The Kanban method optimizes resource management.
Kanban is a methodology that uses visual resources to manage production and workflow in general. The term comes from the Japanese language and refers to a visual signal.
The term refers both to the visual management system through the so-called Kanban board and to the process optimization method that is based on this resource for just-in-time delivery, thereby achieving a reduction in waste and greater operational efficiency. In both cases, the idea is associated with the coordination of actions and teamwork.
Origin of Kanban
The origin of Kanban dates back to the late 1940s , when Japanese engineer Taiichi Ohno devised a new management method for Toyota , the company he worked for. Based on the Just-In-Time manufacturing philosophy, Ohno proposed producing according to demand (rather than manufacturing to introduce products to the market and thus generate demand). Within this framework, the engineer devised Kanban cards to keep inventory at low levels: each card indicated the need for a new product and thus promoted the start of the production process for the item in question.
Over time, the Kanban methodology has been adapted to multiple processes and sectors. In the software industry, for example, it has been common since the beginning of this century.
Kanban helps to perform bottleneck analysis.
Its characteristics
A Kanban board is a tool that facilitates the visualization of tasks and contributes to an agile development process. Its cards aim to maximize efficiency by avoiding unnecessary tasks.
By controlling inventory and supply chains, Kanban enables production systems to be fine-tuned and demand to be successfully managed. It also drives continuous improvement through task prioritization and data-driven decision-making.
Although there are many different types and adaptations, the basic operation of the Kanban method in production is as follows: when a purchase or order is made in the storage sector, the signal is transmitted to the start of the assembly or manufacturing line for the production of a new item. In this way, the production process is governed by demand and the so-called pull systems (it is the customer who requests the product).
The important thing is that the signal (which can be a card or another element) causes the movement that generates the production of a new unit. The analysis of the signal circulation, in turn, allows us to identify problems or areas that need some kind of intervention.
The Kanban methodology contributes to the improvement of business processes.
Types of Kanban
Kanban boards can be either physical or virtual . In the former case, the board is usually a whiteboard or bulletin board divided into columns, with sticky notes as markers. These markers move according to the progress of the workflow.
A basic physical board might have three columns: “To Do,” “In Progress,” and “Completed.” The first column lists tasks that need to be done, the second lists tasks that are in progress, and the third lists tasks that have already been done. Movement of signs or notes across the board is essential.
The digital Kanban board shares this logic. It is a computer program or platform that can be used asynchronously and remotely so that team members can access it from anywhere and whenever they need it.
Other types of Kanban arise depending on the specific scope of application of the method. In this sense, we can speak of production Kanban , order Kanban , transport Kanban , etc.
Its principles
Kanban implementation is based on a series of principles or rules. One of these postulates indicates that one should start with what is going to be done now: that is, the methodology can be applied to current processes, without having to start from scratch .
On this basis, Kanban requires a commitment to gradual and progressive changes . The work team must commit to evolutionary changes so that the system improves gradually but steadily. Specialists maintain that abrupt modifications are more likely to fail.
Another Kanban principle is respect for processes and roles: each team member must accept responsibilities and integrate into the structure according to their position. However, another of the rules for implementing the Kanban method admits that leadership is not exercised solely in a hierarchical and top-down manner, but that leadership must coexist at various levels of the organization that contribute to the general direction.
Kanban Examples
Examples of Kanban can be found in many contexts. In a company, cards may be attached to containers and then removed when the container is used. In this basic Kanban method, the cards are signals that reveal the progress of the production process and ensure proper replenishment.
Let's take the case of a small company that is launching a new project. In order to facilitate the visualization of tasks, a physical Kanban board is installed where sticky notes are posted to show who should carry out each task, what stage the work is in and what deadlines need to be met.
If we think about a recruitment process, the Human Resources department can manage it with a digital Kanban board . Virtual cards would represent each candidate, who move along the columns that indicate the stages of the process (CV analysis, interview, reference consultation, job offer, hiring).
Another example of Kanban can be found in a sales office . The board, in this case, can show the progress from the generation of a potential client to the completion of the operation, passing through the different stages of contact and negotiation.