Kanban is a project management method that was developed in the 1950s by a Japanese engineer named Taiichi Ohno. It is based on the principles of lean manufacturing, which is a system for maximizing efficiency and minimizing waste in the production process.
The word “kanban” literally means “signboard” or “billboard” in Japanese, and it refers to the visual signals that are used to manage workflows and track progress in a lean manufacturing system.
In a kanban system, work is represented by cards on a board, and the board is divided into columns that represent the different stages of the work process. As work is completed, the cards are moved from one column to the next, providing a visual representation of the team’s progress and highlighting any bottlenecks or areas where work is piling up.
One of the key benefits of kanban is that it allows teams to work in an agile, flexible way, adapting to changing priorities and customer needs as they arise. It also helps teams to focus on continuous improvement, by providing a clear view of the work process and helping to identify opportunities for streamlining and efficiency.
Another of the key principles of kanban is the idea of “flow.” This refers to the smooth, uninterrupted movement of work through the system, from start to finish. The goal is to keep the work flowing as efficiently as possible, without any unnecessary delays or bottlenecks.
To achieve this, kanban teams often use a set of practices known as “pull” or “just-in-time” (JIT) practices. These practices involve only starting work on a new task when the previous one is complete, rather than working on multiple tasks at the same time. This helps to ensure that work is always flowing smoothly through the system, without any unnecessary delays or disruptions.
Another key principle of kanban is the idea of “work in progress” (WIP) limits. These limits are used to ensure that teams do not take on too much work at once, which can lead to delays and bottlenecks. By setting WIP limits and strictly adhering to them, teams can avoid overloading themselves and ensure that work is completed as efficiently as possible.
To implement a kanban system, teams typically start by mapping out their current work process and identifying the different stages of work. They then create a kanban board with columns for each stage of work and add cards to the board to represent the different tasks.
As work is completed, the cards are moved from one column to the next, providing a clear visual representation of the team’s progress. Teams can also use the board to track progress, identify bottlenecks, and identify opportunities for improvement.
One of the key benefits of kanban is that it allows teams to work in an agile, flexible way, adapting to changing priorities and customer needs as they arise. It also helps teams to focus on continuous improvement, by providing a clear view of the work process and helping to identify opportunities for streamlining and efficiency.
In addition to the benefits of kanban for teams, it can also be beneficial for organizations as a whole. By implementing a kanban system, organizations can gain better visibility into their work processes, identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies, and make informed decisions about how to allocate resources.
Overall, kanban lean is a powerful tool for improving team productivity and driving continuous improvement. By providing a clear visual representation of work, and promoting agile, flexible work practices, it can help teams to work more efficiently and effectively, and deliver better results for their customers.