Terms

Kanban

Kanban is a workflow management method that uses visual signals to manage work and improve efficiency by aligning production with actual demand. Developed at Toyota for its just-in-time manufacturing system, it functions as a "pull" system, using cues to signal when new work should be started, thereby limiting excess inventory and highlighting process inefficiencies.

History and Origins

The Kanban method originated in the late 1940s at Toyota. Industrial engineer Taiichi Ohno developed the system to improve manufacturing efficiency. He was inspired by how American supermarkets only restocked shelves based on customer demand, creating a "pull" system.

Initially a tool for physical manufacturing, Kanban's principles were later adapted for knowledge work. In the early 2000s, it gained popularity in the software development and IT industries. This evolution led to the digital Kanban boards widely used today.

Key Principles

The Kanban method is guided by foundational principles that promote evolutionary change and continuous improvement. These principles help teams manage workflow, reduce waste, and deliver value more effectively.

  • Visualize: Using a Kanban board to see all work items in context of each other.
  • Limit: Capping the amount of work in progress (WIP) to prevent bottlenecks and improve focus.
  • Flow: Managing and measuring the movement of work through the system to maximize value delivery.
  • Improve: Collaboratively refining the process through continuous, incremental changes based on feedback.

Kanban vs. Scrum

While both frameworks help teams work more efficiently, they have different approaches to managing workflow.

  • Kanban: This is an adaptive method focused on continuous flow and limiting work-in-progress (WIP). It offers flexibility and improved delivery speed but requires process stability and consistent updates. It's ideal for teams needing continuous delivery and is adaptable for both enterprises and mid-market companies seeking incremental improvements without disrupting current processes.
  • Scrum: This is a prescriptive framework using fixed-length sprints and defined roles. It provides structure and predictability but can be rigid, as changes are discouraged mid-sprint. It suits projects with well-defined tasks and is often preferred by organizations new to Agile that benefit from its clear structure and ceremonies.

Implementation Strategies

This is how you can start implementing Kanban in your team.

  1. Map your current workflow by defining the stages from start to finish and visualize them on a Kanban board.
  2. Place all your current tasks as cards on the board in their respective columns.
  3. Set Work-in-Progress (WIP) limits for each "active" stage to prevent bottlenecks and improve focus.
  4. Manage the flow of work, observing how tasks move across the board and addressing any delays.
  5. Continuously improve your process by holding regular team reviews to identify and implement changes.

Benefits and Challenges

Adopting Kanban can significantly improve workflow, but it's not without its hurdles. The method enhances transparency and efficiency, making it a powerful tool. However, its effectiveness depends on consistent team discipline and process stability.

  • Pros: Kanban boosts efficiency and transparency by visualizing the workflow. This helps teams identify bottlenecks quickly, manage work in progress, and ensure a smooth, predictable flow of value.
  • Cons: The system can be less effective if processes are unstable or if the board isn't updated diligently. Without team commitment, a Kanban board can become outdated and fail to reflect the true state of work.

Frequently Asked Questions about Kanban

Can Kanban be used for non-IT projects?

Absolutely. Kanban's principles of visualizing work, limiting work-in-progress, and managing flow are applicable to any process-oriented field, including marketing, HR, and operations. Its flexibility makes it a powerful tool for managing diverse workflows beyond software development.

How do you handle deadlines in Kanban?

While Kanban is flow-based, deadlines are managed by prioritizing tasks and ensuring they move smoothly through the workflow. Service Level Expectations (SLEs) can be set to forecast completion times, and high-priority items are expedited to meet their due dates.

Is a physical or digital Kanban board better?

The choice depends on your team. Physical boards are great for co-located teams to foster collaboration and visibility. Digital boards are essential for remote or distributed teams, offering automation, analytics, and easier integration with other tools for tracking progress.

Other terms

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Video Hosting

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Representational State Transfer Application Programming Interface

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Amortization

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Hot Leads

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Key Accounts

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Customer Retention

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Contact Discovery

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Firewall

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Lead Velocity Rate

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Gone Dark

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Consumer Buying Behavior

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SAM

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End of Quarter

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Customer Relationship Marketing

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Customer Data Analysis

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Call Analytics

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Channel Marketing

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Sales Enablement Technology

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Touchpoints

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API

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Marketing Automation Platform

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Buying Criteria

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Nurture

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Competitive Intelligence (CI)

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LPI

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