kanban

Definition

A card containing a set of manufacturing specifications and requirements, used to regulate the supply of components.

Etymology

From Japanese 看板 (かんばん, kanban), from 看 (kan, “visible”) + 板 (“board or card”), developed and first used in the Toyota Production System.

Example Sentences

• "The sub-assembly line assembles A. It goes to processing line 1 to withdraw part a, and for this purpose it must take the sub-assembly kanban (called withdrawal kanban). It goes to store a, withdraws boxes in the required quantity and removes those kanban (called in-process kanban or production-ordering kanban) that are attached to the boxes."
• "However, since so many Japanese industries have adopted Kanban, this problem is diminishing."
• "kanban board"

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