kanban

Syllable breakdown

Dictionary meaning

a visual workflow management system using cards or signals to control the production and movement of items through a manufacturing or service process; each kanban card represents a unit of work or a replenishment signal; ensures production is 'pulled' by actual demand rather than 'pushed' by forecasts; also widely used in software development as digital kanban boards

History and origin

Japanese: 看板 — signboard or billboard; from kan (visual, billboard) + ban (board)

Examples

• The factory floor used kanban cards to signal when each workstation needed more parts.
• Software teams adopted digital kanban boards to visualize their workflows.

Synonyms: pull system, visual management