Kanban for Lean Production in High Mix, Low Volume Environments

Abstract

Due to its assumed inherent inability to manage custom-engineered parts and components, the Kanban system has traditionally been disregarded in high mix, low volume “engineer-to-order” environments. However, elements of the Kanban system have proven their worth in other turbulent, non-manufacturing environments, such as software development. In this paper, we draw on two case studies from the Maritime sector where Kanban boards and cards have been introduced for the execution phase of shop orders in manufacturing. Initial results have been exceptional, with 50% reduction of lead-time realized in both cases.