# Kanban system

*Last updated: 2026-06-22*

> A Kanban system is a pull-based replenishment method from lean manufacturing: material is ordered only when actual consumption occurs, not on the basis of forecasts or fixed reorder points.

A Kanban system is a pull-based replenishment method from lean manufacturing: material is ordered only when actual consumption occurs, not on the basis of forecasts or fixed reorder points. The demand signal travels via physical cards, empty containers, or digital triggers—when a bin empties, the next unit is requested. Toyota pioneered the concept in the 1950s to counter overproduction and unnecessary stock buildup; today it is applied across assembly lines, distribution centres, and supplier scheduling alike. In logistics, supplier Kanban is particularly significant: external vendors replenish workstations or production lines at fixed intervals and to precise quantity signals, demanding tight delivery agreements and reliable supplier capacity planning. Unlike MRP systems, which plan centrally and ahead of time, Kanban responds to real-time consumption at the point of use.

**Source:** [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanban_(manufacturing)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanban_(manufacturing))

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Kanban system |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 127 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-22 |
| Source | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanban_(manufacturing) |

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