Visual control refers to methods, devices, activities and or systems which are designed to assist in the management or control of our activities, processes, parts and or machines through visual and or other sensory means.  Visual controls help to:

1. Make abnormal conditions obvious, such as a deviation from a standard.
2. Display the performance or progress of a process, activity or work effort.
3. Provide standard operating procedures or instructions.

Visual Challenge -  Watch the video below and share how many black pens you see.  Then answer the question; Why was it so easy to see the black pens after the 5S?

  Order Cost is best defined by the APICS Dictionary, 15’th edition as; a direct labor cost incurred when a purchaser places an order.  Ordering costs are different from the “Order Cost.”  The ordering costs are all the costs associated with the purchase order and any labor involved in inspecting the goods when received, any labor associated with stocking the received items, invoicing suppliers and issuing payments.  APICS defines ordering costs in the 15’th edition dictionary as; the costs that increase as the number of orders placed increases.  Used in calculating order quantities.  Includes costs related to clerical work of preparing, releasing, monitoring and receiving orders; the physical handling of goods; inspections; and setup costs, as applicable.