Production managers need to understand the changing workload of individual machines and their effect on staffing levels. They need to first, identify the most efficient use of their space. They must also be aware of the amount of work going into production, as well as any constraints that have arisen. All this information allows them to maximise their technology investment and minimise machine downtime.
There are several manufacturing scheduling software programs on the market. However, these digital tools fail to provide a complete production overview. Production departments need to know what's coming up and what's coming down, but the constant scrolling and outdated printouts just don't cut it. What's needed is a system that gives people the information they need quickly and completely, so we can make any changes that are necessary.
That’s when Visual Communication assets come into play to make production tracking and scheduling easier. With their help, managers can easily monitor their production process, saving time, money, and reducing the risk of human error. Tools like whiteboards, revolving boards, and workstations have proven to be a great support for Visual Management.
Visual Management boards and the 1-3-10 rule
Visual Management boards help teams to continuously improve their day-to-day communication, to make it easy to access and assimilate important details very fast. The monitored information can come in any form. It could be measurable data about your operation, like your output and inventory. It could also be short text-based information, reporting any key changes, actions, and events.
Though the information on these boards can vary greatly, maximum employee engagement can be ensured with the 1-3-10 rule:
- 1 second to understand the purpose of the board
- 3 seconds to understand the current status
- 10 seconds to understand any countermeasures applied
These boards are a great way to provide updates and insight in an effective manner. The viewer can grasp what's being shown from a few feet away, rather than having to sit down and check online paperwork or databases. The upshot is less stress and more success.
When business revolves around large volumes of information, having the right whiteboard can be a major help. The first step is to decide what the purpose of each whiteboard is. Visual Management boards can show the progress of projects and processes, identify and solve problems, suggest opportunities for improvement, and so on. Whether you're focusing on just one of these purposes or including several of them, you really can’t go wrong if you follow the 1-3-10 rule.
Nonetheless, Visual Management boards can’t be used to their full potential on their own. A wide range of accessories compatible with drywipe magnetic whiteboards is necessary to make information displays easier and more effective. As visual aids to production planning, they are essential for monitoring and updating and greatly facilitate the 1-3-10 rule.
From data cards, writable labels, coloured dry erase strips, to characters, standard magnets, and extra strong magnets, these clever tools bring your whiteboards to life. You get the functionality of custom boards but far easier to change when required.
If you want your audience to see and consider important information, highlight it by colour-coding. For instance, on an agile retrospective board, associating facts or events with feelings by using magnetic colour dots helps the team focus not only on technical issues related to the development process but on the team and its issues.
The possibilities are endless when you have the right accessories!
Get the Planning and Industrial Accessories kits to go forward on your journey of continuous improvement.
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