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What is Kanban?
Kanban is a visual workflow management system designed to help teams optimise processes, reduce bottlenecks, and improve efficiency. It provides a clear, real-time view of work items as they move through stages of completion.
Definition
Kanban is a lean workflow methodology that uses visual boards and cards to manage work in progress and streamline operations.
Key Takeaways
- Kanban uses visual boards to represent work stages.
- It reduces bottlenecks by limiting work in progress.
- Kanban improves flow, efficiency, and team alignment.
Understanding Kanban
Kanban originated in Toyota’s manufacturing operations as a way to control inventory levels and ensure just-in-time production. Today, it is widely used across industries, particularly in software development, project management, logistics, and services.
A Kanban system typically consists of a board divided into workflow columns (e.g., “To Do”, “In Progress”, “Done”) and cards representing tasks. As work progresses, cards move across the board, providing transparency and accountability.
The main goals of Kanban are to improve flow efficiency, reduce delays, and increase predictability. By limiting work in progress (WIP), teams avoid overload and maintain steady output.
Formula (If Applicable)
Kanban does not follow a mathematical formula but uses core principles:
Kanban Core Principles:
- Visualise the workflow.
- Limit work in progress.
- Manage flow.
- Make process policies explicit.
- Implement feedback loops.
- Improve collaboratively and evolve experimentally.
Real-World Example
In software development teams, Kanban boards help developers track bugs, features, and tasks from backlog to completion. By setting WIP limits, teams prevent too many tasks from being active simultaneously.
In retail, Kanban cards on inventory shelves prompt restocking only when items fall below a threshold, improving inventory accuracy and reducing waste.
Importance in Business or Economics
Kanban improves operational visibility, reduces lead times, enhances collaboration, and increases process predictability. It helps organisations respond quickly to changes and maintain consistent output.
Businesses using Kanban often experience fewer delays, higher throughput, and improved quality.
Types or Variations (If Relevant)
- Personal Kanban: Adapted for individual productivity.
- Scrumban: Hybrid of Scrum and Kanban.
- Enterprise Kanban: Scales Kanban across entire organisations.
Related Terms
- Lean Management
- Agile Methodology
- Workflow Optimization
- Continuous Improvement
Sources and Further Reading
- https://kanbanize.com/kanban-resources/getting-started/what-is-kanban
- https://www.lean.org/explore-lean/what-is-kanban/
- https://www.atlassian.com/agile/kanban
Quick Reference
- Core Idea: Visual workflow management.
- Primary Tool: Kanban board (physical or digital).
- Impact: Reduced bottlenecks, higher efficiency, improved flow.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a Kanban board?
A board that visualises workflow stages using columns and cards.
Why limit work in progress?
To reduce overload and maintain stable flow.
Does Kanban work with Agile?
Yes, Kanban integrates seamlessly with Agile practices.
