What is kanban in agile?

Kanban is a framework used within Agile methodology that focuses on visualizing work, limiting work in progress, and optimizing flow to improve efficiency in software development or other processes. Unlike Scrum, which uses time-boxed sprints, Kanban is more continuous and flexible, allowing teams to focus on steady, ongoing delivery.

Key Concepts of Kanban

1. Visualizing the Workflow

Kanban uses a visual board (typically called a Kanban board) to represent the workflow. Tasks are represented as cards that move across columns, each representing a stage in the workflow, such as "To Do," "In Progress," and "Done." This visualization helps teams see where tasks are, identify bottlenecks, and track progress.

• Kanban Board Example:
  • Columns: To Do → In Progress → Code Review → Testing → Done
  • Cards: Each card represents a task or user story.

2. Limiting Work in Progress (WIP)

Kanban emphasizes setting limits on the number of tasks a team can work on at once in each stage. This prevents the team from getting overwhelmed and ensures focus on completing tasks before starting new ones. Limiting WIP encourages continuous delivery and avoids bottlenecks.

• Example: A team might set a WIP limit of 3 tasks for the "In Progress" column. This means no more than 3 tasks can be worked on simultaneously.

3. Continuous Flow

Unlike Scrum, which works in fixed-length sprints, Kanban follows a continuous flow model. There are no predefined iterations or sprints. As soon as a task is completed, the next highest-priority task is pulled from the backlog and added to the workflow. This allows for a more flexible and continuous release of work.

4. Focus on Flow Efficiency

Kanban focuses on improving flow efficiency by identifying and eliminating bottlenecks. The goal is to increase the speed at which tasks move through the workflow while maintaining high quality. Teams continuously optimize their processes to ensure smoother and faster delivery.

5. Continuous Improvement (Kaizen)

Kanban promotes continuous improvement (known as Kaizen in Japanese). Teams regularly review their processes and make adjustments to improve efficiency, quality, and flow. This is typically done through regular retrospectives and process reviews.

Example of Kanban in Action

Imagine a software development team working on adding new features to a mobile app. They use a Kanban board to visualize the workflow:

• The "To Do" column contains prioritized tasks like "Implement login screen" and "Integrate payment gateway."
• Developers pull tasks into the "In Progress" column based on their availability and the WIP limit.
• As tasks move through "Code Review" and "Testing," team members can see where bottlenecks occur, like too many tasks waiting for code review.
• Once a task is completed, the next one is pulled into the workflow, ensuring continuous delivery without waiting for a sprint to end.

Benefits of Kanban

1. Flexibility: Kanban allows teams to continuously work on tasks without the need for predefined iterations or sprints.

2. Improved Flow: By limiting WIP and optimizing processes, teams can increase the efficiency of task completion and avoid bottlenecks.

3. Visualization: The visual Kanban board provides clear insight into the status of tasks and helps identify process inefficiencies.

4. Focus on Quality: With a focus on completing tasks before starting new ones, teams maintain higher quality by ensuring that tasks are fully completed and reviewed.

5. Adaptability to Change: Since there are no fixed sprints, teams can easily adjust to changing priorities or add new tasks as they arise.

Conclusion

Kanban in Agile focuses on visualizing work, limiting work in progress, and continuously improving the flow of tasks through a team’s workflow. It provides a flexible and efficient approach to managing tasks, making it an ideal framework for teams looking for a more adaptable, continuous delivery model.