Kanban is a method for managing work by showing each item as a card on a board with columns for each stage, and limiting how much is in progress so work flows steadily.
Kanban comes from the Toyota production system, where cards signalled when more parts were needed. In knowledge work, a Kanban board shows columns such as To do, In progress and Done, and each task moves across as it progresses.
Core practices
- Visualise the work on a board.
- Limit work in progress with a WIP limit.
- Manage flow and watch cycle time.
- Make the rules of the process explicit.
Kanban vs Scrum
Scrum works in fixed sprints; Kanban is continuous, pulling new work whenever there is capacity. Kanban suits support and operations teams with unpredictable incoming work.
Kanban in Starlex
Starlex boards are live for everyone, any status can be a column, and swimlanes split the board by person or epic. Explore Starlex Kanban boards.