Kanban Scheduling

How It Works

Kanban scheduling systems operate like supermarkets. A small stock of every item sits in a dedicated location with a fixed space allocation. Customers come to the store and visually select items. An electronic signal goes to the supermarket's regional warehouse detailing which items have sold. The warehouse prepares a (usually) daily replenishment of the exact items sold.

In modern supermarkets Kanban signals come from checkout scanners. They travel electronically (usually once a day) to the warehouse. Smaller stores still use visual systems. Here, a clerk walks the aisles daily. From empty spaces he deduces what sold and orders replacements.

Another variation is the bread truck. Here drivers follow a fixed route from store to store. They have a supply of bakery items in their truck. At each stop, they examine the stock and replenish what has been sold.

Kanban scheduling in manufacturing works in the same way. The essential elements of a system are:

• Stockpoint(s)

• A Withdrawal Signal

• Immediate Feedback

• Frequent Replenishment

Kanban Schematic This graphic illustrates how a Kanban system connects the upstream supplier or workcenter with a downstream user or customer. It operates through a small stockpoint and a signaling system.