Kanban

Kanban is a visual project management method designed to optimize workflow efficiency and enhance productivity. It provides teams with a clear visualization of work stages and limits work in progress (WIP) to maintain a steady flow. In Kanban, tasks are represented as cards on a board, moving through columns that signify different stages of the process. This method fosters collaboration, enables quick identification of bottlenecks, and encourages continuous improvement, making it a popular choice for teams across various industries seeking to streamline their processes.

Kanban Roles:

Kanban System Designer/Manager:

• Design and implement the Kanban system.
• Define policies for workflow, WIP (Work In Progress) limits, and other parameters.
• Monitor and improve the Kanban system over time.
• Analyze current workflow and processes.
• Design Kanban boards and workflows.
• Establish WIP limits and policies.
• Monitor system performance and make adjustments as needed.

Team Members (or Knowledge Workers):

• Perform tasks and deliver work items according to Kanban board priorities.
• Collaborate with team members to ensure a smooth workflow.
• Identify and communicate blockers or bottlenecks.
• Pull work items from the backlog into the appropriate workflow stages.
• Collaborate with team members to resolve issues and maintain flow.
• Communicate status updates and progress.

Kanban Activities:

Visualizing Workflow: Creating a visual representation of the workflow stages and work items using a Kanban board, typically divided into columns representing different stages of the process.

Limiting Work In Progress (WIP): Setting explicit WIP limits for each stage of the workflow to prevent overloading and maintain a steady flow of work.

Managing Flow: Focusing on optimizing the flow of work through the system, ensuring that work items move smoothly from one stage to the next with minimal delays or bottlenecks.

Continuous Improvement (Kaizen): Encouraging a culture of continuous improvement by regularly reviewing and refining the Kanban system, policies, and workflow to identify areas for optimization.

Kanban Artifacts:

Kanban Board: A visual representation of the workflow, typically consisting of columns representing different stages of the process and cards representing individual work items. The Kanban board provides a clear, real-time view of the status of work in progress.

Work Item Cards: Cards representing individual work items or tasks, typically containing information such as task description, assignee, priority, and status. Work item cards move through the workflow stages as work progresses.

Cumulative Flow Diagram (CFD): A graphical representation of the flow of work over time, showing how work items accumulate and move through the workflow stages. CFDs provide insights into process performance and bottlenecks.