The Newsletter of Lean Manufacturing Strategy
Kanban for The Job Shop |
When & How to Use it for Low-Volume & High Variety |
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Kansas City |
20 APR 2018 |
Issue# 98 |
Kanban is normally thought of as a lean technique for repetitive, high-volume environments. But many job shops can use kanban for all or part of their scheduling. We just have to approach it from a slightly different perspective.
To begin with, let's recognize that the ideas of "Job-Shop" and "Flow Shop" are not mutually exclusive. In fact, most shops are mixtures or they lie along a spectrum. Then, we should rethink what we mean by a "part" or a "job" or a "product". Finally we ask: "What is the essence of kanban?" Is it cards or boards or stockpoints? Or is it a particular mode of functioning?
After exploring the above issues and questions, new possibilities will arise that can simplify and improve scheduling and Work-In-Process inventory–even in a job shop.
Our new web page, Kanban For The Job Shop, discusses the what, when and how. This page is based on my presentation at the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers annual conference in May, 2018.
We can assist you with training or facilitation of your lean efforts, including kanban. Please call or email me if you would like to talk further.
Best Regards,
Quarterman Lee
816-931-1414
