Kanban is a lean method to manage and improve systems and process across an organization. The methodology balances the demands with available capacity, and improves the handling of system level bottlenecks. The Kanban board is a tool within the methodology which will allow the visualization of any process. The goal of a Kanban system is […]
Kanban Board Optimizes Efficiency and Process
The Kanban board is a lean tool for managing flow in a process. From simple processes to the most complex, the board will visually represent a every step in a process process and show the status at any given time. During the late 1940’s, the line workers at Toyota displayed colored Kanbans to notify downstream […]
Push/Pull Production for Your Manufacturing Process
Push and pull models of manufacturing are two major approaches implemented by organizations. The decision on which approach to use is often based on their business strategy. Push and pull-based models in manufacturing starts at the planning phase and continues through the execution stage. Watch this informative video on Push/Pull Production! Related Posts:Pull Production […]
Pull Production Makes Only What the Customer Demands
In Lean production, it is commonly understood to use pull production instead of push production, which is implemented with a Kanban system. But what makes the pull production system the way to go? Why not use a push production system? For most, the answers are about as clear as muddy water. A pull production system […]
The Importance of Managing WIP in Business
Work In Progress (WIP) sometimes also referred to as Work in Process refers to any work within a business process which has been started but is not yet complete. It is fairly obvious that any work only offers value to a company or its customers once it has been completed. With this in mind, it […]
How to Maintain Kanban Systems
How to Maintain Kanban Systems Kanban means visual card’, or simply, sign’ in Japanese. In manufacturing, there are two types of Kanban: the move’ Kanban, which tells the receiving department when to move parts to the assembly line, and the make’ Kanban, which instructs suppliers to manufacture parts or products. As part of the Lean […]
Different Types of Kanban Boards and Card Holders
Different Types of Kanban Boards and Card Holders Since it was introduced in the 1950’s by Toyota Production System founder Taiichi Ohno, Kanban has been adopted by thousands of companies in pursuit of success. Kanban cards exist to track progress. Doing so helps each member of a business team stay up-to-date, allowing them to easily […]
Digital vs Physical Kanban Boards
Digital vs Physical Kanban Boards The physical vs. digital debate has been around since the internet was first conceived. If using Kanban cards to improve business efficiency, you can choose to use either a digital or physical board to speed up operational processes and encourage workplace productivity. The decision to use either digital or physical […]
How Do I Know When I’m Ready to Implement Kanban?
How Do I Know When I’m Ready to Implement Kanban? Before implementing a new tool or a new methodology, you need to make sure you are ready to do it well. If you are not ready for it, you risk doing more damage than good, and implementing something like Kanban improperly might actually hinder your […]
When Not to Use Kanban Swim Lanes
When Not to Use Kanban Swim Lanes Choosing the best tool for a particular task is not always easy, and we are often biased towards the wrong solution. This is especially true when we consider our positive bias towards complexity. A more complex tool might often look more appealing just on the merit of the […]