Andon Cartoon Greeting Card

Not available in stores.

This andon cartoon is a slam dunk snicker generator for anyone in the world of lean manufacturing.

Industrial engineers, plant managers, frontline teams... they're all going to laugh at at this subtly funny, New Yorker style two-panel cartoon by artist Phillip Carpenter. (The punchline is inside the card.) 

#IYKYK

If you don’t know...

You aren't likely to find many paper lanterns in modern day manufacturing plants–unless that's what the plant makes–but “andon” is a Japanese term that literally means paper lantern. In actuality it's a visual element used the world over in manufacturing within the “jidoka” method of quality control.

As soon as production problems are discovered, the front line employee is duty bound to activate the light by pulling down the andon cord. Doesn't have to be a cord, obviously. A button works just as well, but because we at QI Curiosities honor history, we chose the cord. 

Andon systems with these devices empower the front line with autonomy because they enable workers to stop production when a problem is found. This builds quality at the source. What sort of production problems?

• Part shortages
• Defects produced (see our cartoon for an example)
• Tool damage
• Machine malfunctions
• Safety concerns 

And if you don’t know, Groucho glasses are a staple of Vaudevillian-style humor. Groucho Marx was a comedy genius with fabulous eyebrows and quite a beak.

LIMITED TIME ONLY! 
Offered exclusively to QICuriosities customers.

Everyone loves to receive a greeting card. They love it even more when the card says, "Hey friend, you and I are from the same little club." So grab a handful of these and make your very deserving team feel special. 

It's imperative for leaders to say thanks. Say it with a handwritten card. Keep a stash of greeting cards on hand. At Quality Improvement Curiosities, buying in small batches pays! Get an escalating discount when you buy multiple cards in any combination, not just this gem. Buy 2-3 and get 5% off. Buy 4-5 and get 10% off —dot dot dot— Buy 12 or more and get 30% off.

This product is made especially for you as soon as you place an order, which is why it takes us a bit longer to deliver it to you. Making products on demand instead of in bulk helps reduce overproduction, so thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!

• Material (standard stuff): 14.77 oz/yd² (350 g/m²) paperboard.
• Size: 4″ × 6″ (101 × 152 mm)
• And of course, it comes with an envelope.

(photo by Jason Eppink - https://www.flickr.com/photos/jasoneppink)