Visual Management
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Visual management uses visual signals and displays to make process status, performance, and abnormalities immediately obvious.
Definition
Visual management is the practice of using visual displays, signals, and controls to communicate information about processes, performance, and problems in a way that anyone can understand at a glance. Instead of asking questions, searching for data, or requesting reports, visual management makes status immediately obvious. This includes production boards showing performance against target, kanban cards signaling replenishment needs, andon lights indicating problems, and 5S workplace organization making abnormalities visible. The goal is a self-explaining workplace where questions answer themselves.
Examples
A production floor uses visual management extensively: hourly tracking boards show output versus target, floor markings indicate correct locations for materials, andon lights show machine status, kanban cards signal replenishment needs. A visitor can understand the status within minutes of walking in.
Key Points
- Visual management reduces time spent asking questions and searching for information
- Good visual management communicates status at a glance—in seconds, not minutes
- Abnormalities should be as obvious as normal conditions
- Visual management requires maintenance—outdated visuals undermine credibility
Common Misconceptions
Visual management is just charts on walls. Visual management is about communicating actionable information. Charts that don't drive behavior are decoration, not management.
More visuals are always better. Excessive or outdated visuals create clutter that obscures important information. Visual management should be curated for relevance and maintained for accuracy.