What is a One Point Lesson?
A One Point Lesson (OPL) is a brief and focused training tool used in Lean management to communicate essential knowledge about a specific process or task. It is designed to present information in a simple, easy-to-understand format, ensuring that employees have the necessary skills to perform tasks efficiently and safely. OPLs typically include illustrations or graphics and are often displayed near relevant machines or workstations for quick reference.
What are the objectives of a One Point Lesson?
Knowledge Transfer
A One Point Lesson focuses on a single key topic or process, delivering information in a clear and concise manner. This ensures that all employees involved understand and retain the necessary knowledge.
Error Prevention
By outlining best practices and clear guidelines, OPLs help minimize mistakes, improve quality, and enhance operational efficiency.
Continuous Improvement
OPLs support a culture of learning by providing a structured way to share best practices, feedback, and new insights. This helps teams and organizations evolve and refine their processes over time.
Standardization
They help establish uniform procedures and best practices across teams, ensuring consistency and efficiency in performing tasks.
Enhanced Communication & Collaboration
As a shared learning tool, an OPL facilitates knowledge exchange between employees, teams, and departments, encouraging collaboration and process improvements.
In summary, the primary goal of a One Point Lesson is to provide quick, focused training that enhances knowledge, prevents errors, standardizes processes, and fosters continuous improvement within an organization.
What is an example of OPL?
Basic Knowledge OPLs are used to bridge knowledge gaps, ensuring that employees have the necessary skills to perform their tasks efficiently. For example, an OPL might cover procedures such as machine changeovers, proper lubrication techniques, or best practices for workplace cleaning. These lessons provide clear, step-by-step guidance to improve accuracy and efficiency in daily operations.
How do you write a one point lesson?
An effective One Point Lesson (OPL) should follow these key principles:
- Simple – The information should be clear and easy to understand at a glance.
- Visual – Use images or diagrams to enhance clarity and minimize text.
- Targeted – Focus on a single task, process, or key learning point.
- Easily Accessible – Place it in a visible location where employees can quickly reference it during work.
By keeping OPLs concise and visually engaging, they become powerful tools for quick learning and process improvement.
What is the difference between SOP and OPL?
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are detailed, text-heavy documents that provide comprehensive instructions for completing a process. In contrast, One Point Lessons (OPLs) are:
- Short & Concise – Typically one page, created in under an hour.
- Highly Visual – Consist of about 90% images and only 10% text for quick understanding.
- Focused on One Task – Cover a single action or process step to ensure clarity and ease of learning.
While SOPs provide in-depth procedural guidance, OPLs serve as quick, visual training tools for specific tasks.
