Tips for using visuals on the plant floor
One of the best ways to deliver information on the plant floor is through well-placed visuals, whether in the form of a digital screen or a simple whiteboard. This can help employees get an up-to-date understanding of production without having to log in on a separate device or call a team meeting. In addition to helping lower downtime and maintenance costs, live production tracking visuals can also lead to increased productivity and engagement among employees, reduce errors and mistakes, and improve communication between different shifts.
Here are some tips to help you use visuals in your plant:
Ask your employees what would be helpful for them to see on the plant floor. Some different metrics to measure could include production output, production goals (per shift, per week, per month, etc.), names of operators or managers working each shift, or important announcements.
Establish standardized formats for all visuals throughout the plant, so they are all consistent and easy for employees to understand at a glance.
Include “safety visuals” to help keep employees alert and aware of potential safety hazards.
You may want to include checklists, such as a list of tasks that need to be completed during that day or shift, or a checklist of things to do at the end of each shift to ensure that the workstation is clean and ready for the next worker.
Be sure to update the visuals in real-time so that workers and supervisors can have an up-to-date sense of progress and know when to correct.
If you would like to suggest other best practices for us to highlight, let us know via Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn.
Sources, and to learn more:
Visual Management - Comprehensive super-helpful resource with lots of tips and implementation ideas.
Visual Controls in your Workplace: Introduction to Visual Management - Helpful resource focused on team input and the purpose of visual management.
Use Digital Signage to Increase Productivity on your Factory Floor - More good tips on digital signage in the workplace.