What is the kanban system
The Henry Halstead kanban system provides a total material controls service for any type of small components, consumables and fasteners with no involvement from the customer other than consumption.
The Henry Halstead system is commonly used as a catalyst for change in procurement methods. Typically an O.E.M. will discard all small component suppliers, and resource the items via the Halstead kanban. Providing there is adequate usage, there are no limits to the product ranges.
Some of the benefits:
- Reduced inventory and paperwork in all departments
- Product rationalisation / Similar parts easily added to the system
- Flexibility of supply / Demand driven
- No purchasing administration, scheduling or expediting
- No goods receiving or inspection
- No warehousing or sub-store replenishment
- Full batch traceability to production line
- Major contribution to continuous improvement
How it Works
Purpose built racking systems designed by Halsteads, incorporate pairs of bins for each component. The front bin is denoted as the "working bin" and the second bin as the "back up bin". Once empty, the working bin is placed on to the bottom shelf indicating the need for collection and replenishment. The back up bin slides forward, to become the new working bin. The cycle is continuous and is entirely demand driven.
Sophisticated computer software and the use of bar coding facilitates accurate bin replenishment. A major feature is the highly visible batch trace card which illustrates at a glance the previous bin movements. This system, developed by Halsteads and proven since 1988, guarantees continuous stock availability on an enormous range of products, working with minimum stocks conveniently sited at point of use. Each rack unit is mobile and accommodates line feed, block feed or cell feed in any manufacturing, assembly environment. Management review information is provided for each individual station/cell/location.
Great importance is placed on housekeeping of the kanban stations by the Halstead personnel and also their close liaison with the O.E.M.s operatives. In the larger customers this is taken several steps further... Halstead staff are permanently on site. The Halstead "Envoys" ensure a close logistical integration between the high demand user and its "Best Supplier" on a daily basis.