Shadow Boards

Shadow Boards

Shadow Boards are tools, supplies or equipment storage boards used in production, manufacturing, and service environments. The aim of the shadow board is to achieve an organized workplace where tools, supplies and equipment are stored in appropriate locations close to the work area or work stations. It provides the basis for standardization in the work place. They are a simple and inexpensive tool which provides tangible efficiencies and cost savings as well as intangible benefits.

The advantages of using shadow boards include avoiding waste, such as time looking for the appropriate tool or even having to buy a new one, wasted time in looking for supplies and interchanging tools between tasks. Shadow boards also provide the ability to quickly gauge the location of tools and equipment or if they are missing. Shadow boards are used in the sort and set in order stages of the implementation and operation of a 5s system in a workplace and kaizen initiatives.
Shadow boards can be different sizes and located in many different areas of a process or plant. The key is that they are appropriately located and hold all the necessary tools for the area or work station.

An example of a shadow board for milling equipment can be seen in Fig 1:

shadowboard

Fig1: An example of a shadow board without tools on it.

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