Lean, quality improvement & root cause · Specialist
Andon
Also called: line alert
ELI5
A visual or audible signal indicating status or a problem requiring attention.
Used in conversation
“Can we remove the ambiguity around andon before the process changes?”
Pitch context
You will see “Andon” in operating plans, procurement packs, supplier reviews and supply-chain reports when the discussion reaches lean, quality improvement & root cause.
Why it matters: In lean, quality improvement & root cause, the definition can change ownership, capacity, process, cost or safety decisions.
Sources & evidence · 3
Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Productivity programmeDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Acquisition.gov — Federal Acquisition Regulation Part 15 — Contracting by NegotiationSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- UK Government — Groceries Supply Code of PracticeSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16