Andon, adopted from the Japanese, is used in the manufacturing industry to refer to a communication system that makes use of visual and/or audio cues to notify all people of interruptions, abnormalities or general problems requiring attention in the manufacture processes.
Within the Lean and Six Sigma context, it has an evolved connotation. Here, it is manifested as a Help chain, efficiently ensuring the stability of your organizational processes by channeling assistance and support to problem areas effectively and in good time. This gives supervisory roles increased freedom to concentrate their energies on problem-solving rather than monitoring activities. Doubtless, it’s a valuable system to have in place, whatever the field of operation.
These are the essential steps and focus points towards building up an effective Andon system of your own:
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Consensus
All involved must have a basic understanding and agreement on what exactly would constitute a problem or aberration requiring attention. For example, should a colleague believe a report is in good time if completed two days before it’s due while you think it should be ready one week beforehand, the resultant conflict effectively renders Andon pointless.
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Well-defined parameters
Help chain triggering parameters refer to established milestones and reference points embedded into the very tasks or project processes allowing for the ready identification of obstacles and hold-ups. These mechanisms may be as simple as setting a time limit to how long inter-office e-mails are allowed to go unanswered.
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Universally understood signaling
Good Andon systems allow for the communication of a problem’s severity, thus determining efficiently the response levels called for. In office environments, e-mail notifications and daily group meetings are effective ways of keeping track of all the various functions in action.
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First responders
Rather than have every issue automatically sent up the chain of command, your system should allow for a worker’s discretion such as in instances whereby a colleague has handled an issue similar in nature to the one in question. This fosters cohesiveness among peers while allowing the higher-ups to focus on new problems.
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Clarity in response
The nature of the response that your Andon triggers should be consistent and predictable in order to eliminate any possible anxieties workers may experience regarding their workplace comfort and job security. Remember, the objective is to smooth out your operations, not to seek out candidates for punishment. Making this clear to all staff will make it possible to implement Andon with maximum benefit.
