Kanban Principles | Kanban

Introduction to Kanban

Kanban is a visual workflow management method that helps teams to visualize their work, limit work in progress, and maximize efficiency. Originating from Toyota's production system, Kanban has been adapted for various industries and teams seeking to improve their workflow and productivity.

Core Principles of Kanban

The Kanban method is based on several key principles that guide its implementation and practice. Below are the main principles:

Visualize the Workflow: Use boards to visualize tasks and their progress.
Limit Work in Progress (WIP): Set limits on how many tasks can be in progress at any given time.
Manage Flow: Focus on maintaining a smooth flow of work through the system.
Make Process Policies Explicit: Clearly define and communicate the rules and policies of the workflow.
Implement Feedback Loops: Use regular reviews and feedback to improve the process.
Improve Collaboratively: Encourage collaboration among team members to identify and eliminate inefficiencies.

1. Visualize the Workflow

Visualizing the workflow allows team members to see the status of tasks at a glance. This is generally done through a Kanban board, which consists of columns representing different stages of the workflow (e.g., To Do, In Progress, Done).

Example:

A simple Kanban board may have three columns: To Do, In Progress, and Done. Each task is represented by a card that moves from one column to the next as work progresses.

2. Limit Work in Progress (WIP)

Limiting WIP is crucial to reducing bottlenecks and ensuring that team members are not overwhelmed. By setting a maximum number of tasks that can be in progress, teams can focus on completing work before taking on new tasks.

Example:

If a team decides to set a WIP limit of 3 for the "In Progress" column, only three tasks can be actively worked on at any given time. This encourages team members to complete tasks before starting new ones.

3. Manage Flow

Managing flow involves monitoring how work moves through the Kanban system. Teams should aim to reduce cycle times and improve lead times to increase overall efficiency.

Example:

By analyzing the average time tasks spend in each column, a team can identify stages where work tends to pile up and address those issues to improve flow.

4. Make Process Policies Explicit

Clear and explicit policies help ensure everyone understands how tasks are handled within the workflow. This includes defining what constitutes "Done" for a task and how tasks are prioritized.

Example:

A team may define that a task is considered "Done" only after it has been tested and approved by a product owner. This clarity helps prevent misunderstandings.

5. Implement Feedback Loops

Regular feedback is essential for continuous improvement. This can include daily stand-up meetings, retrospectives, and reviews to discuss what is working well and what can be improved.

Example:

A team may hold a weekly retrospective to review the past week’s work and identify any challenges faced, allowing them to make adjustments for the following week.

6. Improve Collaboratively

Collaborative improvement involves engaging all team members in identifying inefficiencies and working together to address them. This fosters a culture of teamwork and shared responsibility.

Example:

During a team meeting, members can suggest changes to the Kanban process based on their experiences, leading to better practices and increased productivity.

Conclusion

The Kanban principles provide a solid foundation for teams looking to improve their workflow and efficiency. By visualizing work, limiting WIP, managing flow, and fostering collaboration, teams can enhance productivity and achieve better results.