In any workplace where working to a standard is key.
Use it in teams, to create shared understanding and build teamwork.

How do I use it?

Understand elements of the workplace & process that are key
Consider methods to make standards clear and easily understood
Use it in teams, to create shared understanding and build teamwork.
Build participation through shared information
Conveying Information - Work environment, safety, operations,
storage, quality, equipment
Visual Displays - what, where, when, who and how
Visual Controls for controlling the process (e.g. action triggers)

Risks and how to avoid them

Example
ABB Group 9AKK105151D0124
15 July 2010, Slide 2
 Visual Management - What is it for?
Uses of this tool:
Visual management is a method of creating an information-rich environment by the use of visual
signals, symbols and objects.
To give visual indication of process status and what should I do next messages
The use of displays, and controls to ensure a process operates to a standard and anybody can see
when there is a deviation from the standard

Expected Benefits:
Enables a standardised work environment
Any deviation from standard is easily flagged, whether it be cost, quality or time related
Understanding of performance by all
Simple, low cost and effective control systems can be created quickly

ABB Group 9AKK105151D0124

15 July 2010, Slide 3
 Visual Management - Where could I use it?
Background:
Taichii Ohno of Toyota stated:
Make your workplace into a showcase that
can be easily understood by anyone at a
glance.
In terms of Quality, it means to make defects
immediately apparent. In terms of Quantity, it
means that progress or delay is made
immediately apparent. (also a type of Poka
Yoke)
When this is done, problems can be identified
immediately and everyone can initiate
improvement plans
ABB Group 9AKK105151D0124
15 July 2010, Slide 4
Uses:
In any workplace where working to a standard is
key.
Use it in teams, to create shared understanding
and build teamwork
Conveying Information - Work environment,
safety, operations, storage, quality, equipment
Visual Displays - what, where, when, who and
how
Visual Controls for controlling the process
(e.g. action triggers)
Communicate performance measures
Display status of elements critical to safe and
effective operations.
Provide feedback to/from team members,
supervisors and managers
 Visual Management - How do I use it?
Procedure and Guidance Notes:
Identify key characteristics of the standard process Before attempting to start controlling a process
Understand the with Visual Management, it is important that
standard process there is an agreed process standard with
characteristics and performance levels.

Consider methods which communicate important information, but do Information displays can cover - Work
not control the process. environment, safety, operations, storage,
Consider what, when who, when and how. quality, equipment
Visual Displays can be - Indicators: colors,
Involve the team symbols
Consider Visual Select clear simple visual displays Status boards:- indicate key measures (QCD)
Displays vs. Standard
Checklists: procedures, and standards
Signboards: e.g. safety equipment needed
Production displays: demonstrate good quality

Consider building visual controls into the process to ensure that
activities are performed according to standard.
Consider what, when who, when and how.
Consider Visual
Involve the team
Controls
Select clear simple visual controls.
Controls are methods and devices for signaling
process execution by people.
It should be possible for everyone to see the
current situation
Visual control is for action: What do I need to
know right here, right now to do my job right?

Brief and action the team to implement the agreed visual management It is important to involve the team, so that all
Implement Visual Visual Management is clear and easily
Management understood and practical to use.

Continually monitor any visual displays and controls It is good practice to have owners and review
Update all displays at agreed intervals dates on all visual displays and controls. This
Maintain & Review ensures that they are maintained and updated.
Review effectiveness and amend accordingly

ABB Group 9AKK105151D0124

15 July 2010, Slide 5
 Visual Management - Risks and how to avoid them
Risks :
Too many visual controls newcomers cannot see what
the standard is and if there is any deviation.
Too much detail in controls or displays (the wallpaper
effect)
ABB Group 9AKK105151D0124
15 July 2010, Slide 6
Steps to avoid them :
Controls should be limited to the key characteristics of a
process which will ensure it is understood and
deviations from standard are easily seen
Visual displays and controls should be designed to be
simple and clear easy to understand to a newcomer.
 Visual Management - How do I use it?

Visual Displays:
Communicate important information, but do
not control the process

Visual Controls:
Build visual control into the process to ensure
that activities are performed according to
standard

ABB Group 9AKK105151D0124

15 July 2010, Slide 7
 Visual Management - Examples

ABB Group 9AKK105151D0124

15 July 2010, Slide 8
 Visual Management - Examples

ABB Group 9AKK105151D0124

15 July 2010, Slide 9