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

Authors: Ludvig Lindlof; Bjorn Soderberg

Addresses: Department of Technology Management and Economics, Division of Operations Management, Chalmers University of Technology, 412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden. ' Department of Technology Management and Economics, Division of Operations Management, Chalmers University of Technology, 412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden

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.

Keywords: lean product development; visual planning; product development management; project management; technology-based firms; communication; coordination.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTIP.2011.044614

International Journal of Technology Intelligence and Planning, 2011 Vol.7 No.3, pp.269 - 279

Published online: 31 Dec 2011 *

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