Kanbanjärjestelmä

Kanbanjärjestelmä is a production control system that originated in Japan. It is a visual system used to manage and improve workflow, often associated with lean manufacturing and agile methodologies. The core principle of Kanban is to signal when and how much to produce or move materials. This is typically done using visual cues, such as cards or signal lights, that represent tasks or the status of inventory.

The word "Kanban" itself means "visual signal" or "signboard" in Japanese. In a manufacturing context, Kanban systems use cards to indicate that a part or material needs to be replenished or that a particular stage in the production process has been completed. When a card is removed, it signals the need for the next item or action to be initiated. This pull system ensures that production is driven by actual demand, preventing overproduction and reducing waste.

Kanban can be applied to various processes beyond manufacturing, including software development, project management, and even personal task management. In these contexts, the Kanban board is a common tool. It typically consists of columns representing different stages of a workflow (e.g., To Do, In Progress, Done). Tasks are represented by cards that move across the board as they progress through the workflow. The visual nature of the Kanban board allows teams to easily see the status of their work, identify bottlenecks, and manage their capacity effectively. The system emphasizes continuous improvement and adaptability.