Kamishibai Board : Visual tool to Mastering Workplace Efficiency

Kamishibai board is little known lean manufacturing tools which had huge potential to improve workplace management. Based on my decade experience in manufacturing business there ever-evolving landscape of business operations.

Also to enhance the operation excellence we need to practice the concept of visual management. To identify waste and improve efficiency promptly. And It was taken center stage of practice and actions as TPS jidoka concept.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the purpose of the Kamishibai board, its distinctions from Kanban, the Kamishibai audit system, and the technique that makes it an invaluable asset in lean management.

What is the Purpose of the Kamishibai Board?

Kamishibai board are tools that emphasis of one Toyota production system principle which is jidoka. Jidoka means machine need to stop carefully and safely if there is abnormality. Or in other way to say it simply the shopfloor understand first hand if something goes wrong.

Kamishibai board purpose is to capture abnormality first hand by operators, and visualized it in the way shopfloor middle management aware of the abnormality.

Other tools implementing autonomation concept were andon. However unlike andon which captured technical issue. Andon also need more promp response and feedback loop to do line stoppage. Kamishibai board capture more systemathic failure. Also the review of the system often captured during QRAC or QRQC meetings.

Kamishibai board stands out as a powerful instrument for fostering continuous improvement and enhancing operational excellence. Among the array of lean manufacturing tools and visual management tools kamishibai play pivotal role which is active and actionable visual control tools.

Understanding Visual Management by kamishibai board

At its core, the Kamishibai board is a visual management tool designed to facilitate transparency and accountability in the workplace. Originating from Japan, where Kamishibai refers to traditional paper storytelling, this board brings narratives of continuous improvement to life within organizational processes.

Purposeful Visual Communication

The primary purpose of the Kamishibai board is to communicate critical information visually. It serves as a centralized hub where teams can quickly grasp the current status of ongoing tasks, identify areas for improvement, and stay aligned with organizational objectives.

How to Drive Continuous Improvement by kamishibai board:

One of the key roles of the Kamishibai board is to drive continuous improvement. By visualizing key performance indicators (KPIs), targets, and improvement opportunities, teams are empowered to make data-driven decisions, fostering a culture of proactivity and innovation.

What is the Difference Between Kanban board and Kamishibai board?

Understanding the distinctions between Kanban and Kamishibai clarifies their unique contributions to visual management. While Kanban optimizes workflows, Kamishibai focuses on routine audits and continuous improvement, making them complementary elements in the lean toolkit.

 Understanding Kanban:

Before diving into Kamishibai, it’s essential to distinguish it from Kanban. Kanban is a visual management method originating from lean manufacturing. It involves the use of boards and cards to visualize work processes, enhance workflow, and manage inventory levels. While both Kanban and Kamishibai share the visual management principle, their applications and focuses differ.

Kanban: Workflow Optimization:

Kanban primarily focuses on optimizing workflow by visualizing the stages of a process, tracking work items, and minimizing bottlenecks. It is widely employed in manufacturing, software development, and various other industries to improve efficiency and reduce lead times.

Kamishibai board: Driving Continuous Improvement:

On the other hand, Kamishibai goes beyond workflow optimization; it is specifically tailored to drive continuous improvement. The Kamishibai board is a visual tool for audits, process adherence, and highlighting areas for improvement. It emphasizes routine checks and corrective actions to ensure sustained excellence in processes.

What is the Kamishibai Audit System?

The Kamishibai audit system, with its emphasis on routine audits and employee involvement, establishes a robust framework for maintaining consistency and uncovering improvement opportunities.

Auditing for Excellence:

At the heart of the Kamishibai technique is the audit system. The Kamishibai board serves as a canvas for audit cards, each representing a specific task or process. These cards are systematically audited at scheduled intervals, ensuring that processes align with standards and targets.

Routine Audits for Consistency:

The Kamishibai audit system introduces routine audits to maintain consistency and uncover opportunities for improvement. By conducting these audits, organizations can identify deviations, address root causes, and prevent issues from escalating, thereby fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Empowering Frontline Employees:

One distinctive feature of the Kamishibai audit system is its emphasis on involving frontline employees. Team members actively participate in the audits, providing them with a sense of ownership and accountability for the processes they execute. This engagement not only enhances the effectiveness of audits but also empowers employees to contribute to the improvement journey.

What is the Kamishibai Technique?

Incorporating the Kamishibai technique into organizational practices brings about a paradigm shift – from reactive problem-solving to proactive continuous improvement. As organizations embrace this visual management tool, they embark on a journey towards sustained excellence, where routine audits become not just a process but a way of life

The Kamishibai technique encompasses the systematic execution of audits and the utilization of visual boards to drive continuous improvement. It involves the following key elements:

1. Visual Boards:

– The Kamishibai board itself serves as a visual representation of the organization’s key processes, KPIs, and improvement targets.

2. Audit Cards:

– Each process or task is represented by an audit card on the board. These cards contain specific criteria for the audit, such as standard operating procedures, safety protocols, or quality measures.

3. Scheduled Audits:

– Audits are scheduled at regular intervals, ensuring that each process is systematically reviewed. This routine creates a proactive approach to identifying deviations and opportunities for enhancement.

4. Employee Involvement:

– Frontline employees actively participate in the audits, reinforcing a sense of responsibility and engagement in maintaining and improving processes.

5. Continuous Improvement Feedback Loop:

– Findings from audits feed into a continuous improvement feedback loop. Identified issues are addressed, corrective actions are implemented, and lessons learned contribute to refining processes further.

Conclusion note : Leveraging the Kamishibai Board for Excellence

In conclusion, the Kamishibai methodology, anchored by the Kamishibai board, holds the potential to revolutionize workplace efficiency and drive continuous improvement. Its holistic approach, integrating visual communication, routine audits, and employee engagement, positions it as a cornerstone in the pursuit of operational excellence.

As organizations navigate the complex landscape of modern business, the Kamishibai board serves not only as a visual aid but as a cultural catalyst, fostering a commitment to excellence at every level. Embrace the power of the Kamishibai board, and embark on a transformative journey towards a culture of continuous improvement and sustained operational excellence.

In the realm of lean management and continuous improvement, the Kamishibai board emerges as a powerful ally. Its purpose extends beyond visualizing processes; it acts as a catalyst for cultural transformation, driving accountability, transparency, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.