Kanban (the Japanese word for 'visual card') is a pulled-production control system born in the Toyota Production System. Instead of pushing production based on forecast (push), Kanban lets downstream consumption authorise upstream production. When a workstation consumes a batch, it sends a card (physical or digital) to the previous station authorising replenishment. The result: controlled WIP, minimal work-in-progress stock, a fast response to change.
Classic Kanban uses physical cards, bins and visual boards on the shop floor. Digital Kanban uses the same principle in systems — MRP triggers replenishment orders when stock reaches predefined points. A combination of the two is common: cards on the line, digital for coordination with purchasing and subcontracting.
Kanban also inspired work-management methodologies outside manufacturing (software, marketing, operations). In the INFOS context, KORA Productivity supports production Kanban with automatic replenishment alerts, and the Portal dos Subcontratados lets Kanban be extended to external subcontractors — consumption on the line automatically triggers production at the partner.