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The Visual Factory

Traditional methods such as memos, reports, and telephones are not always useful. Can we have useful communication at a close range instead of at long distances? visual signals are more effective. Visual images send a consistent message.

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Otavio Valente Filho
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© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
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257 views

The Visual Factory

Traditional methods such as memos, reports, and telephones are not always useful. Can we have useful communication at a close range instead of at long distances? visual signals are more effective. Visual images send a consistent message.

Uploaded by

Otavio Valente Filho
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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COPYRIGHT 2005HYTROL CONVEYOR COMPANY, INC.

NOVEMBER, 2005 NUMBER 457

www.hytrol.com

The Visual Factory


Visual communication can benefit all factories and all employees
By Mark Sutterfield
Manager of Lean Enterprise for Hytrol

he need for communication in a factory is very strong. Traditional methods such as memos, reports, and telephones are not always useful. Too much information is squeezed into a small space or the information is misinterpreted. Can we have useful communication at a close range instead of at long distances? The type of information displayed is important. We can have simple ideas (What do you do here? What is our goal?), success stories (How efficient is the cell? How much have we reduced work in process?) safety and quality issues (What are safety requirements in this area? What is the scrap rate?) and future plans (What is the next continuous improvement project?) This information should be found where opportunities exist. Problem solving at many plants is hard to do because the needs of production are not always known on the shop floor. Visual signals are more effective. Visual images send a consistent message. The emphasis is on openness, improved contact between employee and management, and better working environment. Visual communication

is a culture where the foundation is sharing. Companies with good visual communication usually empower the workforce in other ways as well. A visual workplace enables people to see. The target audience includes the area workers, their supervisors, management, and fellow workers. Visual communication has many forms, including signs, labels, photographs, displays, charts and color schemes. Everyone working in or passing through the area sees a visual message. If no one is using a visual communication, it should be removed. Hytrol uses many visual images in its Lean Enterprise program. Work cell identification, functions, goals, Kanban tags, bin & shelf labeling, cell performance, etc. is readily available in sign and board form throughout Hytrols plant.

News Releases
November
Zipper
Hytrols Zipper is a wide belt conveyor fitted with fixed belt plows for the purpose of merging cartons from multiple parallel lines. The conveyor utilizes a unique belt type, designed for tracking on a low length-to-width ratio. The plow structure is floor supported and spans the conveyor width. This structure is used to support the belt plows over the conveyor belt and near the belt for low profile cartons. The plow support is designed to allow adjustment of exact plow location. The conveyor and plows are direct driven with shaft mounted gearmotors and variable speed drives.

December

Plug N Go

Hytrols Plug-N-Go control wiring is designed for use with standard control solutions offered by Hytrol, such as ProLogix Sortation Control for the ProSort 100, ProSort 400, ViperSort, SC, and ZipLogix Merge Control. Plug-N-Go control wiring provides the advantages of network controls with the reliability of hard-wired solutions. All inputs and outputs on the sorter simply plug into the strategically located distribution blocks along the sorter. These distribution blocks in turn are plugged into the sorter control panel via home run cables. The Plug-N-Go wiring solution provides quick installation, reduces field wiring costs, and provides a quicker, more trouble-free startup than conventional wiring methods.

HYTROL HY-LITES NOVEMBER, 2005 NUMBER 457

www.hytrol.com

Hytrol Happenings
Hytrol helps speed relief to Katrina victims
Hytrol conveyors and the Hytrol Family have been an important part of the recent relief efforts to aid those who were affected by hurricane Katrina. Several Hytrol models were put into service by members of the Jonesboro, Arkansas, Rotary Club to help speed the supplies to hurricane victims (see photos). Also, Hytrol distributor St. Cyr, Inc. of Lucedale, Mississippi, has graciously offered their warehouse as a gathering point for supplies from the Hytrol Family network. Several distributors have sent items to them already. Ian Brown, president of St. Cyr, will collect the items and allow various churches to distribute. He said that if he collects an abundance of supplies, he will load them in a truck and deliver to needy ones in places farther away.

NASCAR driver visits Hytrol


Denny Hamlin, driver of the #20 Rockwell Automation Busch Series NASCAR, visited Hytrol on Wednesday, October 19th. Denny visited with employees, signing autographs and discussing NASCAR information for several hours. On Saturday the 22nd, fifty Hytrol employees went to Memphis and watched the race as part of an employee drawing. Denny pleased those attending by finishing 7th overall.

Denny Hamlin, center left, driver of the Hytrol sponsored #20 NASCAR car, poses with Ryan Goodner, Rockwell Automation NASCAR Promotions & Events, far left; Bill Hawthorne, Hytrol Vice-President of Marketing, center right; and Graham Starling, Hytrol Supervisor of Graphics & Advertising, far right.

HYTROL HY-LITES NOVEMBER, 2005 NUMBER 457

www.hytrol.com

HYTROL CONVEYOR COMPANY, INC.


2020 HYTROL Drive Jonesboro, Arkansas 72401-6712
Tel. (870) 974-5642 Fax: (870) 931-1877 email: [email protected] RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Jonesboro, AR Permit No. 18

INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS

www.hytrol.com

Spotlight Ad

December
For more information, go to www.hytrol.com
HYTROL HY-LITES NOVEMBER, 2005 NUMBER 457 www.hytrol.com

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