M4E #95: Control your inventory with Kanban cards
We are in a digital world, but sometimes we forget that analog and practical solutions can help us also a lot. Kanban is one of the methodologies that can help both by using cards on the plant and also digital items. Let’s find out one Kanban example in this video from Quantum Lean, where Brad shows us how they manage their inventory using Kanban cards.
Time for Insights
Of course, the word Kanban is Japanese. It translates to signboard or billboard. In its original context, it referred to visual signals or cues used in manufacturing to communicate what needs to be done, when, and in what quantity. Today, it’s also used in digital boards to show work progress, specially in software development processes.
Kanban, of course, originated from Toyota's production system as a method to optimize just-in-time manufacturing. At its core, Kanban focuses on visualizing work through a board divided into columns representing process stages, with tasks as cards that move across these stages. It emphasizes limiting work in progress (WIP) to avoid bottlenecks, managing flow for smooth task progression, and helping with continuous improvement tasks.
The inspiration for Kanban originated in the Japan’s grocery stores of the mid-20th century. Toyota's industrial engineer Taiichi Ohno observed how supermarkets restocked items. He noticed that they replenished shelves based on customer demand, not on a predetermined schedule. This meant shelves only held what was necessary and were restocked as items were purchased. This system minimized waste and maintained an efficient flow of goods.