Sunday, March 20, 2011

The Visuals in Our Midst


Traffic lights, neon signs, scoreboards, graphics...

They have become a part of our daily lives that we often take them for granted. But these visuals play important roles in our lives. In fact, they are indispensable. Without traffic lights and road signs, driving would be more hazardous to motorists than it is now. Going inside restrooms would create embarrassment if there are no “ladies” or “gentlemen” posted on doors. Watching sports would be confusing and less exciting without scoreboard, uniforms and identifying numbers. Shopping would be less enjoyable without product names or brand logos to choose from, making it doubly difficult to make logical choices.

Visuals are just as important in a manufacturing set-up. They ensure efficient production of quality products. Visual control systems in a production plant help control production abnormalities – they tell us how things should be and how they actually are – thus increasing our sensitivity to problems.

For instance, a hot melt input temperature control box gives an instant picture of the condition of the melt – whether it is too high or too low. Its meters and gauges give the operator the information he needs to monitor the process and respond immediately.

Visuals also improve efficiency by decreasing the time needed to find the appropriate tools or supplies for a particular task. Unmarked pipes, for example, can confuse a newcomer. They can also be the source of mistakes for veteran workers especially if these contain substances such as acetylene, oxygen, waste water. Using a color-coding system not only eliminates confusion but also helps in preventing accidents, thus ensuring the safety of employees.

So, aren’t you glad that they are there –serving as roadmaps, making our lives less stressful and a bit safer and convenient?


Photo credit: Petr Kratochvil www.publicdomainpictures.net

No comments:

Post a Comment