Kanban

Kanban is a lean management approach that originated in Japanese manufacturing in the 1940s. It is a method for managing and improving workflow by visualizing and limiting work in progress (WIP). Kanban has since been applied to various industries beyond manufacturing, including software development, healthcare, and education.

The word 'kanban' means 'visual signal' or 'card' in Japanese. In the context of Kanban, it refers to a physical or digital card that represents a task or work item. The cards are used to visualize the flow of work, from the initiation of a task to its completion.

Here are some key features of Kanban:

• Visual management: Kanban emphasizes the use of visual signals to manage workflow. This can include physical cards on a board or digital cards in a software tool. The cards provide a clear visual representation of the work in progress and the status of each task.
• Work in progress (WIP) limits: Kanban sets limits on the amount of work that can be in progress at any given time. This helps to prevent overloading of resources and ensures that work is completed efficiently and effectively.
• Continuous improvement: Kanban encourages continuous improvement by analyzing the flow of work and identifying areas for optimization. This can include identifying bottlenecks in the workflow and finding ways to eliminate waste.
• Pull-based system: Kanban is a pull-based system, meaning that work is only initiated when there is capacity to complete it. This helps to prevent overburdening of resources and ensures that work is completed in a timely and efficient manner.
• Collaboration: Kanban promotes collaboration and communication among team members by providing a clear and transparent view of the work in progress. This helps to ensure that everyone is aligned and working towards the same goals.

Kanban can be used in a variety of contexts, including project management, product development, and operations management. It provides a flexible and adaptable framework for managing and improving workflow, allowing organizations to optimize their processes and achieve their goals.