In an Andon System a mechanism (Andon Cord, Andon Button) exists that can be easily triggered by everyone, in case a problem occurs that cannot be easily fixed. Usually pulling an Andon Cord halts the whole process and triggers Swarm and Solve.
The term is Japanese (“paper lantern” - that is being lighted to signify an issue and call for support) and originated at Toyota.
In the mid- to long-term, this mechanism vastly improves quality and productivity by creating highly resilient, stable and optimized systems, by solving issues immediately and permanently when they first occur.
