Lean manufacturing is incredibly important as it is in place in many manufacturing and construction companies to reduce waste, improve efficiency and increase productivity. Shadow boards are an effective lean manufacturing product; they help companies keep track of employees’ tools and instruments.
They are also used in several other sectors, such as the education sector; – in design technology or food technology classes. This way, teachers can make sure everything is put back safely and securely. Prisons also use them, so the knives, etc., cannot be taken without anybody knowing.
Being organised is vital when looking to reduce time-wasting, and with shadow boards in place, this is guaranteed. The brain responds better to visual images rather than words. Since we were children we’ve been playing with jigsaws etc., making tool boards a universal tool.
Setting up a shadow board is something you may not know how to arrange. Making sure the tools fit correctly is detrimental to the design. If the tools don’t conform to the board, it will cause confusion, and tools may go missing or be put back in the wrong place.
1. The first place to start is with the tools individually. Take the tools you want to feature on your board and lay them out on a flat surface, so you know (as the customer) how the shadow board will look.
2. At this stage, you will also need to take the sizes of the tools and pictures of them on their own.
3. The designers can then trace the outline of the tools, making the ‘shadows’ as accurate as possible.
The design will be done using your brand guidelines, so make sure to send your brand guidelines, any special fonts if that’s your company’s case and Pantone colours to our team. This will ensure that the design is 100% accurate to your business needs. You must also let us know if you’d like to incorporate lockable or flat document holders into your board. These can be handy in holding your health and safety information or documents where staff members can sign tools in and out.
4. When the design is complete, it will be sent to production, where it will be printed on our in-house HP printer, and laminate will be placed over the top to keep the product long-lasting and durable. Next step will be the application to an aluminium panel. At this stage, handles, clips, hooks and holders will also be fitted to the board, depending on your brief.
5. When the design is complete, it will be sent to production, where it will be printed on our in-house HP printer, and laminate will be placed over the top to keep the product long-lasting and durable. Next step will be the application to an aluminium panel. At this stage, handles, clips, hooks and holders will also be fitted to the board, depending on your brief.
For more information on materials, sizes or any other questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team are on hand to advise what is best for you and share their knowledge at all stages.
Like what you see here?
Get in touch with us to see how we can help your business or brand.
Call us on 01283 569 102
