How do we get information to people quickly and efficiently especially in emergency situations? This is a question that has been answered brilliantly throughout the years. When seconds count we need to allow people to react immediately without even giving it a thought. Think of the airports you have been in, the public transportation you have used, and the entertainment venues you have visited. All of these places have to place a high priority on getting information to all who use them regardless of culture, background, and language differences. Hesitating even for a moment when emergencies arise can have dire consequences. So, what’s the answer?
Visual controls! When we represent instructions and words with visuals, we can bridge not only the language barrier, but allow everyone to make choices quickly without delay. Visuals that convey a safety message to all are an essential requirement of our business. What about other information that might not be life threatening, but still important to our organization? Why not use visuals to translate every part of our operation to all? This includes seasoned employees that have been with the company for some time as well as the new hire that is experiencing their first week with the team. How about the customer that tours your facility? Can they see the product or information flow and understand at a glance what and how you perform your operations?
Imagine how many questions you can remove with a few well thought out visual systems. The potential clients you can impress with a clear understanding of your operation. It is often said “You only get one chance to make a first impression.” Why not make our first impression one of clarity to our team, and competence to a potential client? Whether we need to evacuate quickly, or take steps to correct a business abnormality, these decisions need to be made without hesitation. Let’s give our team every tool available to make their decision process as easy and efficient as possible. Explore the benefits of visual controls with your everyday operations. There’s no need to reinvent the wheel here. Visuals have proven themselves time and again for years. Let’s take advantage of this well-established tool!
