Kanban is a lean manufacturing pull system that uses visual signals (cards, empty bins, or electronic tickets) to trigger replenishment of materials or production based on actual consumption. It replaces push-based forecasting with real-time demand.
Why It Matters
Push-based production creates WIP piles and obsolete stock. Kanban makes the downstream process the trigger, so upstream only makes or supplies what has been consumed. This slashes WIP, exposes bottlenecks, and makes the factory responsive. Indian auto-component makers supplying Maruti, Tata, and Bajaj run Kanban loops with their vendors as a default.
Example with Indian Context
A 2-wheeler fasteners unit in Aurangabad holds 3 bins of 200 M6 bolts each at the assembly line. When a bin empties, the operator drops the Kanban card in the return slot. A store-man refills the bin within 2 hours from the main stores, and the card signals production to replenish the main stores. No forecasts, no MRP runs. Pure pull, tight WIP, and zero shortage at the line.
Related Terms
How ERPDrive Handles It
ERPDrive supports electronic Kanban (e-Kanban) with scan-based signals from the shop floor. Bin empty scans trigger refill requests, and the system tracks loop sizing, cycle times, and line-side stock in real time. Works with both manual and barcode-driven shop floors.
See It in Your Factory
ERPDrive handles Kanban as a first-class workflow alongside BOM, MRP, quality, and GST. Book a 30-minute demo.
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