What is Kanban Board? Kanban System Explained

Kanban Board

Kanban is a popular framework used in agile and lean software development, but its principles can be applied to various industries beyond just software. It originated from the Toyota Production System (TPS) in the 1940s and was later adapted and popularized by software development teams.

At its core, Kanban is about visualizing work, limiting work in progress (WIP), and maximizing efficiency. The word “Kanban” itself means “visual signal” or “card” in Japanese.

The Kanban system is comprised of a few key elements:

1. Kanban Board: This is a visual representation of the work process. It typically consists of columns representing different stages of the workflow (e.g., “To Do,” “In Progress,” “Done”). Each column contains cards, which represent individual tasks or work items. As work progresses, cards move from left to right across the board.
2. Cards (or Kanban Cards): These are visual representations of work items. Each card typically contains information such as a brief description of the task, who is responsible for it, its priority, and any relevant deadlines.
3. Work in Progress (WIP) Limits: WIP limits are constraints placed on the number of tasks that can be in progress at any given time within each stage of the workflow. The purpose of WIP limits is to prevent overloading the team and to encourage focus on completing tasks before starting new ones.
4. Continuous Improvement: Kanban encourages continuous improvement through regular reflection and adjustment of the process. Teams frequently review their Kanban boards to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement.

The Kanban system offers several benefits:

• Visualization: It provides a clear, visual representation of the work process, making it easy for team members to understand what needs to be done and what stage each task is in.
• Efficiency: By limiting WIP and focusing on completing tasks one at a time, Kanban helps teams improve flow and overall efficiency.
• Flexibility: Kanban is highly adaptable and can be applied to various workflows and industries.
• Continuous Improvement: With its emphasis on reflection and adjustment, Kanban encourages teams to continually refine their processes for better results.

Overall, the Kanban system is a powerful tool for teams looking to streamline their workflows, increase efficiency, and deliver value to customers more effectively. Read More: https://kanbanboard.co.uk/kanban-board