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Lean Definition: Andon

An andon is one of the basic tools of Lean. An andon is a signal light that indicates the presence of an abnormal condition or an action that is needed.

‘Andon’ is the Japanese word for ‘paper lantern’.

An andon may be manual or automatically triggered. Some andons are linked to computer systems to track problems, and others can stop a moving assembly line when turned on. Many andon lights are accompanied by an audible alarm.

Examples of andon systems:

The stacked andon light system. This indicates the status of a work area.
The andon board. This large display shows the status of all the andon lights in a work area.
The machine andon. A flashing light on a machine indicates a problem. This is often linked to jidoka. The oil light in a car is also a form of andon.
The abnormal condition andon. A light may be linked to a space in a queue. When the space is full, the light goes on. The ‘on air’ light in a studio is also a form of andon.

Andon Light Stack

By Jeffrey Hajek

More information on this term is available in our Lean Encyclopedia.

Lean Andons

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