Kanban is a visual workflow management method that helps teams visualize their work, maximize efficiency, and improve continuously. It is based on principles and practices that guide its implementation and use. In this section, we will explore the core principles and practices of Kanban.

Kanban is built on four foundational principles:

1. Start with what you do now:

   • Kanban does not require a specific setup or drastic changes to existing processes. It encourages starting with the current workflow and making incremental improvements.
   • Example: If your team is currently using a simple task list, you can start by visualizing this list on a Kanban board without changing the tasks themselves.

2. Agree to pursue incremental, evolutionary change:

   • Kanban promotes continuous, incremental, and evolutionary changes to improve processes. It avoids radical changes that might disrupt the workflow.
   • Example: Instead of overhauling the entire process, a team might start by limiting the number of tasks in progress to identify bottlenecks.

3. Respect the current process, roles, responsibilities, and titles:

   • Kanban respects existing roles and processes. It does not impose new roles or processes but works with the current setup to identify areas for improvement.
   • Example: If a team has a project manager and specific task assignments, Kanban will work within this structure rather than redefining roles.

4. Encourage acts of leadership at all levels:

   • Kanban encourages leadership and decision-making at all levels of the organization. Everyone is empowered to suggest improvements and take ownership of their work.
   • Example: A team member noticing a recurring issue with task handoffs can propose a solution and lead the implementation of that change.

Kanban practices are actionable steps that help teams implement the principles effectively. There are six core practices:

1. Visualize the Workflow:

   • Create a visual representation of the workflow using a Kanban board. This board typically includes columns representing different stages of the process (e.g., To Do, In Progress, Done).
   • Example: A software development team might have columns for Backlog, Development, Testing, and Deployment.

   | Backlog | Development | Testing | Deployment | Done |
   |---------|-------------|---------|------------|------|
   | Task 1  | Task 2      | Task 3  | Task 4     | Task 5|
   

2. Limit Work in Progress (WIP):

   • Set limits on the number of tasks that can be in progress at each stage of the workflow. This helps identify bottlenecks and ensures a smooth flow of work.
   • Example: A team might decide that no more than three tasks can be in the "Development" stage at any given time.

3. Manage Flow:

   • Monitor and manage the flow of work through the system. Use metrics like cycle time and lead time to identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement.
   • Example: Track how long tasks stay in each stage and identify stages where tasks tend to get stuck.

4. Make Process Policies Explicit:

   • Clearly define and communicate the rules and policies governing the workflow. This ensures everyone understands how work should be done and what the expectations are.
   • Example: Define criteria for moving tasks from "Development" to "Testing" (e.g., code review completed).

5. Implement Feedback Loops:

   • Establish regular feedback loops to review progress and make adjustments. This can include daily stand-up meetings, retrospectives, and reviews.
   • Example: Hold a daily stand-up meeting to discuss progress, identify blockers, and plan the day's work.

6. Improve Collaboratively, Evolve Experimentally:

   • Encourage a culture of continuous improvement through collaboration and experimentation. Use data and feedback to drive changes and measure their impact.
   • Example: Experiment with different WIP limits and measure their impact on cycle time to find the optimal limit.

Objective: Create a Kanban board for a simple project and apply WIP limits.

Steps:

1. Identify a small project or workflow you want to visualize (e.g., a personal task list or a team project).
2. Create a Kanban board with at least three columns: To Do, In Progress, Done.
3. Add tasks to the "To Do" column.
4. Set a WIP limit for the "In Progress" column (e.g., no more than 3 tasks).
5. Move tasks through the board as you work on them, adhering to the WIP limit.

Solution Example:

• Common Mistake: Overloading the "In Progress" column. Ensure you respect the WIP limits to avoid bottlenecks.
• Tip: Regularly review the board and adjust WIP limits based on team capacity and workflow efficiency.

Understanding the principles and practices of Kanban is crucial for effectively implementing this methodology. By starting with the current process, making incremental changes, and visualizing the workflow, teams can improve their efficiency and collaboration. The practices of limiting WIP, managing flow, and implementing feedback loops help maintain a smooth workflow and foster continuous improvement.