Visual Management - marking of production spaces
Why is it important to ensure proper labeling of the production space?
Implementing visualization systems enables faster and more effective responses to any deviations from accepted standards. Appropriate labeling enables effective material flow management, improving work efficiency. Labeling also increases production control, resulting in improved quality.
Implementing visual management enables employees to absorb knowledge more quickly, which positively impacts their productivity and engagement. Visual systems are also environmentally friendly, reducing the use of paper and other materials.
What types of signage are there in the production space?
- Safety signs – provide information about potential hazards and risks, such as warnings against entering hazardous areas or instructions to wear personal protective equipment.
- Information signs – enable the identification of workstations, machines and devices, and provide information about their functions and specifications.
- Quality markings – allow for the marking of the quality of materials, products and processes, e.g. labels with information about the expiration date.
- Logistics markings – allow for the identification of warehouses, sectors and shelves, which facilitates inventory management and quick location of needed products.
- Organizational signage – provides information about standards and procedures at the plant, such as waste segregation rules or instructions on what to do in the event of an accident.
- Orientation markings – are used to mark directions and routes, e.g. road signs on factory premises or emergency exit markings.
- Identification markings – allow for the marking of individual elements of plant equipment, e.g. plates with machine names or device serial numbers.
- Color markings – enable visual identification of individual sectors, separation of risk zones or marking of elements based on their function.
What should characterize appropriate vertical and horizontal signage in the production space?
- Compliance with safety norms and standards, both national and international.
- High visibility and ease of sight to minimize the risk of accidents and facilitate navigation around the facility.
- Transparency and understandability so that employees and bystanders can easily read the markings.
- Resistance to weather conditions and the harmful effects of chemical and mechanical factors.
- Maintaining aesthetics and order in the production plant.
- Individualization, if needed in the context of company visualization and identification.
- Appropriate size and proportions, consistent with regulations and the needs of the company.
- Allowing for easy updates and changes to reflect the current situation in the plant.
- Adaptation to the conditions in a given room, e.g. bright (or illuminated) markings in dark places.
- Compliance with lean manufacturing principles to help improve production processes and efficiency.
How does proper labeling improve safety in production halls?
Another important aspect is reducing the risk of accidents and injuries, as signage allows for the designation of traffic zones, the designation of routes for internal transport vehicles and pedestrians, and the identification of safe storage areas for materials and products. Signage also increases visibility and information, making employees more aware of the environment in which they work.
Properly marked production spaces also enable quick orientation within the halls and increased work efficiency, as employees don't waste time searching for necessary tools or materials. It's important that signage be made of durable, damage-resistant materials to maintain its legibility and visibility over time.
When designing and implementing appropriate vertical and horizontal signage, it's also important to consider the specifics of a given production facility, its size, and the flow of materials and employees. Signage should be clear, understandable, and aesthetically pleasing to ensure comfortable and safe working conditions.
