What It Is
Kanban
scheduling systems are among the most simple, effective
and inexpensive means for manufacturing production and
inventory control. The concept is proven. From Nagoya to
Wichita Falls; from Windsor to Geelong; from
micro-electronics to heavy steel they reduce
inventory, eliminate stockouts, displace massive
computers and slash overhead. They improve both service
and quality.
So why
doesn't every manufacturer employ this miracle? In many
situations, it is inappropriate; other methods work
better. Even When Kanban is an excellent choice, firms
may ignore it. Kanban scheduling often evokes strong
emotional responses and sets a variety of organizational
phenomena at work against it.
Kanban
production control is simple yet subtle; empowering and
also threatening; robust yet delicate; both adaptable
and rigid; easy to explain but difficult to understand.
It is a key component of most Lean Manufacturing
strategies.
These pages
describe kanban systems and explain where to use
them. They show how to design systems, how to choose the
number of cards, and describe real-life examples.
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Kanban Schematic
The sequence & batching from the supplier can
differ from the sequence and batching required by the user. The smaller these
differences, the smaller the stockpoint and the more responsive the system.
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