What is the purpose of the Kanban System?

The Kanban System is primarily designed to visualize and control the production and movement of goods through various stages of the supply chain. This system employs visual cues, often in the form of cards, to signal when items should be replenished, produced, or moved. By doing so, it allows teams to manage workflow efficiently, ensure that production aligns with demand, and minimize waste.

The use of visual signals inherently encourages transparency and collaboration among team members, leading to quicker response times to changes in product demand or inventory levels. It emphasizes just-in-time production, which helps optimize resource utilization while maintaining flexibility in operations. This approach is central to Lean manufacturing principles, where reducing waste and improving flow are critical objectives.

Understanding this primary function of the Kanban System clarifies why it serves as an effective tool in operations management and supply chain processes. Rather than increasing administration, preventing stockouts, or concentrating solely on high volumes, the Kanban System's main focus is on enhancing visibility and control to drive operational effectiveness.