Kanban

Updated on: February 10, 2026 1 MINUTE READ Published on: Feb 03, 2023

Kanban (translated from Japanese, "visual cards") is a method for controlling the flow of materials within a supply chain to reduce waste. Kanban uses visual signals (most commonly cards) to control inventory based on customer demand.

This infographic uses real-world examples to explain Kanban-and show how users can implement the system in their facility.

KANBAN

Infographic Transcription

Originally developed at Toyota, the scheduling approach to manufacturing known as Kanban has revolutionized how corporations and suppliers maximize efficiency in getting products to and from the assembly line. When implemented properly, the Kanban technique minimizes waste, avoids overproduction, and ensures quick response to changes and problems.

“When you have lots of inventory, you are always one part short”
— Taiichi Ohno

Kanban is a logistical lean manufacturing tool for producing things in a very efficient way, on a as needed basis. The word “Kan” means “visual” in Japanese, and the word “ban” means “card.” So Kanban refers to “visual cards.”

Kanban cards are used to schedule and track production from inventory to manufacturing and delivery. In this example we’re manufacturing pizzas.

Visual cues are used to signal inventory levels.

Order Card— Inventory
Order Card — Manufacturing
Order Card — Delivery

The simplest Kanban system includes three stages: 1 To do 2 Doing 3 Done
Here’s how it works when manufacturing pizzas.

To Do Kanban’s: inventory supply
Doing Kanban’s: mixing & baking
Done Kanban’s: packaging & shipping

To Do
Doing
Done

As we ship boxes of pizzas from our Done column, we pull Doing Kanban’s to the right, because we need to bake more based on the actual supply demands of customers.

Doing
Done
Pull Doing card to Done
Off to Shipping
Pull Doing card to Done
Off to Shipping

Because we’re baking more, we need more supplies. So we pull a To Do Kanban to the right. Now it’s time to order more supplies. Thanks to Kanban, we’re only buying and baking what we need to fill orders. No excess inventory, and no stale pizzas.

To Do
(arrow labels on cards) Pull To Do card to right
(arrow labels on cards) Pull To Do card to right
(arrow labels on cards) Pull To Do card to right
(arrow labels on cards) Pull To Do card to right

Doing
Done

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