TL;DR: An andon cord is not primarily a line-stopping device. At Toyota, it’s a signaling system that allows workers to call for help immediately. Most problems are resolved before production stops. Its deeper purpose is to protect quality and create psychological safety by making it expected — and safe — to speak up. The andon cord is one of the most misunderstood tools in the Toyota Production System. Many people believe it “stops the line.” … Continue reading What Is an Andon Cord? How Toyota Uses It to Build Quality and Psychological Safety