Kanban
TL;DR
Visual signals (cards, bins) to control production flow.
Hormonal signaling coordinates production across the body. When blood glucose drops, the pancreas releases glucagon—a signal that triggers the liver to release stored glucose. Insulin signals the opposite. These chemical messengers create pull-based production: resources flow to where signals indicate need. Quorum sensing in bacteria works similarly—autoinducers accumulate until threshold concentration triggers coordinated action. The biological principle: local signals coordinate distributed production.
Business Application of Kanban
Visual signals (cards, bins) to control production flow. Enables Just-in-Time by signaling when parts are needed. Core Toyota Production System principle.