kanban, Kanban board and kanban board online
Kanban:
Kanban board is a popular Lean visual workflow management approach that helps track task progress. Kanban visual workflow method helps to identify bottlenecks in processes and ensures smooth operational flow and lower delivery lead times. It translates to "Cards you can see". Using Kanban boards, you can track the progress of each task and get informed about the workflow. The system is linked to Just-in-Time (JIT) production, where the schedules tell you what to produce, when, and in what quantity. Kanban boards also mark the available capacity to work, making it easier for you to allocate resources efficiently. Overall, Kanban helps to visualise the operational workflow and the actual work that is being carried out in the process, helping to identify bottlenecks and improve the flow of operations.
Types of Kanban Boards
Physical Kanban Boards:
The physical Kanban board is a simple version of the Kanban board. Teams use paper cards to represent various tasks placed on a whiteboard. These cards are then moved from one column to another as the work progresses through different stages.
Digital Kanban Boards:
Kanban software offers more features than physical Kanban boards. It provides increased visibility into work progress, making the boards accessible virtually anywhere and anytime. These platforms also allow tracking multiple workflows in different categories and organising them accordingly, providing the flexibility to manage complex projects effectively.
Kanban is a scheduling system used in lean manufacturing to optimise production and minimise waste. The Kanban system aims to achieve Just-in-Time (JIT) production, which means producing what is needed when needed, and in the required quantity. This helps minimise waste, reduce inventory levels, and improve efficiency and quality.
Each work centre or production cell in the Kanban system has a card or signal that indicates when more parts or materials are needed. These signals are sent to the upstream work centres or suppliers, who produce and deliver the necessary parts or materials to the downstream work centres.
The Kanban system ensures that the right parts and materials are available at the right time without overproduction or excess inventory. It also highlights bottlenecks and areas for improvement, promoting continuous improvement. In conclusion, Kanban is an essential tool in the lean manufacturing toolbox that helps organisations streamline their operations and improve their competitiveness.