Forcing your management team to post metrics may result in visual clutter that won’t improve the way work is done.
Sometimes a management team launches an overwhelming amount of facts and figures that go beyond what is realistic and practical. This creates confusion and general apathy towards the data that loses credibility over time. One example is when you see several “andon lights” stacked on a pole blinking all day with no idea what the signal represents or who is responsible for acting. Eventually for the workers and supervisors this becomes a part of their everyday routine until the signal eventually blends into the background. There are several reasons why Visual Management techniques fail. Let’s take a look at some of the underlying reasons;
1. Culture. Sometimes there is no foundation for using the visuals correctly. Most data is meant to convey some sort of status to either fix or maintain the process. It is key the management team establishes a mindset that data is not meant to punish anyone as much as is meant to communicate plant performance, standards, warnings and expectations without requiring a lot of explanation.
2. Standards, specifically a lack of organizational standards and procedures. If workers do not understand what steps should be taken (and in what sequence), when and if an issue arises it’s almost pointless to use visual signals to highlight an error. This will only lead to more confusion and mistrust of the data/signal, thereby undermining its intended purpose.
3. Strategy. A practical and useful Visual Management system requires a set of clear, measurable objectives. The best organizations align the company’s goals so that each individual is able to contribute to the strategic objectives of the organization as a whole. This makes it easier to track progress and celebrate wins.
The most critical aspect of any Visual Management system is how the data is used. A successful program uses data to track performance which launch actions to address issues to right the ship and achieve the intended target. Doing this well gives people reason to celebrate wins and encourages them to act on behalf of customers within their own corner of the world.
Fidel
