Glossary

What is Kanban?

Last updated July 2026

Definition

Kanban is a pull-based replenishment system that signals a reorder when a bin or card is emptied, keeping on-hand stock low and tied to actual consumption.

It suits high-frequency, stable-demand consumables — two-bin systems on a shop floor are a classic example.

For intermittent, critical spares it's less appropriate; those need criticality-based buffers rather than simple pull signals.

See what your inventory is really costing you.

Tell us where the cash is trapped — excess stock, idle surplus, slow RFQs — and we'll show you the outcome Maintained can unlock.