Kanban看板
Kanban is a visual scheduling signal used in lean production to trigger replenishment or movement of materials based on actual consumption. In work instructions, material flow diagrams, and production control procedures, it appears as a card, bin, or electronic signal that limits work-in-process, aligns supply with downstream demand, supports pull-based flow, and helps teams avoid unnecessary overproduction.
Angel Translation editorial reference · Confirm the rendering against your source and approved project terminology.
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Where this term appears
Lean training materials, production planning software, and factory signage are common localization sources for kanban. Translators often keep the loanword “kanban” but must explain it consistently in first use, and distinguish between production kanban, withdrawal kanban, and electronic kanban when the source text uses those variants. It also appears in standard work documents that describe replenishment routes.
Translation checks
A frequent error is translating kanban as “signboard” or “bulletin board,” which loses the production-control meaning. This can make instructions read like a general notice system rather than a pull-replenishment trigger, leading operators to wait for schedules instead of responding to consumption. In software localization, over-translating the term can also create inconsistency with established lean terminology.
Keep the term aligned across your files
Check equipment names, units, safety instructions and interface labels against the source and approved references. Confirm any market-specific document requirements separately.
Provide approved terms and previous translations with the source files. Agree how variants, ambiguous wording and revisions will be reviewed. Terminology maintenance and any termbase handback are confirmed in the project scope. See the 8-step AI + expert workflow.
Related document experience
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Portuguese → ChinesePortuguese-to-Chinese translation of construction-machinery technical documents, operating manuals and service guides.
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HF TireTech Group
English → Chinese / Thai / Malay / HindiTire-technology files, product manuals and technical standards translated from English into Chinese, Thai, Malay and Hindi.
Read the published project →Published scope shows related industry experience; it does not confirm that this specific term was used or reviewed in the project.
Working on smart manufacturing documentation?
Include the source and target languages, file types, intended use, deadline and any approved termbase. Agree handling before sending sensitive files. Acknowledged in 4 hours, quoted in 24.
Prepare an inquiry email →Smart Manufacturing solutions →File handling →A glossary entry is not an official standard or evidence of regulatory acceptance. Confirm current requirements for your project separately.