Operations
Kanban
Japanese for 'signboard' or 'visual signal'
A scheduling system for lean manufacturing that uses visual signals (cards, boards) to trigger action. Work is pulled through the system based on actual demand rather than pushed based on forecasts.
Biological Context
Kanban mirrors biological signaling systems where downstream processes trigger upstream production. Cells don't overproduce proteins; they respond to signals indicating need. This demand-pull approach prevents waste and overproduction.
Business Application
Kanban boards visualize workflow, limit work-in-progress, and reveal bottlenecks. Originally for manufacturing, now widely used in software development and knowledge work.