A supply chain manager wants to reduce waste and labor in their manufacturing process and...

According to the CTSC Exam Content Manual1, Kanban is a lean manufacturing tool that uses visual signals to indicate the need for a component or material in a production process. Kanban is linked to consumer demand, as it triggers the replenishment of inventory only when there is actual consumption. Kanban helps to reduce waste and labor by minimizing overproduction, inventory, and waiting time. Option B, JIT purchasing, is a related concept that involves buying materials or components just before they are needed in the production process, but it does not necessarily use visual signals. Option C, Kaizen, is a lean manufacturing tool that involves continuous improvement of processes and activities, but it is not specific to reducing waste and labor in the manufacturing process. Option D, TOC, is a management philosophy that focuses on identifying and eliminating the constraints or bottlenecks that limit the performance of a system, but it does not use visual signals to indicate the need for a component.