Do you use color to identify documents?

Do you color code your documents

  • Yes we use various colors for identification.

    Votes: 11 40.7%
  • We use only one color for all controlled documents.

    Votes: 5 18.5%
  • No, we use only white paper for all documents.

    Votes: 11 40.7%

  • Total voters
    27
S

silentrunning

#1
I am trying to streamline our paperwork and make it easier for the "Non-detail oriented" among us to identify and use our various documents. I have thought of color coding the documents, ie, blue for work instructions, yellow for procedures, etc. Does anyone have experience with using this method, or is it more work than it is worth?

Doug
 
Elsmar Forum Sponsor
#3
Does anyone have experience with using this method, or is it more work than it is worth?
I do, but only because it was that way when I got here: We have a blue corner on all controlled documents, but it is not a practice I would choose if I were to launch a new system. As you say: More work than it is worth...
Once you specify different papers, you then have to control the paper so that people don't use it for other things. imho, it is easier to identify by title (add QP for procedure, etc.)
I fully agree. Besides, I would prefer not to have any paper documents at all. Fortunately, most of our written procedures are accessed via the intranet, and if I got things my may it would be all of them, but alas...

/Claes
 
D

Dean Frederickson

#4
We use the color-coded papers, as you walk thru the shop you can see at a glance if operators have the correct documentation without actually walking up to each operator to read the document title. Its also easier to locate using the color sheets you don't have to read each title to find what you are looking for. We don't have a problem with controlling the paper as it is secured up in the front office.
 

ScottK

Not out of the crisis
Staff member
Super Moderator
#5
Currently all of our controlled documents are on the company intranet so, no we don't use color for documents.
The only time we use color is for a controlled copy of a drawing issued with a work order - it is marked with orange highlighter.

In the past, when I didn't have an intranet to work with, I set up a system where all controlled documents were on blue paper.

I've also used special paper that had "Controlled Copy" preprinted diagonally across the page in red.

but to differentiate types of documents by color.... I don't see the point. As an auditor I don't much care if it's a procedure, work instruction, or whatever name you give it.
I only care if it's controlled or not, and if it is it's the current rev, and if the people who need it have access to it.
 

BradM

Staff member
Admin
#6
If you use color system, be sure and make accomodations for those that may be color blind. Red/ green I think is the most prominant!:)
 
T

tyker

#7
Rather than using coloured paper, I incorporate colour into the background of process flow diagrams and the like to identify and encourage process ownership. All environmental documents have a pale green background, logistics use pale blue etc. We have some very pretty documents but I can't really say that any measurable benefits have arisen. It does make it easy to spot photocopied, and hence uncontrolled, documents though. Possible colour blindness should be taken into account if the colour is to be used as an important control.

I also use a colour code, to better effect, on records, each function uses a different colour binder. Finding records in the archive is quicker as a result.

If you do go down this route, plan ahead. Think of how many times you have difficulty reading a web page or magazine article because of a clash between the type colour and that of the background. Aesthetics sometimes get in the way of function. I recently visited an eye hospital where all the notices were printed in black type on a pale yellow background. This gives, apparently, the best contrast making it easier for the visually impaired to read so choose background and type colours with care.

Overall, there's often not a lot wrong with black type on a white background.
 

Ajit Basrur

Staff member
Admin
#8
I am trying to streamline our paperwork and make it easier for the "Non-detail oriented" among us to identify and use our various documents. I have thought of color coding the documents, ie, blue for work instructions, yellow for procedures, etc. Does anyone have experience with using this method, or is it more work than it is worth?

Doug
We use pink coloured paper for all controlled documents.

Though it has plusses and minuses, we found that color identification is a very distinguishing thing for document control.
 

CarolX

Super Moderator
Super Moderator
#9
Our method is a little different. We use colors to identify specific customers and all job packet documents are printed on that customer specific color.
 
C

Craig H.

#10
but to differentiate types of documents by color.... I don't see the point. As an auditor I don't much care if it's a procedure, work instruction, or whatever name you give it.
I only care if it's controlled or not, and if it is it's the current rev, and if the people who need it have access to it.

Yes, I agree.

However, we do use color to designate grade/product, but that is because one supersack (FIBC) looks like another. So, we use color coded placards on the bags according to grade. Of course the placards have the grade, lot, etc. printed on them, but it sure is easy to look at a load from across the room and see that all of the placards are, say, green. A red one would stand out. I realize that this situation is somewhat unique, though.
 
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