The Visual Factory

We all know how important a safe and productive workplace environment is. But did you know that you could improve safety and productivity with proper facility identification and customized workstations to suit your needs.

Having critical information when you need it most, helps you reduce operating errors and accidents, minimize unscheduled downtime, eliminate confusion and increase safety.

Creating a Visual Factory using the concepts of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma is a way of documenting and communicating processes: such as escape routes, preventative maintenance procedures and schedules, quality and productivity metrics, access restrictions, hazard alerts and general directions.

Creation of a Visual Factory will vary upon the needs of your particular facility. There are a number of areas that require attention in almost every plant.

Safety signs: Whether restricting access, alerting employees to hazards or providing direction, safety signs are a critical component in a Visual Factory.

Process control: This could include marking for preventive maintenance, supervisory approval requirements, and items related to plant process management.

Comprehensive sign systems: More complex processes -- such as a plant evacuation procedure - need to be clearly communicated though a combination of words, symbols, diagrams and pictures.

Control Point Workstations: Tools of production are an important element of lean manufacturing (Elimination of waste) which can typically be -- overproduction, delay times, excessive transportation, or wasted motion at the workstation -- is a critical function. Properly designed and configured workstations can make a significant impact reducing waste in these ares.

There are many benefits of the Visual Factory. Not only will you realize an increase in safety compliance, efficiency ,productivity and product quality, but you should also see reduced maintenance costs, errors and downtime. These benefits have a direct impact on overall profitability.

Contact us so that we can assess your facilities needs today!