Standards and Visualization

In this article we go into detail of standards and visualization

First things first - lets define our understanding of standards and visualization

Standardization and visual management is a management tool which serves to define and develop clear, binding process flows in the product creation chain and the entire organization of the company and to make them visible to all employees.

The targets:

1. A self-dynamic behavior of all employees involved in the processes with the aim of a permanent further development has been created

2. The immediate identification of deviations from standards and a direct control of success is ensured (target-performance comparison)

3. The processes and procedures are secured and further developed.

4. The productivity is increased

5. Continuous avoidance of waste is encouraged

6. The work processes are even and balanced

7. Flexible staff deployment is encouraged

Key elements for this are:

Visualization of:

1. Paths, parking spaces

2. Tools, operating resources

3. Relevant work steps for efficiency, quality, safety

4. Production flow and process sequence

5. Quantities and faults

6. Regular audits for continuous improvement

Standardized documentation:

1. Information areas in all areas

2. Visible, up-to-date data is used for goal-oriented improvements by teams

3. Uniform documentation

4. Connection between team goals / company goals

Levels of fulfillment according the standardization and visual mgt. - Procedures

Level 1

Floor and floor space markings, process visualization hardly existent, not up-to-date or not in use. The employees try to give "their best".

Level 2

Visualization (paths, places) according to a uniform standard. Specialists have developed methodical standards. The standards largely describe the what but not the how.

Level 3

Visualization of tools, equipment, etc. available. Standards are developed in the areas. Working steps for quality, safety and efficiency are clearly defined and recognizable everywhere.

Level 4

Production flow and process sequence are clearly visualized. All direct and indirect activities are subject to standards. No standard is older than 5 months. Corresponding qualification programs are continuously updated.

Level 5

Standards are available for all processes, clearly visualized and acted upon. Deviations can be detected immediately. Regular audits are carried out to check and improve.

Levels of fulfillment - Operating and Performance Data

Level 1

On-site information refers to points prescribed by law; hardly any operational information. No actualization, responsibility is not defined.

Level 2

Arbitrary, chaotic visualization on different levels. Selective representation of data, partly not updated. Little to no understanding of visualization.

Level 3

Visualization of performance data and partly of improvement activities. Visible correlation between measures at company and department level. Updating is carried out routinely. Information oriented to target groups. Current target/actual comparisons are visible. Visualized management systems (e.g. handling of errors, disturbances, deviations ...)

Level 4

Visualization of performance data and goals in 80% of all areas, up-to-date and adapted to individual requirements. Updating is standardized. Employees assume responsibility for the presentation and updating of certain information and data.

Level 5

In all areas there are information and planning centers. The visualization of current data supports goal-oriented planning and improvement activities. The company-wide standard formats are used. Information is personalized. The transparent factory.

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