Japanese word (大部屋), Obeya, meaning ‘Big Room’, is a lean tool.
In early days there was a concept of war room- A room at a military facility where maps showing the current status of troops in battle are maintained. In modern days organizations uses war rooms as spaces where key people get together to solve a difficult problem.
The concept of Obeya is little similar to a war room concept where employees of an organization brain storm and generate new ideas. Such a space encourages employees to work without distractions together. Obeya usually uses posters, charts, labels, and signs to help employees visualize and understand information quickly.
In the Obeya, employees use problem solving-driven-corroboration to make management decisions to benefit business. These visuals provide a logical and practical information and a proper conversation flow. An obeya room in manufacturing unit intends to shorten the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle.
The goal of the Obeya system is that of having the best communication, quick decisions and zero-changes of the plan at launch time. Additionally, it is equally used to reunite machines or job positions or support services in just one location.
Developing an Obeya
Obeya is generally placed in the center of manufacturing or factory premises where all key people meet frequently even multiple times a day, to discuss process or project progress, output, results and failures. On the other hand, a manager can create an Obeya or an important or critical projects. Developing clear, impactful custom visual communication such as labeling and display signs are key components for an effective Obeya. Employees can reorganize charts and plans over the course of their discussions. Obeya can have large visuals that can be read from across the room.
Benefits of Obeya system:
Organizations which have an Obeya system enjoy a number of benefits. Some benefits are:
Efficiency: A team can save time by bringing helpful visuals with necessary information, and resources together in one place
Focus: A team consisting of members related to the issue in the same room for alliance and discussion means that members can focus on the issue.
Collaboration: It encourages an environment in which employees of different departments can work together and in real-time.
Communication: Increase the level of communication between employees. Thus, increasing the insight of results, concerns and needs also.
TLDR
- Obeya is a lean tool meaning 'Big Room' in Japanese.
- It's a space where employees brainstorm and generate new ideas without distractions.
- Obeya uses posters, charts, labels, and signs to visualize and understand information quickly.
- The goal of Obeya is to have best communication, quick decisions, and zero-changes of the plan at launch time.
- It's used to shorten the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle and reunite machines or job positions in one location.
- Obeya promotes efficiency, focus, collaboration, and communication among employees.
FAQ
What is Obeya?
Obeya is a lean tool meaning 'Big Room' in Japanese, used for brainstorming and idea generation.
What is the purpose of Obeya?
The purpose of Obeya is to have best communication, quick decisions, and zero-changes of the plan at launch time.
How does Obeya promote collaboration?
Obeya encourages an environment in which employees of different departments can work together and in real-time.
What are the benefits of Obeya?
The benefits of Obeya include efficiency, focus, collaboration, and communication among employees.
What is the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle?
The Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle is a methodology used to shorten the development cycle.
Can Obeya be used for any project?
Yes, Obeya can be used for any project, especially for important or critical projects.
What is the role of a manager in Obeya?
A manager can create an Obeya for an important or critical project.
What are the key components of an effective Obeya?
The key components of an effective Obeya include clear, impactful custom visual communication, labeling, and display signs.
