Kanban
A visual workflow management method using boards and WIP limits to optimize continuous delivery.
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Definition
Kanban is a lean workflow management method that visualizes work, limits work-in-progress (WIP), and optimizes flow. Originally developed at Toyota for manufacturing, it was adapted for software development as an alternative to sprint-based methods.
Kanban uses a visual board with columns representing workflow stages. Work items (cards) move through the board from left to right. WIP limits cap the number of items in any column, preventing multitasking and bottlenecks.
Unlike Scrum, Kanban has no fixed iterations, roles, or ceremonies. Work flows continuously, and the team pulls new items when capacity is available. This makes Kanban particularly well-suited for support teams, DevOps, and teams with unpredictable work volumes.
Why It Matters for Founders
Kanban excels at making work visible and identifying bottlenecks. When you see a column filling up, you know where the constraint is. WIP limits force teams to finish work before starting new tasks, improving quality and throughput.
For startups, Kanban is often a better fit than formal Scrum when work is varied and unpredictable. Many teams use a hybrid approach — Kanban boards for visualization with sprint-like planning cadences.
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Real-World Example
A Kanban board with columns: Backlog | Ready | In Progress (WIP: 3) | Review | Done. Cards move left to right as work progresses, with WIP limits preventing overload.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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