Implementing a lean supply chain system can be a difficult process. Lean manufacturing systems can add efficiency and rapid return on investment. Lean systems can create inventory reductions allowing your organization to put more operating capital to work in new areas. MRO based systems certainly have their place in manufacturing but there are opportunities for KanBan solutions and lean replenishment systems that are often not seen.

A Kanban system is a card based system or an electronic system that automatically creates production orders for items when safety levels are reduced to a predetermined point. The automatic creation of production orders means that often times oversight is no longer needed and the amount of raw materials on hand and often times be reduced substantially.

Kanban supply chain solutions have been common in automotive for quite some time and with the introduction of electronic solutions they are gaining greater acceptance in many other areas as well. A good electronic system will incorporate a scheduling system or advanced planning system that can monitor the inventory for opportunities to create needed production orders.

If you’re interested in learning more about electronic Kanban in supply chain management you might want to check out this article on the AI Portal. Lean manufacturing solutions can be a real advantage in managing a lean manufacturing solution and reducing the labor required to manage production orders.