TL;DR
Kanban is an Agile framework that visualizes workflow, limits work in progress, and promotes continuous improvement, enabling teams to manage tasks efficiently and respond flexibly to changing priorities.
Concept
Kanban is a visual project management methodology that originated in the late 1940s at Toyota as part of the Toyota Production System. The term “Kanban” translates to “visual signal” or “card,” reflecting its use of visual cues to manage work processes. This approach focuses on visualizing tasks and workflows to enhance efficiency and productivity.
The core principles of Kanban include:
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Visualize Work: Kanban uses boards—either physical or digital—to represent tasks as cards moving through various stages of a workflow. This visualization helps teams see the status of work items at a glance, facilitating better communication and collaboration.
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Limit Work in Progress (WIP): By setting limits on the number of tasks that can be in progress at any given time, Kanban helps teams avoid overloading themselves and encourages them to complete tasks before taking on new ones. This practice enhances focus and reduces bottlenecks.
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Manage Flow: Kanban emphasizes the smooth flow of work through the system. Teams monitor the progress of tasks and identify any obstacles that may impede workflow, allowing for timely adjustments and improvements.
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Make Process Policies Explicit: Clearly defined processes and guidelines help team members understand how work is done and what criteria must be met for tasks to move from one stage to another.
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Feedback Loops: Regular reviews and feedback sessions are integral to the Kanban methodology. These discussions allow teams to reflect on their processes, identify areas for improvement, and adapt their workflows accordingly.
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Continuous Improvement: Kanban encourages a culture of ongoing enhancement, where teams regularly seek ways to optimize their processes and increase efficiency.
Kanban is particularly effective in environments with frequently changing priorities, such as software development, customer support, and marketing. Its flexibility allows teams to adapt quickly to new demands while maintaining a clear overview of their workload. By implementing Kanban, organizations can improve collaboration, enhance productivity, and deliver higher quality outcomes.
