Glossary A–ZLetter A
Andon board
An andon board is a display in production that makes the status of machines or workstations visible at a glance, usually through colours such as green, yellow and red.
The term comes from Japanese manufacturing organisation; “andon” means lantern. Originally these were lamps, today they are often screens.
On a factory floor, the board shows, for example, which line is running, where a part is missing and at which station someone has asked for help. The signal comes from the machine itself or from a button that staff press. Shift supervisors and maintenance can see straight away where they are needed without walking the whole floor.
An andon board must be readable from a long distance and must not be interrupted by other content; an advertising or information loop does not fit with it. Operators should clarify who responds to which signal, otherwise the colour has no consequence. An andon board does not replace any required safety signage or warning device.