ABSTRACT
A clean, uncluttered area is the foundation for all visual management practices. Signs and displays that identify the area, specific pieces of equipment, flow paths, well-identified locations for temporary carts or bins, and placards describing standard procedures are essential in defining the area and the work. Aids to enable people to understand the geography of the process are an important component of a visual workplace, as are posted procedures. Andons are the tool commonly found in a visual plant. In a lean parts manufacturing operation, an important andon principle is that any operator is allowed to stop the line whenever a problem or defect is detected; in fact, operators are encouraged to do so. In order for any of the tools and practices described to be completely effective, they must be integrated into the overall plant managing process. Line stoppage is a valuable component of visual management in assembly processes, and can be used within process plants, but with limitations.
