Kanban, derived from the Japanese words 看 (Kan), meaning "visual," and 板 (Ban), meaning "board," is a sophisticated management methodology grounded in the principles of lean manufacturing. Originating in the late 1940s by Taiichi Ohno, an engineer at Toyota, Japan, Kanban was designed to optimize efficiency and responsiveness in production processes through a visual management system. This system was pivotal in transitioning Toyota’s operations from a "push" (production-driven) to a "pull" (demand-driven) methodology, significantly reducing waste and enhancing responsiveness to market demand.

Kanban integrates a philosophy of continuous improvement with a practical, visual approach to managing work processes. It employs Kanban boards, which visually represent work items as they flow through various stages of production or development. This visual representation is not merely a management tool but a strategic approach that enables real-time communication and decision-making across teams and departments.

In practice, Kanban boards are divided into columns, each representing a specific stage of the workflow. Work items, represented as cards, are moved from left to right, reflecting their progression from initiation to completion. This method allows for a transparent view of the current work state, facilitating better resource management and more efficient workflow processes.