visible control visible control A technique used in total quality management to make defects visible to employees so that resources can be focused on removing the source of the problem. For example, flashing lights, called andon, can be linked to electronic sensors that detect a failure to complete all stages of a process. visibles Earnings from exports and payments for imports of goods, as opposed to services (such as banking and insurance). The balance of trade is made up of visibles and is sometimes called the visible balance. |