Andon Cartoon Mug

Not available in stores.

Your pals in manufacturing are going to get a kick out of this fun play on words.

This subtly funny New Yorker style two-panel andon cartoon by artist Phillip Carpenter is a slam dunk snicker generator. 

Put your coffee, tea, or whatever you sip at work in a funny mug for the continuous improvement professional. Lean manufacturing runs on caffeine. 

Shopping for the plant manager or industrial engineer with everything? This funny mug will make the perfect gift. Offered in three sizes: normal (11 oz), large (15 oz), and outrageous (20 oz).

#IYKYK

If you don’t know...

Though you aren't likely to find many paper lanterns in modern day manufacturing plants unless that's what the plant makes “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.

Get an escalating discount when you buy 3, 4, or 5+ mugs in any combination.

• Ceramic
• 11 oz mug dimensions: 3.8″ (9.6 cm) in height, 3.2″ (8.2 cm) in diameter
• 15 oz mug dimensions: 4.7″ (11.9 cm) in height, 3.3″ (8.5 cm) in diameter
• 20 oz mug dimensions: 4.3″ (10.9 cm) in height, 3.7″ (9.3 cm) in diameter
• Dishwasher and microwave safe
• Artist: Phillip Carpenter
• Blank product sourced from China

This product is made especially for you or your friend 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, which is a big no-no in the world of lean manufacturing. So thank you for making thoughtful purchasing decisions!

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