How Does the Kanban System Help to Manage Workflow?

Question

When learning about Kanban it is easy to see how this can help reduce the amount of inventory that must be kept on site. It is also clear how it is used to help facilitate Just in Time manufacturing. What I’m not really certain about is how it helps with managing the overall workflow process. Doesn’t Kanban just focus on making sure the necessary parts or other supplies are where they need to be at the time when they are needed? While this is one small part of workflow, there is a lot more to it. Yet I see many articles indicating that Kanban can be used as a major component of workflow management. Why is this?

Mike Wilson · Accepted Answer

When learning about Kanban it is easy to see how this can help reduce the amount of inventory that must be kept on site. It is also clear how it is used to help facilitate Just in Time manufacturing. What I’m not really certain about is how it helps with managing the overall workflow process. Doesn’t Kanban just focus on making sure the necessary parts or other supplies are where they need to be at the time when they are needed? While this is one small part of workflow, there is a lot more to it. Yet I see many articles indicating that Kanban can be used as a major component of workflow management. Why is this?

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