ANDON, a Japanese word, means “light signal” in its most general definition. And it is one of the most important visual communication tools of the lean management / production system.
At first, Andon started to be used in the form of lamps, illuminated columns, then lamp groups turned into lamp panels.
With the development of technology, led has become widespread as digital panels.
With the increase in the size of LCD monitors and televisions and the cheaper prices, it has been ensured that not only texts and numbers, but also graphical warnings are included in the andon system.
In order for the organization to fulfill its responsibilities to its customers (efficiency) and to provide the necessary profit (efficiency) for its existence, it is essential to invest in the communication system as well as investing in buildings, machinery, benches.
If we look at some of the problems frequently experienced in organizations with an ineffective communication system;
· After the production plan is made, there are problems in communicating what will be produced in which operation and how many pieces of which type will be produced to the relevant operations.
· Production performance (actual/target) cannot be seen in real time. When this information is reached, it is too late.
· The factors that hinder production (material requirement, quality problem, malfunction, etc.) cannot be communicated to the relevant units in a timely manner and the relevant units’ response to the disruption is delayed.
· Since records are not kept with appropriate tools, the required information (production rate of production, reasons that hinder production, reasons that stop production, repetition rates, lost times, etc.) cannot be reached or can be reached very hard / late.
· Employees cannot see their targets and realized performances in real time.
· Employees cannot see their targets and realized performances in real time.