Visual management in production management: a literature synthesis

Abstract

Purpose-The purpose of this paper is to holistically discuss, explore and synthesise the key literature on Visual Management, an important, yet highly fragmented subject that is frequently referred in lean production accounts. Research Methodology -An extensive literature review was conducted to classify the current literature, to explore the different aspects and limitations of the current discussions on the subject, to clarify in what ways Visual Management benefits manifest themselves in a workplace and to identify the future research focus. Findings-Visual Management is an important close-range communication strategy based on cognitively effective information conveyance. This strategy has been frequently discussed in the production management literature. However, (a) the literature is fragmented as to the roles of Visual Management in a production setting, (b) the body of literature lacks integrated focus and cohesion with an abundance of related terminology from scholarly works and consultant books, (c) a practical VM tools taxonomy and a visual workplace implementation framework were presented (d) there is poor clarity with regards to the functions (benefits) that Visual Management may provide within organisations; nine conceptual Visual Management functions were proposed (e) a wide array of future research directions related to Visual Management was identified. Originality/Value-This paper synthesises the key literature related to Visual Management, providing a conceptual picture of the current knowledge.

Product Modularity, Tolerance Management, and Visual Management: Potential Synergies

“…Visual Management (VM) is a close range communication management strategy that relies on the effectiveness of sensory stimuli; visual (Figure 1), auditory, tactile, olfactory, and gustatory) to facilitate smooth and efficient production (Tezel et al 2015(Tezel et al , 2016. VM systems are often divided into four: (i) visual indicators that only convey information, (ii) visual signals that grab attention, (iii) visual controls that limit human action by imposing some constraints and (iv) visual guarantees (poka-yokes) that guarantee the correct outcome by either warning of or preventing human error (Galsworth 2005).…”

Lean

“…Visual management involves the actions of designing and running facilities to maximize the use of visual observation in the production process (Tezel et al, 2016). On a macro-level, it might mean eliminating walls so managers have a broad view of the work environment.…”

Understanding the Effectiveness of Visual Management Best Practices in Construction Sites

“…Although several taxonomies have been proposed for VM practices in the literature (Tezel et al 2016),not much has been discussed on the reasons behind the effectiveness of VM systems. Moreover, the application of VM practices in construction sites at the operational level is still relatively limited.…”

“…Moreover, the application of VM practices in construction sites at the operational level is still relatively limited. In fact, most visual devices found in construction sites are meant to support managerial decisions, usually in the site office, while in working areas mostly health and safety warning boards are found (Tezel et al 2016),a very basic type of visual tool that is focused on 'information giving' (Galsworth 1997).Moreover, visual devices should not be regarded as an end in itself, but are rather means to improve the performance of production systems (Nicolini 2007).…”

“…Visual Management (VM) can be defined as a sensory strategy for information management, which is used to increase process transparency (Tezel et al 2016).If process transparency is successfully implemented, most problems, abnormalities, and waste are easily recognized (Igarashi 1991). VM involvesa set of visual devices that are intentionally designed to enable the sharing of information between people, including messages communicated through any of the five senses (Galsworth 1997).…”