Visual workplace

Visual management makes processes, performance, and deviations visible on the shop floor.

Symbol helps organisations develop visual management systems that support daily steering, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Discuss developing a visual workplace

What is a visual workplace?

A visual workplace, also known as a visual workplace, makes information about processes, performance, and standards visible on the shop floor. By using boards, dashboards, colour coding, signals, and clear work instructions, information becomes immediately understandable for employees.

The goal of visual management is to create transparency in processes and performance. Employees can see more quickly what the status of the work is, where deviations occur, and what actions are required. This makes daily steering easier and makes continuous improvement a visible and shared process.

What are the components of a visual workplace?

A visual workplace only works when information is clear, up-to-date, and useful for the people working with it. The right visual signals help teams understand performance, recognise deviations, and follow up on improvement actions.

Lines and identification

Clear lines, colour coding, labels, and markings make routes visible and indicate where materials and tools belong. This approach supports safety, order, and efficiency. Employees have to search less, and deviations from the standard become immediately visible.

Performance and improvement boards

Performance boards show up-to-date information on safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity (SQDCP). Teams see immediately what is expected of the department and what the progress is. The improvement board displays problems and the progress of ongoing improvement projects. This provides insight and stimulates ownership and collaboration.

Visible work instructions

Work instructions are provided in an understandable way at the work location, for example with photos, symbols, step-by-step plans, and quality criteria. Visual instructions prevent differences in interpretation, support the onboarding of employees, and promote safe, efficient, and error-free work according to the agreed standard.

Implementing visual management

Symbol helps organisations to practically set up visual management together with a team from the shop floor. We start with the actual work process and determine with employees what information is needed to work safely, efficiently, and according to the agreed standard every day.

The visual workplace is built around three elements. With lines, colour coding, and identifications, we make workplaces, materials, and walking routes recognisable. Relevant KPIs, deviations, and improvement actions are made visible on performance boards and discussed during short team meetings. Additionally, we place clear work instructions at the work location so that the desired working method is immediately available.

Symbol guides the team in designing, testing, and improving these visual tools. We also set up consultation structures, responsibilities, and follow-up. In this way, visual management does not become a separate reporting instrument, but a daily way of steering, collaborating, and improving. This allows the organisation to work purposefully towards the assurance of a visual workplace within CIMM Level 2.

View other elements in Level 2

Does your organisation want to professionalise visual management?

Symbol helps organisations to set up visual management practically, so that teams gain faster insight into performance, deviations, and improvement opportunities on the shop floor.

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