Pros and cons of lean visual planning: experiences from four product development organisations

Abstract

This paper investigates the benefits and limitations of lean visual planning at four technology-based companies. Even though Lean product development is getting increased attention, there are few industrial cases investigated outside Toyota. Benefits identified are efficient communication, shared understanding, ability to prioritise tasks and efficient levelling of workloads. Limitations with the method include using it in geographically scattered teams, storing historical information and seeing causal links. The conclusion is that visual planning constitutes a method that is useful for product development teams that need efficient ways of communicating and coordinating team work.