A One Point Lesson (OPL) is a short, focused training document or visual tool used to convey a single, specific topic or lesson. It typically covers one key point or process improvement, providing clear instructions and visuals to help employees understand and apply the concept effectively. OPLs are used to improve skills, communicate standard work, address safety issues, or teach problem-solving techniques.

It is called a "One Point" lesson because it focuses on just one key point or concept. The idea is to avoid overwhelming employees with too much information at once. By concentrating on a single topic, OPLs make learning more digestible and effective.

The benefits of One Point Lessons (OPLs) include:

• Focused learning: Employees can learn and apply one specific concept at a time, making it easier to understand and retain.
• Quick training: OPLs are concise and easy to implement, allowing for quick, on-the-job training without disrupting work.
• Consistency: OPLs help standardize knowledge and processes across the organization, ensuring everyone is aligned.
• Improved safety and quality: They can be used to communicate safety procedures, quality standards, or best practices, reducing errors and improving workplace safety.
• Easy access: OPLs are often visual and can be displayed in work areas, making them easily accessible to employees when they need them.

A One Point Lesson (OPL) typically includes the following components:

1. Title: A brief and clear title that indicates the focus of the lesson (e.g., "How to Properly Use a Forklift" or "Safety Guidelines for Operating Machinery").
2. Objective: The goal of the lesson or what the employee is expected to learn or accomplish after reading the lesson.
3. Step-by-Step Instructions: Clear, easy-to-follow instructions or guidelines that explain the process or task. This might include visual aids like pictures or diagrams.
4. Key Points or Tips: Important points that emphasize crucial elements of the task or concept, such as safety precautions or common mistakes to avoid.
5. Visuals: Diagrams, images, or charts that visually explain the process or concept. These are used to enhance understanding and retention.
6. Verification or Testing: A way to confirm that the learner has understood the lesson, which could be through observation, a short quiz, or demonstration.
7. Date/Version: To ensure the lesson is current, the date of creation or the latest revision is included, along with version control if necessary.

One Point Lessons (OPLs) are typically used in the following ways:

• On-the-job training: OPLs are often used by supervisors and trainers to teach employees new skills or reinforce existing ones directly at the worksite.
• Standardization: OPLs can help ensure that employees are following consistent practices and adhering to standard work procedures.
• Problem-solving: They can be used to address specific issues, such as machine malfunctions, safety hazards, or process inefficiencies.
• Continuous improvement: OPLs support a culture of continuous improvement by offering a straightforward way to share new practices, lessons learned, or updated procedures.
• Quick reference: They are often displayed in the work area, serving as quick reference guides for employees to review as needed.

The main differences between One Point Lessons (OPLs) and traditional training materials are:

• Brevity: OPLs focus on a single, specific topic and are concise, typically taking only a few minutes to read. Traditional training materials might be more comprehensive and take longer to cover multiple topics.
• Visual focus: OPLs emphasize clear visuals (e.g., photos, diagrams) to explain the concept, while traditional training materials may rely more on text.
• Practicality: OPLs are often designed to be used on the shop floor or in the immediate work environment, making them more hands-on and practical than traditional classroom-style training.
• Frequency: OPLs are often used more regularly and in smaller doses, while traditional training might occur less frequently and in more formal settings.

To create an effective One Point Lesson (OPL), follow these steps:

1. Identify the key topic: Choose a specific, relevant concept or task to focus on (e.g., a machine operation, safety procedure, or best practice).
2. Keep it simple and focused: Focus on one key point and break it down into easy-to-understand steps or guidelines.
3. Use clear, concise language: Write instructions that are clear and to the point, avoiding unnecessary jargon or complexity.
4. Include visuals: Use photos, diagrams, or illustrations to complement the written instructions and make the lesson easier to understand.
5. Highlight important details: Emphasize critical points, such as safety precautions, common mistakes to avoid, or key quality standards.
6. Test understanding: Include a short quiz or verification step to ensure employees understand the material.
7. Review and update regularly: Periodically review and update OPLs to ensure they reflect the most current procedures and practices.

Yes, One Point Lessons (OPLs) are particularly effective for safety training because:

• They focus on specific safety practices, such as the correct use of equipment or personal protective equipment (PPE).
• They can be used to communicate safety protocols or procedures in a concise and visual way, ensuring that the information is clear and easy to follow.
• OPLs can be used to reinforce key safety points on a regular basis, helping to create a safety-focused culture in the workplace.

In Lean Manufacturing, One Point Lessons (OPLs) are used to:

• Standardize work: OPLs provide a way to document and standardize key processes, ensuring that employees follow the same best practices.
• Support continuous improvement: OPLs can be used to communicate process improvements or lessons learned from Kaizen events, root cause analysis, or problem-solving activities.
• Enhance learning: OPLs help employees quickly understand new processes, tools, or concepts, promoting faster learning and adaptation to changes.
• Facilitate communication: OPLs promote open communication by sharing knowledge and standardizing practices across the organization.

To ensure One Point Lessons (OPLs) are effective:

• Engage employees: Involve the employees who will use the OPLs in the creation process to ensure the material is relevant and practical.
• Use clear visuals: Incorporate high-quality images, diagrams, or charts that clearly illustrate the process or concept.
• Keep it short and simple: Focus on one key point and keep the lesson concise, avoiding unnecessary information.
• Test comprehension: Include a verification step (e.g., quiz or demonstration) to ensure employees understand the content.
• Solicit feedback: Ask employees for feedback on the OPLs to identify areas for improvement or clarification.
• Regular updates: Keep the OPLs up to date with any process changes, new safety regulations, or updated standards.

Yes, One Point Lessons (OPLs) are adaptable and can be used in a variety of industries beyond manufacturing, including:

• Healthcare: To communicate medical procedures, safety guidelines, or patient care protocols.
• Service industries: To explain customer service standards, best practices, or operational procedures.
• Retail: To provide training on product handling, customer service, or store procedures.
• Education: To teach specific concepts or classroom procedures in a clear, visual manner.
• Construction: To communicate safety procedures, tool use, or equipment operation.