Strategy
Kanban
Plain English
Visualise work and keep it moving.
Definition
Kanban is a method for managing glossaryWorkflowA workflow is a defined sequence of tasks or steps required to complete a process.Open glossary term by visualising tasks and limiting work in progress.
In practice
Teams use boards to track work stages and maintain flow.
In context
The limit on work in progress is the whole method. A board with no limits is a to-do list on a wall, and it will fill with items that are eighty per cent done.
The reality
Without discipline, it becomes a task list rather than a flow glossarySystemA system is a collection of interconnected components that work together to achieve a specific function or outcome.Open glossary term.
Compared with
Kanban vs Scrum
Kanban optimises flow: how quickly one item moves start to finish. glossaryScrumScrum is an Agile framework that structures work into time-boxed iterations called sprints.Open glossary term optimises glossaryPredictabilityPredictability refers to how well users can anticipate what will happen when they interact with a system.Open glossary term: what will be done by a date. Teams asked for both usually need to choose which one they will actually be held to.
FAQ
Common questions
A few practical answers to the questions that usually come up around this term.
What is Kanban?
A glossarySystemA system is a collection of interconnected components that work together to achieve a specific function or outcome.Open glossary term for managing work visually.
What is a Kanban board?
A visual board showing task progress.
What are WIP limits?
Limits on how much work can be in progress.
When should you use Kanban?
When work is continuous rather than time-boxed.
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