Applications of Single-Card and Dual-Card Kanban

Kanban is a Japanese technique for requesting more manufacturing materials on an as-needed basis by issuing a Kanban (card), plus an empty container. Kanban is a pull system of replenishment, as opposed to the push system that governs schedule-based systems like material requirements planning (MRP).

Toyota's dual-card Kanban technique, with a productivity-improvement feature, is contrasted with a less-potent and simpler technique employing a single Kanban. Kanban techniques are also compared with MRP, reorder point, and continuous replenishment techniques.