What type of system is a 'Kanban' in Lean management?

In Lean management, a Kanban system functions primarily as an inventory control system based on demand. It is designed to improve efficiency and reduce waste by using visual signals to indicate when to replenish inventory or when production should occur, aligning production with actual demand. This approach enables teams to minimize excess inventory and only produce what is necessary, thereby streamlining operations and enhancing responsiveness to customer needs.

By focusing on demand-driven inventory management, Kanban helps organizations implement Just-In-Time (JIT) production and create a more flexible and adaptive production environment. This structure supports continuous flow and workflow management, which are central to Lean principles, as it encourages teams to optimize processes and respond effectively to fluctuating market demands.

In contrast, options like a scheduling system for production focus more on managing timelines rather than responding directly to inventory levels. A training program for employees and a quality control system for suppliers do not align with the core functionality of Kanban, which is focused on visual management and inventory control influenced by real-time demand. Thus, the primary characterization of Kanban supports its identification as an inventory control system based on demand.