The answer for how to implement visual management rests within a number of actions. Firstly, however, let’s start by considering why it’s worth implementing visual management…
Why implementing visual management matters
In short, make most relevant information visual and accessible. Consequently, reap the many rewards…
By implementing visual management, you are, above all, sharing information and knowledge in a visual and self-explanatory way. This is invaluable in the dynamic working environment. Not least, because you save time. That is to say, time otherwise spent collectively seeking out information.
In addition, you are making your processes visual. So, for example, targets and status updates are visible, at a glance. As a result, work flow improves because everyone sees how the process is operating right now and what actions to take next. This increases efficiency and performance.
Most importantly, therefore, implement visual management to make your workplace self-improving. So, use it to feed your Continuous Improvement cycle.
How to implement visual management – making a start
In terms of implementing visual management, here are some tips… Firstly, commit to the process. Secondly, start small if you need. So, for instance, focus on one area at a time. Similarly, for example, initially work on implementing one visual management board.
Above all, the groundwork you put in at this starting stage will continue to serve you well.
So, in short, starting small is better than not making a start.
Most importantly, know that help is at hand. Therefore, feel welcome to contact us anytime for support with implementing visual management in your workplace. Finally, if you need further inspiration, consider this way of understanding visual management.
Implementing visual management successfully
The scope of visual management is extensive. In short, put it to full use. Above all, therefore, remember you are creating a visual workplace full of visual signals and cues for action.
As a result, your colleagues can take on relevant and important information, merely at a glance. Furthermore, the context of your process is always visible and clear. Likewise, best practice procedures are visible and self-explanatory. For example, with Standing Operating Procedure or SOP Boards.
Meanwhile, targets and performance are visible in real time. For example, using visual status indicators. In addition, quality controls come with instantly accessible and visual standards. Similarly, production controls and key performance indicators have instant points of visual reference.
Moreover, achieve a self-regulating workspace with visual prompts to initiate important daily processes. For example, those relating to Safety Quality Delivery and Cost (SQDC, or similar).
Finally, sustain self-ordering habits. For instance, housekeeping, using the 5S strategy.
How to implement visual management across your site
Successfully implementing visual management works best with a consistent approach. This is particularly the case for multi-site settings. Therefore, we support clients to achieve consistent and quality visual management throughout. We have extensive experience of doing this.
Furthermore, sometimes this approach spans sites in more than once country. Likewise, with visuals required in one or more languages.
In short, rigorous processes and attention to detail is key.
See further ideas below…
Use visual status indicators to make targets and performance visible in real time
Make your quality standards visible. Furthermore, show visually exactly what defects to avoid
Make management of key daily processes visual, and easy to assess. Furthermore, prompt action when required
Make problem solving a visual process. Likewise, make countermeasures accessible
Sustain best practices daily and visually
Make your procedures clear, visual and accessible, at a glance
Ideas for functional accessories when implementing Visual Management
Magnetic status dials
Attaches to any magnetic surface. Widely used on our visual management boards. Gives instant Red Amber Green (RAG) status. Makes a target’s status immediately visible. Add custom text or labels to your status dial. Likewise, choose custom colours. Most importantly, highly visual and effective. Works for any board that tracks targets. For example, KPI boards and SQDC boards.
Magnetic status sliders
Attaches to any board or magnetic sign. Gives instant Red or Green status. Makes a target’s status immediately visible. Fits in a smaller space than status dials. Works brilliantly for showing many targets on one board. Choose custom colours. Most importantly, highly visual and effective. Works for any board that tracks targets. For example, KPI boards and SQDC boards. See further examples.
Magnetic status
labels
Magnetically attaches to any board. Assign Red (sad) or Green (happy) status. Labels work because they deliver clarity. Choose double-sided status labels with red status on one side, green on the other. Add custom text. For instance, label reads “done” and “to do”. Choose custom colours. Highly visual and effective. Works for any board that tracks targets. See further examples.
Magnetic number sets
Magnetically attaches to any board. Choose magnetic labels to add numerical data to your board. Likewise, maintain a sequential order using number sets. Similarly, update numbers relating to targets, showing instant updates. Above all, these magnetic labels make your board numerically active. See a further example in action.
Magnetic headings
Magnetically attaches to any board. Brilliant to change headings. For example, change the year on an annual holiday planner board. Above all, changeable headings give flexibility. In other words, choose and change any headings you want. Swap, add or remove them as you need. See further examples.
Magnetic colour coding
Attaches to any magnetic board or surface. Perfect for colour coding. For example, to segregate equipment and order your workplace. Above all, changeable colour coding labels give flexibility. Choose and change any label you want. Swap, add or remove them as you need. Choose double sided options. See further examples.
Magnetic
labels
Magnetically attaches to any board or sign. Therefore, ideal for adding updates. For example, add notes to your board. Choose pre-printed or dry wipe options. Available in custom sizes, shapes and colours. Above all, changeable labels give flexibility. In other words, choose and change any labels you want. Swap, add or remove them as you need. See further examples.
Magnetic document holders – single sheets
Magnetic document holders display frames for single sheets. We offer various sizes. Firstly, for instance, standard A3, A4, A5 and A6. Secondly, custom size. These are splash resistant with transparent fronts. Most importantly, protect documents and keep your board neat. Above all, documents are quick and easy to change. See further examples.
Magnetic
overlay
Give your board multiple options with magnetic overlays. Change the face of your board when you need. Use different board faces on rotation. On the other hand, use an overlay to turn an existing magnetic whiteboard into a functioning visual management display. That is to say, keep your whiteboard and have a visual management display face for it too.
Our Approach
Most importantly, we create visual management boards everyday. As a result we have so much experience. Furthermore, we work for organisations throughout the UK, Europe and beyond. Likewise, we support businesses in food production, the power industry, national rail, pharmaceuticals, education, healthcare, logistics and distribution.
Above all, our team works with a simple idea or sketch you have. Subsequently, we create a professional design layout for you. After that, we use it to custom make you a highly functional visual management board.
We offer custom options so we make the perfect board for you. So, here are a few examples. Firstly, for example, we can add magnetic areas or a dry-wipe finish (for use with whiteboard pens). Furthermore, choose status indicators. Likewise, board accessories. Therefore, quickly update your board. Similarly, in a visual way. In short, make your processes visible and accessible, at a glance. These are just a few examples of the ways in which we meet your needs. You may also be interested in whiteboard overlays that work like a new face for a magnetic whiteboard.
