14 · Visual Boards
1. GEMBA WALK STAGE
During the Gemba Walk
2. BRIEF DESCRIPTION
Visual Boards are a visual management practice which ensures team alignment and facilitates effective communication and the sharing of key information and knowledge using visual aids (symbols, images, signs, videos). It is simple, immediate, transparent, and enables quick problem-solving, decision-making and effective communication.
3. HOW TO USE VISUAL BOARDS FOR THE GEMBA WALK
The Visual Board or Gemba Board is a visual management tool used to monitor and communicate the status of the process and the impact of the improvement efforts. It helps visually display KPIs to be available for employees and the Gemba team to review, communicate current and past improvement activities and highlight current improvement opportunities. The Gemba team can use the Gemba Board to display Gemba-related KPIs, like the number of ideas generated at Gemba Walks, action plans and work in progress.
4. ROLES AND ACTIVITIES
Leader: Facilitates the creation and regular updates of visual boards, dedicates resources
Facilitator: Trains and coaches the Gemba team
Team member: Reviews the Gemba Board, proposes improvements
5. EXPECTED BENEFITS FOR THE GEMBA WALK
Simplifies complex data and information
Visually aligns the Gemba team
Enables transparency
Supports effective communication
Visually displays KPIs and other important information
6. ORGANIZATIONS THAT DEVELOP AND USE VISUAL BOARDS
Airbus Defence and Space, Barry Callebaut, Bocar Group, CEMEX, IMC, Interface, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, Swisscom and Thermo Fisher Scientific