Implementing Kanban

Map value stream – Where do the final product come from? What are all the steps that it goes through until it’s in the hands of the end-user?

Define the start and end points for the Kanban system – These should preferably be where the implementation team should have control. Start with a narrow focus, as people outside the span will soon ask to join in.

Agree on following options

• Initial WIP limits and policies for changing or temporarily breaking them
• Process for prioritizing
• Policies for different classes of service (e.g. “standard”, “expedite”, “fixed delivery date”).
• Frequency of reviews
• Start using it.

Kanban “label” data usually includes the following data items

• Kanban number
• Supplier name
• Line site address – location of line where the component will be processed
• Shipping area address – shipping location for finished assemblies
• Part store address – factory location for temporary storage of components before
• assembly line use
• Part description
• Quantity in kanban package
• Bar code
• Part number