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?

  A raw material is any purchased or supplied item that is in some way transformed via a manufacturing process.  The raw material is generally converted into a component or a finished product.  

What examples of raw materials can you think of?  (Share your answers below)

  Hansei is a fundamental attribute of any type of improvement.  The term Hansei refers to the reflection and recognition of one's own actions.  Hansei is often used to recognize one's own mistakes and commit to taking the appropriate actions in order to resolve and avoid re-occurrence of one's mistakes.  The Hansei can be performed in a team environment or in a personal reflective manner, either way it is important that teams and individuals stretch their mind enough to find something they can improve upon.

Challenge:
   Reflect for 5-10 minutes today.  During your reflection decide on one important area of your life you would like to change.  Share your reflection in the comments below.

  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.