CLSSGB-001 practice question 12 of 30

Examples of a Visual Factory include which of these? (Note: There are 2 correct answers).

Full set: 200 questions
Answer options
A: White outlines on floor for proper inventory placement Correct answer
B: Documented procedures with a numerical outline
C: Bad/Good indications of gauge readings with red and green outlines Correct answer
D: Implementing a defect inspection device
Correct Answer:
A. White outlines on floor for proper inventory placement; C. Bad/Good indications of gauge readings with red and green outlines
Explanation

A Visual Factory is a core Lean principle that uses visual information systems to manage operations. The goal is to make the status of processes, inventory, and quality immediately understandable to everyone at a glance. Floor markings for inventory placement (A) are a classic example of 5S (Set in Order), visually defining the correct location for items. Color-coded gauges (C) are a form of Andon or visual control, allowing operators to instantly assess if a process is within acceptable limits (green) or requires attention (red) without needing to read specific values. Both methods communicate critical information quickly and intuitively, which is the essence of a Visual Factory.

Why Incorrect

B. Documented procedures with a numerical outline: This is a standard text-based documentation method, not a visual management tool designed for at-a-glance understanding of operational status.
D. Implementing a defect inspection device: This is a quality control tool. While its output could be displayed visually, the device itself is a technical solution for inspection, not a visual communication method for the workforce.

References

1. Tezel, A., Koskela, L., & Tzortzopoulos, P. (2009). The functions of visual management. In Proceedings of the 17th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction (IGLC 17) (pp. 363-373). This paper discusses the functions of visual management, including providing information and instruction, which aligns with floor markings and color-coded indicators (Section 3, "Functions of Visuals").

2. University of Washington, Industrial & Systems Engineering. (n.d.). Lean Tools. Courseware. In lectures on Lean principles, visual controls are highlighted as essential tools. Examples provided consistently include 5S workplace organization (which involves floor markings for placement) and visual displays like color-coded gauges to show process status.

3. Locher, D. (2011). Lean Office and Service Simplified: The Definitive How-To Guide. CRC Press. (Cited in academic contexts). Chapter 10, "Visual Management," describes how visual cues like color-coding and designated floor locations make the workplace self-explaining and self-regulating, directly supporting options A and C as primary examples.

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