Kanban is a Japanese phrase that translates to “signboard” and “visual indication.” It is a production-control system that employs visual triggers such as cards (called Kanbans) to regulate the flow of supplies or parts during manufacturing. This visual management synchronizes work activities within your firm and your supply chain.
Kanbans are an essential component of a Pull System, which enables you to create a long-term material management plan that controls the flow of information and material in a manufacturing process by replacing only what has been used. Instead of forecasting, they are order-driven production schedules based on actual demand and consumption. Pull Systems help to reduce waste in handling and storage.
The Advantages of Kanban Systems #
Your company must have sufficient capacity to meet customer demand. When you have a smaller amount of labor to accomplish, you will underutilize your employees, tools, and materials or overproduce.
Using the Kanban approach, your crew is cross-trained on various machines, equipment, and production processes, allowing them to tackle different manufacturing tasks as needed. This keeps your resources from being underutilized. When the Kanban method is applied appropriately, overproduction is avoided, which is the single largest cause of waste for most industries.
Creating Kanban Systems #
Independent and objective advice can aid you in developing the finest initial flow management techniques. Our consultants are trained facilitators who can formally instruct your firm and educate your personnel on Kanban/Pull System ideas and practices. Using a Kanban tool in conjunction with follow-up sessions over an extended period will ensure sustainability.
- Furthermore, having an outside consultant facilitate your Kanban events guarantees that your organization’s needs are satisfied and that agreed targets are attained. Our skilled Lean consultants understand how to create a solid material management strategy and effectively use Kanban/Pull Systems concepts and principles.
