Obeya
大部屋·ōbeya·"big room, large room"
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Obeya is a 'big room' where cross-functional teams co-locate to manage projects with visual displays of status and plans.
Definition
Obeya (meaning "big room") is a dedicated space where cross-functional teams co-locate to manage complex projects, product development, or production control. The room's walls display visual management information: schedules, key metrics, problem-solving progress, and decision items. Regular meetings in the obeya enable rapid information sharing, quick decisions, and immediate problem-solving. By bringing diverse functions together in one visible space, obeya breaks down silos and accelerates collaboration. Toyota famously uses obeya for vehicle development programs.
Examples
A new product launch uses an obeya where engineering, manufacturing, quality, and supply chain co-locate. Walls show launch schedule, open issues, test results, and action items. Daily stand-ups in the obeya surface problems immediately and enable same-day resolution.
Key Points
- Physical co-location accelerates communication and decision-making
- Visual displays make status transparent and enable rapid problem identification
- Cross-functional presence breaks down silos and enables integrated problem-solving
- Regular rhythms (daily, weekly) in the obeya maintain momentum
Common Misconceptions
Obeya is just a meeting room. Obeya is about co-location and visual management, not just meetings. The dedicated space with persistent displays creates a different dynamic than using any conference room.
Obeya can be fully virtual. While virtual tools can replicate some functions, the physical presence and ambient awareness of a true obeya has unique value. Hybrid approaches try to capture some benefits.