A tool of visual management, originating from the Japanese word for “lamp”. Lights placed on a machine or on a flow line to indicate operation status. Commonly color-coded green, yellow (a planned stop), and red. Andons are often combined with an audible signal such as a musical tone or an alarm. Andon signals can be generated automatically by sensors or by an operator.
We have used Andon signals mounted at work stations can be used to indicate the need for other employees to help with a changeover or to indicate the need for an engineer to review an equipment condition.