Kanban
Kanban is a visual management method used to improve workflow efficiency, collaboration, and productivity in various contexts, including software development, manufacturing, project management, and service delivery. The word “Kanban” originates from Japanese, where “kan” means “visual” and “ban” means “card” or “board.”
The core principle of Kanban is to visualize work items and their flow through different stages of a process using a Kanban board. The board typically consists of columns that represent the different stages of work, and each work item is represented by a card or sticky note. As work progresses, cards move from one column to another, representing the flow of work from one stage to the next.
Key characteristics of Kanban:
- Visual Management: Kanban provides a clear visual representation of the workflow, making it easy for team members to understand the status of work at a glance.
- Work in Progress (WIP) Limits: Kanban sets limits on the number of work items that can be in progress at each stage. WIP limits help prevent overloading the team and maintain a steady flow of work.
- Pull System: Work items are pulled into the workflow based on capacity and demand, rather than being pushed into the process.
- Continuous Improvement: Kanban encourages continuous improvement through regular meetings, retrospectives, and analysis of flow metrics.
- Flexibility and Adaptability: Kanban allows for flexibility in prioritization and responding to changing requirements or priorities.
Kanban is widely used as an Agile project management method and is particularly popular in environments where work items have varying sizes and priorities. It provides teams with a practical approach to managing work, reducing bottlenecks, and optimizing flow. By visualizing the workflow and limiting work in progress, teams can enhance collaboration, reduce lead times, and improve overall efficiency and productivity.