kanban

[kahn-bahn] /ˈkɑnˈbɑn/
noun
1.
a just-in-time method of inventory control, originally developed in Japanese automobile factories.
Origin
< Japanese kamban literally, ‘signboard, shopkeeper's in-business sign', probably alluding to the shop or tavern keeper's final call for orders before taking the sign down, hence 'last-minute, just in time' in the context of inventory control < Middle Chinese, equivalent to Chinese kàn ‘look’ + bǎn ‘printing block’
Examples from the web for kanban
  • They established the kanban system, in which parts and supplies are ordered as they are being used.
  • kanban supermarkets were identified, implemented and monitored.
British Dictionary definitions for kanban

kanban

/ˈkænbæn/
noun
1.
a just-in-time manufacturing process in which the movements of materials through a process are recorded on specially designed cards
2.
any of the cards used for ordering materials in such a system
Word Origin
literally: advertisement hoarding
Contemporary definitions for kanban
noun

in manufacturing, a written set of specifications and requirements for production of a commodity and inventory control of the components needed; a manufacturing system or assembly line using such written specifications; also called just-in-time

Word Origin

Japanese 'sign, poster'

Usage Note

Japanese