E-kanban that signals itself: no cards, buttons or scans.
Electronic kanban replaces paper cards with a digital signal. Most e-kanban still needs someone to press, scan or move something. Weighing each bin triggers the signal from the stock level itself.
An e-kanban system sends an electronic replenishment signal when a bin needs refilling. With Maxi Bin, a scale under each bin measures the stock. When the count drops below the bin's minimum, StockMonitor sends a low-stock alert by email, with no card to post, button to press or barcode to scan.
What types of e-kanban are there?
| Method | What triggers the signal | What can go wrong |
|---|---|---|
| Barcode scan | Someone scans the card when a bin empties | Scan forgotten; signal only at empty |
| Button or click device | Someone presses a button on the bin | Not pressed; batteries to replace |
| RFID card | A card is placed on a reader board | Card mislaid or not returned |
| Camera | A camera estimates the fill level | Needs line of sight and good lighting |
| Weight (Maxi Bin) | The scale measures the count continuously | One part type per bin; parts need a consistent weight |
How does weight-triggered e-kanban work?
Set a minimum
Choose a reorder point and a maximum for each bin in StockMonitor.
Stock drops
Parts are taken. The scale sees the count fall below the minimum.
Alert goes out
The people you choose get an email, and the bin shows as low.
Bin refilled
The count rises, the bin returns to normal, and the activity log records the refill.
Frequently asked questions
Does the system place purchase orders?
No. StockMonitor sends low-stock alerts by email to the people you choose and exports current levels to CSV. Your buyer, or a supplier you give access to, places the order.
Can my supplier receive the replenishment signal?
Yes. Add the supplier's representative as a Viewer and they receive the same low-stock alerts as your team.
How quickly does the signal arrive?
Each scale reports once a minute, so a bin dropping below its minimum is flagged within minutes of the parts being taken.
Can I keep two-bin kanban?
Yes. Put a scale under the working bin and the signal fires when stock reaches your reorder point, before the bin is empty.
Related guides
Replace the cards, not your process.
Tell us how your kanban runs today and we will show you where scales fit.