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Toyota Swaps Factory “Andon Cord” for Wireless Buttons

Toyota Motor Corp. is phasing out the cords in its assembly plants that workers can pull to signal trouble or even shut down the line, Automotive News reports.

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Toyota Motor Corp. is phasing out the cords in its assembly plants that workers can pull to signal trouble or even shut down the line, Automotive News reports.

The so-called andon cords are draped like tinsel along most Toyota assembly lines. They are an iconic symbol of the company's Toyota Production System, which is based on the idea that production should be halted immediately to fix a problem that affects quality.

Toyota has begun replacing the cords with wireless buttons that reduce clutter and are easier to reposition. The company switched to the buttons at its main Tsutsumi assembly plant in Toyota City last year.

AN says Toyota has not indicated how long it will take to convert all plants to the new signal system.

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