Lean - The Visual Office

The Visual Office takes advantage of the fantastic information processing capacity of the eye by making visible as much information as possible. When information is visible, people in the office absorb it much more quickly and easily and also find it harder to ignore.

Visualising communicates information quickly, cheaply and effectively

Typically you will see in the Visual Office information about:-

• what we are trying to achieve, goals or targets
• performance measures covering Quality, Delivery & Cost
• how we are doing compared to our goals or targets
• problems or difficulties hindering achievement of the goals or targets

Creating a Visual Office is a significant step towards creating the Obvious Office.
When you visualise

• how the office is organised,
• how it goes about it’s work,
• how well it is doing,
• what the current problems are,

… everybody in the office is always aware of what is going on in the office.

And this changes the working culture. How?

• Presenting management information visually reduces the risk of confusion and doubt about what the office is for.
• Goals and measures are clear and unambiguous.
• There is no argument about how well the office is performing.
• Information is seen by all to be open and unbiased
• and this honesty encourages people to work towards the same purpose, helping to create a shared vision.