Overview of Kanban systems

TLDR

The just‑in‑time approach using Kanbans has attracted attention, efficiently managing repetitive manufacturing but not suitable for non‑repetitive systems. This paper reviews various Kanban systems, their methodologies, and alternatives to the pure Kanban model. The study surveys simulation, mathematical, and stochastic methods, introduces the basic Toyota Kanban, examines recent methodologies, illustrates the approach with case studies, and classifies prior research. The authors draw several conclusions and propose directions for future research.

Abstract

The just-in-time (JIT) approach to manufacturing control with 'Kanbans' has received much attention in the last decade. The Kanban systems efficiently control repetitive manufacturing environments and offer simplicity. However, they are not suitable for non-repetitive manufacturing systems. The research approaches applied to Kanban systems include simulation, mathematical, and stochastic approaches, with the emphasis on analysing characteristics of Kanban systems, determining the optimal number of Kanbans, and comparing Kanban systems. In this paper, an overview of different Kanban systems, methodologies, and alternatives to the pure Kanban systems are discussed. The basic Toyota Kanban system is introduced. The recently developed methodologies for Kanban systems are surveyed. The Kanban approach is illustrated with the case studies. This paper offers a broad discussion of Kanban systems and classifies the previous studies. Several conclusions are drawn and suggestions for further research are given.