Kanban
Kanban is a method for managing how work flows through a business, originally created by Toyota for manufacturing but now used in many industries. Think of it like a smart traffic light system that controls the flow of work to prevent bottlenecks and excess inventory. It uses visual boards or cards to track work items, making it easy to see what needs to be done, what's in progress, and what's finished. Similar systems include Just-In-Time (JIT) production and pull systems. Companies use Kanban to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and keep inventory levels exactly where they need to be. You might hear it called a "visual management system" or "pull-based inventory management."
Examples in Resumes
Implemented Kanban system that reduced warehouse inventory by 30%
Led transition from traditional inventory management to Kanban methodology
Managed production floor using Kanban and Visual Management systems
Optimized supply chain using Kanban Board implementation
Typical job title: "Supply Chain Managers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Supply Chain Managers
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Learning Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you implement a Kanban system in a facility that's currently using traditional inventory management?
Expected Answer: A senior manager should discuss stages of implementation, including analyzing current workflow, training staff, starting with pilot areas, establishing visual management tools, and measuring results. They should mention change management strategies and potential challenges.
Q: How do you determine the optimal Kanban card quantities for different products?
Expected Answer: Should explain how to calculate quantities based on demand patterns, lead times, safety stock requirements, and production capacity. Should mention the importance of regular review and adjustment of these quantities.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What metrics would you use to measure the success of a Kanban system?
Expected Answer: Should discuss inventory turnover rates, lead times, stockout frequencies, production efficiency, and cost savings. Should understand how these metrics indicate system performance.
Q: How do you handle seasonal variations in demand within a Kanban system?
Expected Answer: Should explain adjusting card quantities, using buffer stocks, and planning ahead for peak periods while maintaining the pull system principles.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the basic principles of a Kanban system?
Expected Answer: Should explain the pull system concept, visual management, and how Kanban cards work to control inventory flow. Should understand the difference between push and pull systems.
Q: What are the main benefits of using a Kanban system?
Expected Answer: Should mention reduced inventory costs, improved efficiency, better visibility of work flow, and reduced waste. Should be able to give simple examples of these benefits.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of Kanban principles
- Visual board management
- Inventory tracking
- Basic problem-solving skills
Mid (2-5 years)
- Kanban system implementation
- Team coordination
- Performance metrics tracking
- Process improvement
Senior (5+ years)
- Large-scale system design
- Change management
- Cross-functional leadership
- Strategic planning
Red Flags to Watch For
- No understanding of pull systems vs push systems
- Lack of experience with inventory management
- Poor communication skills
- No experience with continuous improvement processes
- Unable to explain basic Kanban principles
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