What is Digital Visual Management? Explanations and definitions : SESA SYSTEMS Digital

Digital visual management

a Lean Management practice

When incorporating Lean Management, it is necessary to implement a digital visual management approach. In an increasingly digital world where companies need data in real-time, traditional visual management is becoming obsolete. Managers need real-time data to implement actions. Whiteboards are not as effective as a digital screen to distribute information quickly. That is why, through these new display options, we refer to digital visual management.

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Visual management is a set of communication techniques based on sight. This method facilitates the transmission of information to enable anyone in a work area to determine whether the situation is normal or abnormal. Thanks to this, it is possible to identify anomalies and check whether operators are addressing these issues. Thus, visual management aims to quickly visualize the relevant indicators of a department or workshop to effectively manage various activities.

This method is used in the Toyota Production System and can be found across a variety of Lean tools. For example, Kanban, Six Sigma, and PDCA rely on visual management. This approach promotes close management, as it enhances involvement by leveraging sight, knowledge, and action.

Once implemented, the goal of visual management is to make decisions more quickly, facilitate internal communication, and accelerate the flow of information. For example, in industry, visual management can be used to communicate safety instructions. This method aligns with the Lean mindset, as the objective is to continuously improve performance using indicators.

A KPI, or Key Performance Indicator in English, is a key performance indicator. The goal is simple: to continuously measure important company data. As a result, this measurement provides statistics on the company's progress or the objectives to be achieved. Conversely, if the figure declines, performance indicators help guide the necessary actions to be taken.

These KPIs should be easily accessible and visible to everyone. Therefore, they are widely used in visual management to guide managers in their action plans. They are displayed on display boards to facilitate monitoring.

Visual management can be implemented in all business sectors. For example, these management methods can be found in industry, the agri-food sector with stainless steel tools, internal services, training centers, and even distribution. Regardless of the company or its activity, this type of management is extremely powerful. Here are the most well-known visual management tools.

Kanban

Kanban, a visual way to manage inventory

Mind mapping

Mind Mapping, organizing ideas visually

Obeya

Obeya, managing projects the Lean way

The evolution of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) has transformed the world. Companies have adopted these new tools to become more competitive and innovative. Thus, digitalization is seen as a technology offering a solution to every problem.

Digitalization refers to the digital transformation of a company, meaning the integration of technological tools connected within the organization. These tools can be found everywhere, including processes, production chains, offices, and administrative management. This phenomenon is called Industry 4.0.

Today, everything can be digitized, including Visual Management. But what exactly is Digital Visual Management? This Lean 4.0 method is the same as traditional visual management, except for the tools used. Instead of whiteboards and display boards, Digital Visual Management communicates through interactive screens, large digital screens, or software solutions.

The Concept of Industry 4.0

To successfully implement your digital transformation and understand what the factory of the future is, we have prepared an explanatory catalog. Simple, clear, and concise, it contains all the necessary information to implement digital solutions.

SESA SYSTEMS is an expert in Industry 4.0 and Digital Visual Management.
Free catalog available in PDF format.
Detailed information on digital tools.

Download the industry 4.0 catalog

The only difference between traditional visual management and digital visual management is the communication tools used. But what does it really bring? The increasing presence of connected tools in companies is mainly due to their precision in data handling. Indeed, all these new digital tools provide accurate and instant data.

The advantages of using connected screens are numerous. First, data entry time is reduced since it is either pre-filled or automated, which helps minimize entry errors. As a result,teams become more productive. Communication is more fluid and up-to-date. Additionally, problem-solving systems and maintenance processes are accelerated because information is transmitted more quickly. Finally, teams feel more involved in operations and are more autonomous when dealing with machine errors.

In summary, digital visual management provides real-time access to data, making it easier to implement action plans and corrective measures to achieve key objectives and performance indicators.

The main idea of Digital Visual Management is to enhance the autonomy of employees and all workstations. Various processes must become more efficient. To achieve this, performance indicators help stakeholders anticipate and act quickly.

Introducing connected devices into a company impacts work teams. Indeed, employees are not always ready for change. To successfully carry out this digital transition, we recommend initially integrating digital visual management into a restricted and targeted area. This test phase allows you to gather employee feedback, helping to identify effective actions and eliminate unproductive ones.

This sampling process is called the POC phase (Proof of Concept). We support you through this stage before expanding digital visual management across the entire company. The POC phase and employee feedback will help determine objectives, define key indicators to track, and configure digital collaborative tools. As a result, your company will provide employees with optimal working conditions.

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