Why repleno Is Not a Kanban System

Kanban in brief

Kanban is a physical signal system from production. Each bin or shelf position gets a card with item name, quantity, and supplier. When a bin is empty, the card moves to the ordering point: that is the replenishment signal. A well-known variant in the warehouse is the two-bin system: when bin A is empty, consumption continues from bin B while A is being replenished.

The essential difference

Kanban works with physical signals: a card, an empty bin. The signal is visible, tangible, and reliable without any software.

repleno works with digital thresholds: the system continuously checks stock levels and decides based on configured rules whether a demand exists.

When Kanban works well

• stable, predictable consumption
• fixed delivery cycles and clear quantities per item
• environments where cards and bins can be consistently maintained

When repleno fits

• variable consumption across many items and suppliers
• no space or willingness for physical card and bin systems
• need for a central overview of all items and orders