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Shadowboard tool

Shadowboard tool: Perfect organization for your production

A shadow board for tools is the ideal solution for making work processes in production more efficient and transparent. With a shadow board, you can optimally organize your tools and successfully implement the 5S method . In this article, you'll learn how a shadow board for tools works, what advantages it offers, and how you can use it in your lean production .

DEK tool wall

What is a shadowboard for tools?

A tool shadow board is a visual organizational aid that depicts the outlines of tools on a wall or board. These "shadows" show exactly where each tool belongs, allowing you to immediately see if a tool is missing or hasn't been correctly replaced. Shadow boards are a central component of the 5S method, which aims to keep workplaces clean, organized, and efficient.

Typical tools that are organized on a shadowboard are machinist hammers, screwdrivers, pliers or other hand tools that are frequently used in production.

How does a shadowboard for tools work?

The functionality of a shadowboard is simple and effective:

  1. Fixed place for each tool : Each tool has a predetermined place, which is indicated by its outline (shadow).
  2. Visual inspection : After use, the tool is returned to its original position. An empty shadow immediately indicates that a tool is missing.
  3. Efficient reordering : Missing tools can be replaced quickly to avoid production downtime.

For example, a metalworking hammer with a plastic handle has its permanent place on the shadowboard. After use, it's hung back, and the shadow confirms that everything is in its place.

Advantages of a shadow board for tools in production

A shadowboard offers numerous advantages when it comes to organizing tools:

  • Time savings : Employees find tools faster because each item has a specific place.
  • Error reduction : Missing tools are detected immediately, which increases safety and quality.
  • Increased efficiency : Less search time means more productive work processes.
  • Standardization : A shadowboard promotes consistent working practices within the team.

In lean production, shadow boards help to minimize unnecessary movements (“muda”), as prescribed by the 5S method.

Which tools are suitable for a shadowboard?

A shadowboard can be used for a variety of tools needed in production, including:

  • Hand tools such as hammers, screwdrivers and pliers.
  • Measuring tools such as tape measures or calipers.
  • Specialized tools that are frequently used in your production environment.

At opti lean, we offer shadowboards that can be flexibly adapted to your needs. You can customize the outlines of your tools and add your company logo to the board.

Shadowboard tool at opti lean: Quality “Made in Germany”

Our shadowboards at optilean.shop are specially designed for the demands of modern production. They are made of durable aluminum composite panels with a protective print and are available in various versions:

  • Fixed wall mounting (Fix) : For dry areas without high hygiene requirements.
  • Wall-mounted (Flex) : With air circulation for easier cleaning.
  • Mobile shadowboards : For flexible locations in your production.

Our shadowboards come with stainless steel brackets for easy installation. A mounting kit is included. Discover our range in our online shop and find the right shadowboard for your tools.

Conclusion: Shadowboard tool for more efficiency

A shadow board for tools is the key to organized and efficient production. It supports the 5S method, reduces search times, and increases productivity. With opti lean 's high-quality shadow boards, you can optimize your tool organization and achieve more successful production in the long term. Contact us for a personalized consultation or start optimizing your production processes right away!

  • 5S - Expert knowledge

    benefit from over 30 years of experience!

  • 5S - Checklists

    Shift handovers, maintenance plans incl.

  • 5S - Accompaniment

    Our 5S manual is available for every training course

  • 5S - Shadow Wall

    sustainable and successful introduction

Invest in the future of your company. Together we will make your production facility a place of productivity and motivation!

Frequently asked questions:

Are the 5S training courses only available online?

The 5S training can be conducted both on-site and online, depending on what makes the most sense for you. We will discuss this in detail during our phone call. We also offer a free Zoom meeting to get to know each other in advance and assess whether we can work together to achieve success with the Shadow Wall project.

Why should I book a 5S training course and not just buy the shadow wall?

With over 15 years of experience working with hand tools and production workers, I can assure you that implementing a shadow wall can be fraught with challenges. Issues like poor employee adoption, missing tools, or misplacement of the wrong tools are not uncommon. Furthermore, choosing a low-cost supplier can result in the laborious task of assembling the tool wall yourself, which can lead to project delays and difficulties with reordering.

Avoid these mistakes. Contact us directly at 0176 81240722, and we'll explore how we can best help you.