Kanban
Definition
Kanban is a method for managing knowledge work with an emphasis on just-in-time delivery while not overloading the team members. It uses a Kanban board to visualize the workflow, limit work in progress (WIP), and maximize efficiency.
Why It Matters
Kanban is a flexible and flow-based approach to implementing Agile. Unlike the fixed sprints of Scrum, Kanban focuses on continuous flow and limiting the amount of work being done at any one time, which can help identify bottlenecks and improve throughput.
Contextual Example
A team uses a Kanban board with three columns: "To Do," "In Progress," and "Done." They set a "WIP limit" of two on the "In Progress" column, meaning no more than two tasks can be actively worked on at the same time. This encourages them to finish work before starting new work.
Common Misunderstandings
- Kanban originated in Toyota's manufacturing system.
- It is less structured than Scrum and is often used by teams that need to respond to incoming requests with variable priority and size, like support or operations teams.