Which system of visual cues is used to simplify scheduling and reduce work in progress?

The correct choice emphasizes Kanban, which is a visual management system designed to improve workflow efficiency and minimize work in progress (WIP) through real-time visual cues. Kanban uses cards or other visual indicators to represent work items, allowing teams to see the status of tasks at a glance. This approach helps to manage production and scheduling by highlighting what needs to be done and what is currently in progress.

When implementing Kanban, teams can visualize their workflow, limit WIP, and ensure that they focus on completing tasks before taking on new ones. This streamlining of processes not only simplifies scheduling but also enhances overall productivity by minimizing bottlenecks and encouraging a smooth flow of work.

In contrast, while Kaizen focuses on continuous improvement, and Six Sigma emphasizes quality control through data-driven approaches, and Just-In-Time (JIT) stresses inventory management and waste reduction, these methodologies do not inherently rely on the visual cues specific to Kanban for managing WIP and scheduling tasks directly. Kanban distinctly stands out for its visual approach to managing work processes effectively.