The more complex any process becomes, the more critical information exchange is to the process. Visual factory is a set of tools that allow for accurate and efficient information conveyance. Visual Factory is implemented in two stages – determining what information needs to be communicated and how this is accomplished.

Determining what information needs to be conveyed is the starting point of visual factory. The current state must be compared to the future state goals in order to determine what information is to be delivered. The information required to get from one state to another is what must be conveyed. How the information is conveyed depends on the desired end result. The location and method of information delivery also depends on the relevancy of the information. Typically this data includes:

• Process metrics

• Work instructions

• General plant information

Process metrics are typically displayed at the machine or cell. This information is most effective when it is delivered in real time. Immediate feedback facilitates immediate improvement. When light is used to indicate information it is referred to as an andon. Andons are often the centerpiece of the visual factory because of the tremendous real-time process information that they convey.

The more information can be conveyed visually the more it will improve communication.

Work instructions are typically posted in the production areas. Highly visual instructions with photographs and graphics will generally minimize production errors.

General plant information is typically posted in a central location where everyone has access to it. Lean manufacturing relies on bi-directional information exchange throughout the organization. In a visual factory environment information is delivered to inform, alert and motivate.