What is Kanban? - Definition & Meaning
Kanban is a visual workflow system that helps teams manage work by visualizing tasks on a board with columns. Learn how Kanban works.
Definition
Kanban is a visual work management method where tasks are displayed as cards on a board with columns representing different stages of the workflow. The system is designed to optimize the flow of work and make bottlenecks visible.
Technical Explanation
The Kanban system was originally developed by Toyota for production management and later adapted for knowledge work by David Anderson. Its core principles are: visualize the workflow, limit work in progress (WIP limits), manage flow, make process policies explicit, and implement feedback loops. WIP limits are crucial: they prevent overload and improve lead time. Metrics such as cycle time, throughput, and cumulative flow diagrams are used to continuously improve the process.
How Refront Uses This
Refront provides a built-in Kanban board for ticket management where tasks automatically move through stages based on status updates. AI agents move tickets to the correct column when they pick up or complete a task. WIP limits are configurable per column and team members receive notifications when a limit is exceeded.
Examples
- •An agency uses a Kanban board with columns: Backlog, In Progress, Review, and Done to manage client tasks.
- •The team sets a WIP limit of three for the In Progress column to maintain focus.
- •A project manager uses the cumulative flow diagram to spot whether a bottleneck is forming at the review stage.
Related Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Kanban and Scrum?
Scrum works in fixed sprints with defined roles and ceremonies, while Kanban is a continuous-flow system without fixed iterations. Kanban focuses on WIP limits and flow; Scrum on time-boxed sprints and velocity.
What are WIP limits in Kanban?
WIP limits (Work In Progress) restrict the number of tasks allowed in a given stage at the same time. This prevents overload and ensures work gets completed faster.
Is Kanban suitable for software development?
Absolutely. Kanban is widely used in software teams for managing features, bugs, and support tickets. It is particularly well-suited for teams that deliver work continuously rather than in fixed sprints.
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