Insight into the Lean tool Kanban and its types call on certain questions! Here are some of the most frequently asked questions that I have encountered on my Kanban journey:
1. Can Kanban help reduce our inventory levels?
– Yes, Kanban can help reduce inventory levels. It regulates the inventory levels, thereby aligning them with customer demand. However, it will not take place overnight. Kanban can only be successful after the efficient implementation of certain prerequisites that are aimed to achieve superior quality.
2. Can we carry out Kanban as the ‘first thing’ in Lean implementation?
– No, you cannot carry out Kanban as the first thing in Lean implementation. You must follow the method. Kanban cannot be successful if the basics of Lean disappear in the workplace. For instance, these include 5S, takt, and line balance. Additionally, other tools such as visual factory and TPM are necessary for Kanban to succeed.
3. We don’t move material from one place to another in bins! Will Kanban still work in this scenario?
– Kanban doesn’t stress the movement of material in bins alone. Moreover, it only ensures the regulation of the quantity and time of material flow with customer demand. Hence, Kanban will still work in the scenario mentioned above. For instance, an empty marked space on the floor can be a signal to produce!
4. Do we need Kanban post holders where Kanban cards are either retrieved or submitted?
– It is better this way!
5. Kanban cards and quantity calculations are complicated. They are not straightforward. Hence, is there any easy method to find them instead of using the formulas?
– Well, there are sophisticated applications that will do the calculations for you and provide the right inputs. However, you learn by doing them yourself. You will make mistakes the first, second, or even the third time around. Nevertheless, that is how you learn. It is how your knowledge of the subject improves. You should keep trying until you succeed.
6. Does Kanban implementation involve cross-functional teams?
– Yes, without a doubt!
7. Will training on the Kanban system be a good place to start Kanban implementation in my workplace?
– It depends! If you already practice Lean, then perhaps yes. However, if your company doesn’t practice Lean, it’s a no. While familiarizing with Lean principles and ideas is a good starting point, it depends on the goal you wish to carry out using Kanban. Most importantly, remember that Kanban is not the goal. It is just the means to achieve it. Hence the first step is for you to set up the gaps you wish Kanban to address.
