This paper reviews the literature regarding adaptations of the kanban system with the purpose of identifying, classifying and analyzing this literature. Thirty three different systems were studied and classified according to six categories: the publication year, the number of original characteristics preserved in the adaptation, the operational differences between the adaptation and the original kanban, the advantages and disadvantages related to the original kanban, and the way that these systems were developed. A brief summary of each adaptation is shown integrating the scattered efforts undertaken by the authors with the aim of improving the kanban system and adjusting it to the new and/or distinct necessities of the production systems. It was found that, among other topics, the development of the adapted systems, in general, is at an initial stage, once the majority of the proposals are theoretical and might be considered to generate more appropriated practical forms.
Kanban system; Adaptations; Review
