Which term describes leveling production to smooth out volume and mix in kanban systems?

Which term describes leveling production to smooth out volume and mix in kanban systems?

• A. Poka-yoke
• B. Kaizen
• C. Jidoka
• D. Heijunka

Answer: (D)

Leveling production to smooth out volume and mix in kanban systems is Heijunka. It means producing at a steady rate and distributing the mix of products evenly over time, so demand is met without large swings. This creates a stable takt time and reliable kanban signaling, reducing variability and inventory. Poka-yoke is about mistake-proofing, Jidoka focuses on stopping the line to fix defects, and Kaizen means continuous improvement; none of these describe leveling the workload and mix like Heijunka does.

Leveling production to smooth out volume and mix in kanban systems is Heijunka. It means producing at a steady rate and distributing the mix of products evenly over time, so demand is met without large swings. This creates a stable takt time and reliable kanban signaling, reducing variability and inventory. Poka-yoke is about mistake-proofing, Jidoka focuses on stopping the line to fix defects, and Kaizen means continuous improvement; none of these describe leveling the workload and mix like Heijunka does.