Kanban Station

July 13, 2013

The time proven Kanban system is a series of cards that represent visual cues containing routing information, process procedures and component data functions as a scheduling system for continuous improvement, lean and just-in-time production. The Kanban system allows participants to achieve the objectives of reducing costs by eliminating waste and scrap, improving quality control, developing flexible workstations responsive to change, and allowing workers to reach their maximum potential. Should a Kanban system not be presented in its own level of simplicity, it can add confusion and disorder to the process. For example, a large, bulky filing system for storing and distributing the cards can quickly undermine its acceptance and use. The simple answer is to build Kanban Stations using the Creform System of plastic coated steel pipe and joint components along with Creform Kanban plastic dividers and spacers that provide compartmental storage for the cards.

The dividers/spacers interlock with one and other without adhesive and can be oriented vertically or horizontally. Available in white only, they are 6-¼" deep, 4" tall and 58" wide. Spacers create wider slot openings and slot caps provide a labeling surface or can be used to block off positions. These modular units can be stacked in numerous width-height configurations that match users' requirements.

The Creform Kanban Station, as shown, was custom designed and built for a Creform customer. It features six rows, each with 96 kanban slots oriented vertically. An additional 30 slots across the bottom are oriented horizontally equaling 606 total positions. The panels across the top are for the user's signage. Four swivel casters, two locking, make these stations highly mobile to use throughout its facility.

Creform kanban stations can be designed as stationary structures or integrated into workstations, supermarket flow racks or manufacturing cells. Creform pipe is offered in a wide selection of standard and custom colors allowing these stations to be color coded by department or type of use.

Related Glossary Terms

  • filing

    filing

    Operation in which a tool with numerous small teeth is applied manually to round off sharp corners and shoulders and remove burrs and nicks. Although often a manual operation, filing on a power filer or contour band machine with a special filing attachment can be an intermediate step in machining low-volume or one-of-a-kind parts.

  • just-in-time ( JIT)

    just-in-time ( JIT)

    Philosophy based on identifying, then removing, impediments to productivity. Applies to machining processes, inventory control, rejects, changeover time and other elements affecting production.

  • quality assurance ( quality control)

    quality assurance ( quality control)

    Terms denoting a formal program for monitoring product quality. The denotations are the same, but QC typically connotes a more traditional postmachining inspection system, while QA implies a more comprehensive approach, with emphasis on “total quality,” broad quality principles, statistical process control and other statistical methods.

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