There are a number of meanings of Kanban.
A Kanban is a card containing all the information required to be done on a product at each stage along its path to completion and which parts are needed at subsequent processes. These cards are used to control work-in-progress (W.I.P.), production, and inventory flow. A Kanban System allows a company to use Just In Time (J.I.T) production and ordering systems which allow them to minimize their inventories while still satisfying customer demands.
A Kanban System consists of a set of these cards, with one being allocated for each part being manufactured, that travel between preceding and subsequent processes. The Kanban System was developed more than 20 years ago, by Mr. Taiichi Ohno, a vice president of Toyota, along with Shigeo Shingo, to achieve objectives that include:
reducing costs by eliminating waste/scrap
try to create work sites that can respond to changes quickly
facilitate the methods of achieving and assuring quality control
design work sites according to human dignity, mutual trust and support, and allowing workers to reach their maximum potential.
A Kanban System has the following characteristics:
1 A simple and understandable process 1 Provides quick and precise information 1 Low costs associated with the transfer of information 1 Provides quick response to changes 1 Limit of over-capacity in processes 1 Avoids overproduction 1 Minimizes waste 1 Control can be maintained 1 Delegates responsibility to line workers
See:
www.graphicproducts.com 
- "What is Kanban?"
www.dal.ca -- <b><i>[Broken Link!]</b></i>
www.geocities.com - "Kanban-an Integrated JIT (Just In Time) System"
See also: Kanban In Software Development
See original on c2.com