Visual Management is a powerful tool which is used significantly in Lean Manufacturing environments. It can also be very effective in fulfillment centers for training, increasing accuracy of pick/pack lines, and improving transactional efficiencies. It is a cornerstone of successful workplace safety programs.
So what exactly is Visual Management? Quite simply it is the deployment of visual aids and devices which allow people to more efficiently, more accurately, and more safely perform their daily tasks. One of the most common uses in our daily lives is the stop sign. It uses both color and shape to instantly communicate and define its purpose.
Graphics and pictures are also powerful visual aids. Everyone recognizes the United Way thermometer which uses clear graphics and bright color to let everyone know the status of the fund drive, and how far you have to go to meet the goal.
So what exactly is Visual Management? Quite simply it is the deployment of visual aids and devices which allow people to more efficiently, more accurately, and more safely perform their daily tasks. One of the most common uses in our daily lives is the stop sign. It uses both color and shape to instantly communicate and define its purpose.
Graphics and pictures are also powerful visual aids. Everyone recognizes the United Way thermometer which uses clear graphics and bright color to let everyone know the status of the fund drive, and how far you have to go to meet the goal.
UPS pioneered Red and Blue labels to signify important and time sensitive delivery. It was intended as a tool for their drivers to quickly sort and prioritize packages. The public and businesses quickly caught on, and just as the word Xerox became synonymous with making a copy, Red Label became the accepted term for overnight delivery.
Are there opportunities in your supply chain logistics to use Visual Management to communicate more quickly to your staff? Can you reduce “waste” in your work flow by introducing some simple visual aids? Pallet drop areas, pedestrian walk aisles, workload status boards, color coded picking zones, outbound package sorting by carrier, inbound merchandise lane designation by status are all applications I have seen used in well run supply chain logistics and facilities.
To recap, Visual Management tools may include:
• Signage
• Use of color
• Use of shape
• Graphics
• Status Boards
• Internal and external labeling
• Silhouette Boards (a place for everything & everything in its place)
• Tape/paint space defining lines
F. Curtis Barry & Company have worked on hundreds of supply chain consulting projects to help clients develop their supply chain strategies, deploy visual management tools, cut shipping costs, become more efficient, reduce operating expenses, and take waste out of their fulfillment process.
If you're interested in more information on Visual Management and other supply chain strategic possibilities, contact us here or call (804) 740-8743. F. Curtis Barry & Co. is a national consulting firm that works with eCommerce, catalog, retail, manufacturing and wholesale distributors on projects focusing on supply chain strategies, order management systems, warehouse management systems, inventory management, 3rd Party Logistics, and to reduce freight costs.
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