Visual Control Systems in the Food Industry: Enhancing Efficiency, Quality, and Safety Through Toyota Production Principles

Abstract Visual control systems are integral to enhancing efficiency, ensuring quality, and maintaining safety in the food industry. This study investigates the application of visual tools within a food production enterprise located in the Silesian province, aligning these practices with the principles of the Toyota Production System (TPS). Visual tools, such as monitoring systems and information boards, enable real-time decision-making, promote adherence to stringent quality standards like HACCP, IFS, and BRC, and support continuous improvement. The research, conducted using the BOST questionnaire, highlights key factors valued by production workers, such as cleanliness, flow, and monitoring. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of visual control in addressing the industry’s unique challenges and underline its potential for broader implementation in small and medium-sized enterprises. This study aims to bridge theoretical principles with practical applications, providing insights into optimizing production processes through the Toyota management philosophy.