The most important elements in any lean manufacturing environment are workflow and inventory management. Managers and employees struggle with easy and efficient ways to communicate and track inventory levels and prioritize jobs.

A Kanban system can help to keep inventory management flowing smoothly. The system is based on a highly visible set of boards that hold up to 828 cards in 17 different colors. Red and yellow taped card pockets are used to communicate critical inventory level problems or the need to immediately start production of certain parts.

Manufacturing employees use the system to help them to simplify and visualize load leveling, to prioritize their time, and to keep jobs moving. Even in today’s highly computerized work environment, sometimes simple solutions still work the best.