The Origins of Kanban: From Toyota to Modern Workplaces

Kanban, a widely used method for managing workflow, has its origins in the manufacturing world and has since evolved into a powerful tool for modern workplaces. The word "Kanban" means "visual card" or "signboard" in Japanese, and the system was originally developed to improve efficiency and reduce waste.

What Is Kanban? A Simple Guide to Improve Efficiency
From Production Lines to Lean Thinking

The concept of Kanban began in the mid-20th century within a large automotive production environment. It was designed to create a pull-based production system, where work was only done as needed. This reduced excess inventory and ensured smoother workflows. Visual signals, such as cards or markers, were used to indicate when more materials were required, helping workers respond quickly to real-time needs without overproducing.

Adapting Kanban Beyond Manufacturing

Over time, the principles behind Kanban were adapted to other industries, especially those involving service and knowledge work. Modern workplaces use digital Kanban boards to manage tasks, monitor progress, and visualise workflows across departments. These boards often consist of columns like "To Do", "In Progress", and "Done", making it easier to track work stages and reduce bottlenecks.

Kanban Today

Today, Kanban is used in offices, customer support teams, project management, and more. Its simplicity and focus on visual clarity make it a valuable tool for improving productivity and fostering team collaboration. By limiting work in progress and highlighting inefficiencies, Kanban helps organisations become more responsive, flexible, and focused on continuous improvement.

In essence, Kanban has grown from a simple idea on a factory floor into a global method for effective workflow management across all types of work environments.

What Makes Kanban Different from Other Task Management Methods?

Kanban is a unique task management method that sets itself apart from other techniques through its visual approach and emphasis on continuous flow. Originally developed in manufacturing, Kanban has been adapted for use in various industries, offering a simple yet effective way to manage work. But what makes Kanban truly stand out from other task management systems?

Visual Workflow Management

One of the key features of Kanban is its visual representation of tasks. Kanban boards use columns such as "To Do", "In Progress", and "Done" to visually track the flow of work. This allows teams to quickly assess the status of tasks and identify bottlenecks. In contrast, other methods may rely heavily on lists or written documentation, which can be harder to monitor at a glance.

Limit Work in Progress (WIP)

Kanban places a strong emphasis on limiting the number of tasks that are in progress at any given time. By restricting WIP, teams avoid overloading themselves and ensure that work is completed before new tasks are started. This contrasts with other methods, which may not provide specific guidance on managing workload capacity, often leading to task overload and inefficiencies.

Flexibility and Adaptability

Another aspect that differentiates Kanban is its flexibility. Unlike other task management methods that often require strict deadlines and phases, Kanban is more fluid, allowing teams to adapt quickly as priorities change. It works well in environments where tasks can vary in scope and urgency, making it ideal for projects that require ongoing adjustments.

In conclusion, Kanban's visual boards, focus on limiting WIP, and adaptability make it a highly effective and flexible task management method, ideal for teams seeking a more streamlined approach to managing their work.

Understanding the Core Principles of the Kanban Method

The Kanban method is a widely adopted approach for managing workflow, emphasising visualisation, efficiency, and continuous improvement. Developed initially in manufacturing, its principles have been successfully applied in various industries, including software development, marketing, and project management. Understanding the core principles of Kanban can help organisations improve productivity and streamline processes.

1. Visualise the Workflow

The first principle of Kanban is to visualise the workflow. This is typically done using a Kanban board, which displays tasks in different columns such as "To Do", "In Progress", and "Done". This visualisation allows teams to see the status of each task at a glance, identify bottlenecks, and make adjustments as needed. By making work visible, Kanban ensures better communication and collaboration among team members.

2. Limit Work in Progress (WIP)

Another key principle is limiting the number of tasks that can be in progress at any given time. This concept, known as WIP limits, helps prevent teams from becoming overloaded and ensures that tasks are completed before new ones are started. By focusing on fewer tasks at once, teams can work more efficiently, reduce errors, and improve quality.

3. Manage Flow

Kanban encourages teams to manage the flow of work, ensuring tasks move smoothly from one stage to the next. By regularly reviewing the flow of work and making necessary adjustments, teams can identify and remove obstacles that slow down progress, leading to improved performance.

4. Make Process Policies Explicit

Clear and agreed-upon policies help standardise the way work is done. Teams should define how tasks are prioritised, how work is moved between stages, and how changes are managed. By making these policies explicit, everyone understands their role and how tasks are managed.

5. Improve Collaboratively, Evolve Experimentally

The final principle focuses on continuous improvement. Kanban encourages teams to experiment with new approaches, analyse results, and refine their processes over time. By adopting an incremental approach, teams can evolve and improve gradually, leading to long-term success.

In summary, the core principles of the Kanban method—visualising workflow, limiting work in progress, managing flow, making policies explicit, and continuously improving—work together to enhance efficiency, collaboration, and quality in any organisation.

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Transform Your Workflow with a Kanban Board!
Visualise your workflow and manage tasks efficiently with a dynamic Kanban Board. Organised into clear stages, it helps teams track progress, prioritise work, and boost productivity in real time.

How a Kanban Board Visually Transforms Your Workflow

A Kanban board is a powerful tool that visually transforms the way teams manage their workflow, making it easier to track progress, identify bottlenecks, and optimise processes. By organising tasks in a visual layout, a Kanban board provides a clear overview of ongoing work, helping teams stay on track and aligned towards their goals.

Visualisation of Work

The core benefit of a Kanban board is its ability to visually represent the status of tasks in real-time. Typically divided into columns like "To Do", "In Progress", and "Done", each task is represented as a card that moves through these stages. This visual layout ensures that all team members can quickly see which tasks are in progress, who is responsible for them, and what has been completed, reducing confusion and increasing transparency.

Improved Team Collaboration

By using a Kanban board, teams can easily collaborate and communicate about the status of each task. When everyone has access to the same visual information, it encourages more effective discussions, prioritisation, and decision-making. This collaborative environment leads to a smoother workflow, as team members can quickly identify what needs attention and make adjustments as necessary.

Identifying Bottlenecks

A key advantage of a Kanban board is its ability to highlight bottlenecks or areas where work is slowing down. If tasks are piling up in one column or stage, it becomes immediately apparent, allowing teams to focus on resolving the issue. This helps prevent delays, optimises throughput, and ensures that tasks move efficiently through the workflow.

Enhanced Productivity and Efficiency

By making work visible and easily manageable, a Kanban board enhances overall productivity and efficiency. It allows teams to limit work in progress (WIP), ensuring that tasks are completed before new ones are started. This approach reduces distractions, improves focus, and ultimately accelerates delivery, leading to better outcomes for the team and organisation.

Kanban board visually transforms your workflow by providing clarity, fostering collaboration, and identifying bottlenecks, which leads to improved efficiency and productivity.

WIP Limits: Why Less Can Actually Mean More

Work in Progress (WIP) limits are a fundamental aspect of lean management and the Kanban method, designed to optimise workflow and improve productivity. By setting a cap on the number of tasks that can be in progress at any given time, teams can prevent bottlenecks, maintain focus, and increase efficiency. The concept might seem counterintuitive at first, but less really can mean more when it comes to task management.

Improved Focus and Quality

When there is a limit on the number of tasks being worked on, team members can give their full attention to completing each task before moving onto the next. This helps reduce distractions and the tendency to multitask, which can often lead to errors and lower-quality outcomes. By focusing on fewer tasks at once, teams are more likely to deliver higher-quality work faster.

Faster Throughput

Setting WIP limits helps teams avoid overloading the system. When too many tasks are in progress simultaneously, they can become stuck at various stages, slowing down the entire workflow. By limiting WIP, teams ensure that tasks flow smoothly from one stage to the next, which results in faster completion times and a quicker turnaround for delivering value.

Better Team Collaboration

WIP limits also encourage collaboration and communication within teams. With fewer tasks to focus on, team members are more likely to assist each other and address any issues that arise during the process. This collective approach enhances teamwork and helps resolve problems more quickly.

In summary, WIP limits promote a more efficient and focused approach to work, leading to improved quality, faster throughput, and stronger collaboration. By doing less at once, teams can achieve more in the long run.

How to Create a Kanban Board

Creating a Kanban board is a simple yet effective way to improve task management and enhance workflow within teams. A Kanban board helps visualise the flow of tasks, ensuring that nothing is overlooked and that each project progresses smoothly. Here's a straightforward guide on how to create your own Kanban board:

Step 1: Define Your Workflow

The first step in creating a Kanban board is to outline your workflow. This typically involves setting up columns that represent the various stages a task will go through. Common stages include To Do, In Progress, and Completed, but you can customise these stages based on your specific needs, such as On Hold or Under Review.

Step 2: Add Tasks to the Board

Once your workflow is defined, start populating the board with tasks. Each task should be represented by a card that contains key information, such as the task description, deadline, and responsible person. Place these cards in the appropriate column based on their current status. This visual representation helps the team see what needs to be done, what's in progress, and what's completed.

Step 3: Set Work in Progress (WIP) Limits

To maintain focus and prevent bottlenecks, consider setting Work in Progress (WIP) limits for each column. WIP limits ensure that the team doesn’t get overwhelmed by too many tasks in one stage and can focus on completing tasks before starting new ones.

Step 4: Review and Adjust Regularly

Finally, hold regular reviews of the board to track progress and identify any issues. Encourage team members to update the board frequently, move tasks through stages, and make adjustments to improve workflow efficiency.

By following these simple steps, you can create a Kanban board that helps your team stay organised, visualise progress, and increase productivity.

The Role of Continuous Delivery in Kanban Success

Continuous Delivery (CD) is a vital component of the Kanban method, helping teams streamline their workflow and deliver high-quality results faster. By enabling frequent and reliable releases, CD ensures that tasks move seamlessly through the system, supporting the core principle of flow within Kanban.

Faster Feedback and Improved Efficiency

With Continuous Delivery, feedback is gathered quickly, allowing teams to identify issues and make necessary adjustments in real-time. This rapid feedback loop enhances collaboration and prevents problems from escalating, ensuring that products or services meet quality standards throughout the development process. By releasing smaller, incremental updates, teams can avoid bottlenecks, improve efficiency, and focus on completing tasks rather than dealing with delays or errors.

Support for Lean Principles

Continuous Delivery supports the lean principles inherent in Kanban by reducing waste and ensuring that only the most valuable work is done. By delivering frequently and with smaller increments, teams minimise the risk of overproduction or rework, creating a smoother flow and optimising resource use. Additionally, CD promotes better task prioritisation, as teams can quickly assess the value of completed work and adjust accordingly.

Enhanced Collaboration and Transparency

Implementing Continuous Delivery in Kanban also improves transparency and fosters stronger collaboration within teams. With a steady flow of updates, everyone involved in the project is aligned and informed, contributing to a shared understanding of progress and goals. This collaborative environment drives success and ensures that tasks move efficiently through the system, supporting the overall success of Kanban.

Physical vs. Digital Kanban Boards: Which One Works Best?

Kanban boards are an essential tool for improving workflow and task management. Whether physical or digital, both types offer distinct advantages and suit different working environments. The choice between them depends on your team's needs, communication style, and work processes.

Benefits of Physical Kanban Boards

Physical Kanban boards are tangible and provide a highly visual way to track tasks. They are particularly effective in environments where teams work in close proximity, such as production floors or office spaces. The act of moving cards manually can be an engaging experience, fostering collaboration and clear communication. Additionally, physical boards are low-tech, requiring no software or internet connection, which makes them simple to set up and easy to understand.

Advantages of Digital Kanban Boards

Digital Kanban boards, on the other hand, offer several advantages, especially in remote or distributed teams. They allow for easy sharing and access from multiple locations, making collaboration seamless. Digital boards often come with additional features such as automation, analytics, and integration with other tools, which can enhance productivity. They also enable real-time updates, ensuring everyone is on the same page at all times.

Which One is Right for You?

Choosing between physical and digital Kanban boards depends on your team's specific needs. For small, co-located teams, a physical board can provide a simple and effective solution. However, for larger teams or those working remotely, a digital board is often the more practical choice. Ultimately, both can improve workflow and help teams stay organised and focused on their goals.

How Kanban Boosts Team Collaboration and Accountability

Kanban is a powerful framework that not only streamlines workflow but also enhances team collaboration and accountability. By using a visual board, Kanban helps teams to see tasks at a glance, making it easier for everyone to stay aligned and work together efficiently.

Improved Visual Communication

One of the key strengths of Kanban is its visual nature. Each task is represented as a card on the board, and as tasks move through different stages, the entire team can see progress in real-time. This visual representation fosters open communication, ensuring everyone understands what needs to be done and by when. It also reduces misunderstandings and miscommunication, as the status of every task is clearly visible to all team members.

Clear Accountability

Kanban boards assign ownership for each task, which directly promotes accountability. When tasks are assigned to individuals or teams, it is clear who is responsible for each action item. This clarity encourages team members to take ownership of their work and ensures that nothing slips through the cracks. By tracking the flow of tasks, team members are also able to spot potential bottlenecks or delays early, allowing them to take proactive action and keep the team on track.

Fostering Collaboration and Teamwork

Kanban encourages collaboration by allowing teams to work together to move tasks forward. When tasks are blocked or delayed, team members can discuss solutions and provide support to each other. This collaborative spirit strengthens team dynamics and fosters a culture of continuous improvement, which ultimately leads to higher productivity and better results.

Simple Steps to Create Your First Kanban Board

Creating your first Kanban board is an excellent way to visualise tasks and improve workflow management. Whether you’re managing personal projects or working with a team, following these simple steps will help you get started with ease.

Step 1: Choose Your Platform

The first step in creating a Kanban board is to choose your platform. You can go for a physical board with sticky notes or opt for digital tools that offer more flexibility and integration. Digital boards allow for easy collaboration and remote access, making them ideal for teams working in different locations.

Step 2: Define Your Workflow

Next, outline the stages of your workflow. Common columns include "To Do," "In Progress," and "Completed." However, you can customise these stages based on your needs. For example, you might add a “Review” or “Testing” column if necessary. The goal is to create a clear and logical progression that reflects how tasks move through your system.

Step 3: Add Tasks

Now it’s time to populate your board with tasks. Each task should be represented by a card or sticky note. Include key information such as task name, deadline, priority, and any relevant details. As tasks are completed or move through different stages, simply update their position on the board.

Step 4: Set Work In Progress (WIP) Limits

WIP limits help you avoid overloading your team by restricting the number of tasks that can be worked on at any one time. Setting WIP limits ensures that team members focus on completing tasks before starting new ones, improving productivity and reducing bottlenecks.

Step 5: Monitor and Improve

Regularly review your Kanban board to track progress and identify any bottlenecks or inefficiencies. Continuous improvement is a core principle of Kanban, so take time to refine your board and workflow as you go along to ensure optimal results.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Starting with Kanban

Kanban is an effective method for improving workflow and productivity, but like any system, it comes with potential pitfalls. Avoiding common mistakes can help ensure that your Kanban board becomes a powerful tool for efficiency and collaboration. Here are some of the most frequent mistakes to watch out for when getting started with Kanban.

1. Overcomplicating the Workflow

One of the biggest mistakes when starting with Kanban is creating an overly complex workflow. While it’s tempting to break tasks down into many stages, it’s essential to keep your workflow simple and focused. Too many columns can create confusion and make it harder to track progress. Stick to the basics at first, such as "To Do," "In Progress," and "Completed," and add more stages only if necessary.

2. Ignoring Work In Progress (WIP) Limits

WIP limits are key to maintaining focus and preventing team members from being overwhelmed. Failing to set WIP limits can result in multitasking, slower progress, and bottlenecks. Ensure that there are clear limits for each stage of your workflow to keep everyone on track and improve task completion rates.

3. Not Updating the Board Regularly

A Kanban board is only effective when it’s kept up to date. If tasks are not moved as work progresses or cards are left unchanged for long periods, the board loses its value as a visual tool. Regular updates are crucial to ensure the board accurately reflects current progress.

4. Lack of Ownership and Accountability

Kanban works best when everyone is accountable for their tasks. Without clear ownership of cards, tasks may get overlooked or delayed. Make sure that each task is assigned to a specific person and that they are responsible for updating its progress.

5. Not Using Kanban for Continuous Improvement

Kanban isn’t just about managing tasks; it’s about improving processes. Failing to reflect on and refine your workflow regularly can prevent you from achieving the full benefits of the system. Take time to review your board and look for opportunities to optimise and streamline your processes continuously.

Kanban for Manufacturing vs. Office Teams: What Changes?

Kanban is a versatile system widely used across various industries to manage workflows efficiently. However, when it comes to implementing Kanban in manufacturing versus office environments, the approach and focus can differ significantly. Here’s a look at what changes when using Kanban in these two settings.

1. Focus on Physical vs. Digital Tasks

In manufacturing, Kanban is often used to manage the flow of physical materials or products on the shop floor. It helps ensure that production lines have the right components available at the right time. In contrast, office teams typically focus on managing digital tasks like projects, meetings, or administrative work. This requires a more abstract approach to Kanban, such as tracking deadlines, priorities, and communication rather than physical items.

2. Visualisation of Work

In a manufacturing environment, Kanban boards usually involve physical cards or digital systems that track items moving through production stages. These boards are often large and highly visual to keep the production process transparent for all team members. Office teams, however, may use digital Kanban boards (such as software tools) to manage tasks, making it easier to update and collaborate remotely.

3. WIP Limits and Team Interaction

Work In Progress (WIP) limits are crucial in both settings, but they serve different purposes. In manufacturing, WIP limits help avoid bottlenecks on the production line. In office teams, WIP limits are used to manage the number of tasks each person handles at once, ensuring they focus on completing high-priority tasks without becoming overwhelmed. Team collaboration in office teams often relies on regular meetings, whereas manufacturing teams are more focused on physical production processes.

4. Speed vs. Precision

Manufacturing teams often need to maintain a high pace to meet production targets, making speed and efficiency key priorities. Office teams, on the other hand, may value precision and quality in completing tasks, such as drafting reports or handling customer service requests. These differing priorities can influence how Kanban is implemented, with manufacturing teams focusing on throughput and office teams emphasising task clarity and completion quality.

Using Kanban for Personal Productivity: Is It Worth It?

Kanban is a popular workflow management system typically used in team environments, but its benefits can extend to personal productivity as well. By using Kanban for individual tasks, you can gain better clarity, reduce overwhelm, and increase efficiency. But is it really worth it for personal use? Let's explore.

1. Visualising Tasks

One of the primary advantages of using Kanban for personal productivity is the visual nature of the system. A simple Kanban board with columns like "To Do," "In Progress," and "Done" can help you see everything you need to do at a glance. This not only reduces mental clutter but also provides a sense of accomplishment as you move tasks through the board.

2. Prioritising Work

Kanban boards allow you to break down tasks and visualise their priorities. You can use colour coding or simply reorder tasks to reflect what needs to be tackled first. This makes it easier to focus on what's most important without getting distracted by less urgent activities.

3. Preventing Overload

Another advantage of using Kanban for personal productivity is its ability to help prevent task overload. By setting Work In Progress (WIP) limits, you can ensure that you are not juggling too many tasks at once. This helps maintain focus and reduces the risk of burnout, ensuring that each task gets the attention it deserves.

4. Flexibility and Customisation

Kanban boards are highly flexible and can be customised to fit your personal needs. Whether you're managing daily household chores, work tasks, or long-term projects, you can tailor your Kanban board to fit your workflow and preferences, making it a highly adaptable tool for productivity.

Using Kanban for personal productivity can be highly beneficial. It helps improve task visibility, prioritise work, and avoid overload. If you're looking for a simple yet effective way to manage your tasks, Kanban could be a great addition to your productivity toolkit.

Kanban Metrics That Help You Improve Performance

Kanban is a powerful method for managing workflows, but to truly optimise its effectiveness, it's essential to track key metrics. By monitoring these metrics, you can identify bottlenecks, improve efficiency, and ensure your process is running smoothly. Here are some of the most important Kanban metrics to track.

1. Lead Time

Lead time refers to the amount of time it takes for a task to move from the start to completion. This metric helps you understand how quickly work is being processed. A shorter lead time indicates that your team is able to deliver tasks efficiently, while a longer lead time may signal delays or inefficiencies that need addressing.

2. Cycle Time

Cycle time is similar to lead time but focuses specifically on the time a task spends in the "In Progress" stage. Tracking cycle time allows you to pinpoint where delays occur within the process. Reducing cycle time is crucial for improving overall workflow speed and increasing productivity.

3. Throughput

Throughput measures the number of tasks completed in a given period. By monitoring throughput, you can evaluate the efficiency of your team or system. If throughput is lower than expected, it may indicate a need for process adjustments, resource reallocation, or improved task prioritisation.

4. Work In Progress (WIP)

Work In Progress (WIP) is the number of tasks currently being worked on. Setting WIP limits ensures that no one is overloaded with too many tasks at once. Monitoring WIP helps maintain focus, reduces task switching, and improves the overall flow of work.

5. Blocked Tasks

Blocked tasks are those that are waiting on dependencies or stuck in a particular stage. Tracking the number of blocked tasks helps you identify obstacles and bottlenecks in your workflow. Addressing these blockers quickly ensures that work continues to progress smoothly.

By regularly tracking these Kanban metrics, you can gain valuable insights into your workflow, spot areas for improvement, and optimise your process for better performance.

Kanban vs. Scrum: Which Agile Method Is Right for You?

When it comes to agile project management, both Kanban and Scrum are widely used methods, but they have distinct approaches that may suit different types of teams or projects. Understanding the differences between these two frameworks can help you choose the right one for your needs.

Kanban: Flexibility and Continuous Flow

Kanban is a visual method that focuses on continuous delivery and flexibility. With Kanban, tasks are represented by cards on a board, and work moves through various stages such as "To Do," "In Progress," and "Done." The primary focus of Kanban is on limiting Work In Progress (WIP) and ensuring that the workflow is balanced. Teams can adjust their process as needed without rigid timeframes. This makes Kanban ideal for teams that handle ongoing, steady work with unpredictable priorities, such as support teams or operations departments.

Scrum: Structure and Sprints

In contrast, Scrum is based on fixed-length iterations, known as sprints, which typically last two to four weeks. During each sprint, teams work on a set number of tasks with clear goals and deadlines. Scrum emphasises team collaboration, daily stand-up meetings, and sprint reviews. Scrum is well-suited for projects that require frequent updates, specific goals, and tight deadlines, such as software development or product launches.

Which Is Right for You?

Kanban is great for teams needing flexibility, while Scrum works best for teams that require a more structured, goal-oriented approach. If your team has dynamic tasks that change frequently, Kanban may be the better option. However, if you need to focus on delivering specific features or products within set timelines, Scrum might be the right fit.

Real-World Examples of Businesses Succeeding with Kanban

Kanban has proven to be an effective method for many businesses, from manufacturing to software development. By focusing on visual management and limiting work in progress, organisations can improve efficiency, reduce bottlenecks, and optimise workflow. Let’s explore some real-world examples of businesses that have successfully implemented Kanban to drive results.

Example 1: Manufacturing Industry

A leading car manufacturer adopted Kanban to streamline their production line. By using Kanban boards to visualise the flow of materials and tasks, they were able to identify bottlenecks in their assembly process. The system helped them reduce waste, lower inventory costs, and improve on-time delivery. The key to success was limiting work in progress and ensuring that each station was only performing tasks it could manage, improving overall efficiency and productivity.

Example 2: Software Development

A software development company introduced Kanban to manage their development pipeline. They used Kanban boards to prioritise tasks and track progress across different stages, from design to testing. This visual tool enabled the team to focus on high-priority tasks while ensuring that no task was left unfinished. As a result, the company experienced smoother project delivery, reduced lead times, and higher customer satisfaction.

Example 3: Healthcare Services

A healthcare provider implemented Kanban in their patient management system. By using Kanban boards to manage appointments, patient care, and medical supplies, they improved coordination between departments. This led to faster response times, better resource allocation, and reduced waiting times for patients.

These examples highlight how Kanban can be applied in different industries to drive operational success. Whether in manufacturing, software, or healthcare, Kanban’s focus on visualisation and continuous flow can lead to significant improvements in productivity and efficiency.

What Does Kanban Board Stand For?

A Kanban board is a visual tool used to manage and optimise workflows. The term "Kanban" comes from the Japanese word for "signboard" or "billboard," which refers to the physical cards used in the original system. In its modern application, a Kanban board helps teams track tasks and projects, ensuring smooth and continuous work flow through various stages of completion.

The Origins of Kanban

Kanban was originally developed by Taiichi Ohno at Toyota in the 1940s as part of the Toyota Production System (TPS). It was used to improve inventory management and manufacturing processes. The idea behind the Kanban system was simple: tasks are visually represented on a board, and as work is completed, the items move through columns, indicating the progress of each task.

Structure of a Kanban Board

Typically, a Kanban board is divided into columns representing different stages of a workflow. These might include "To Do," "In Progress," and "Completed," though the columns can be customised to fit the specific needs of the team or project. Tasks are placed on cards or sticky notes and moved across the board as they progress through the workflow stages.

Why Use a Kanban Board?

The purpose of a Kanban board is to help teams visualise their work, limit work in progress, and ensure that tasks are completed in a timely manner. By visually tracking tasks, teams can easily identify bottlenecks and areas for improvement, leading to increased efficiency and better collaboration.

In essence, a Kanban board stands for a simple yet powerful tool to manage workflows and improve productivity across various industries and teams.