Shadow boards in the spotlight

In the first edition of this magazine (September-October 2023), we introduced Safety Shop. With over 60,000 products - from PPE to analysis equipment - this Antwerp-based market player is a trusted partner for many companies when it comes to safety, protection and signaling. But did you know that the company is also a leader in the supply of shadow signs?

In modern companies, safety, efficiency and productivity are no longer empty concepts, but pure necessity. You don't have to convince Jan-Bart Bormans, manager of Safety Shop, of that. "As a one-stop shop for safety materials, we notice daily the efforts companies make to create the safest possible environment for their employees and visitors. One tool that is becoming increasingly popular in various sectors is shadow boards. Unfortunately, their contribution to an orderly, safe and productive work environment remains somewhat underexposed. Urgently, therefore, time to step out of the shadows."

The basis of workplace organization

What exactly are shadow boards? Bormans outlines the basics: "Shadow boards are organized panels, made of durable material, on which you conveniently hang or place tools, equipment and cleaning materials. Each item has a 'shadow' on the board - a marker that indicates where the item belongs. The idea behind a shadow board is simple: "A place for everything, and everything in its place. By providing an instant visual overview, workers quickly find the tools they need and always place them back in the same place. This ensures a streamlined work process."

Money saving, oh so welcome today!

Working with shadow boards in strategic locations provides serious money savings. After all, tests show that with consistent use, the "loss" of tools and cleaning materials drops significantly. You immediately notice when items are missing or in other services or departments. In short, this small investment pays for itself in the short term.

Simplicity leads to success

The success of shadow boards lies in their simplicity. Says Bormans, "A seemingly simple change in how you organize tools and equipment has a surprisingly powerful impact on internal productivity and efficiency. Shadowboards are the perfect example of how you can make a big impact on daily operations with small changes, even in the long run. What's important, though, is that you regularly analyze the shadow boards in use. That way you can adapt them to changing conditions to ensure their effectiveness."

Launch new website and unique configurator

In late November 2023, Bormans and his team launched the new website www.schaduwbordenshop.be. "Through this website, we bundle all shadow board solutions on one convenient online platform. For example, we offer shadow boards for PPE, LOTO materials and the organization of an orderly workplace. What makes our website unique is the ability to create your own customized designs via an online configurator. This allows you to provide your own background, colors and logo for each sign, among other things. Once a customer has realized their own design, we can immediately provide them with a competitive quote. This fast and user-friendly approach is a win-win for all parties involved. The first reactions - including a try-out at the Horeca Expo trade fair - were very positive."