Kanban methodology and flow

Kanban visualizes work as it flows through different stages, helping teams identify bottlenecks and optimize their process. Originally developed by Toyota for manufacturing, this method uses boards with columns representing workflow stages.^[1] The board shows tasks as they move from "To Do" to "Done" with columns for each step in the process.

The methodology emphasizes limiting work in progress (WIP) to prevent overload and maintain quality. When teams constrain how many items can exist in each column, they create pull systems where new work begins only when capacity exists. This approach reduces multitasking and improves delivery predictability.

Kanban's flexibility makes it ideal for teams handling varying work types or unpredictable demands. Unlike Scrum's fixed sprints, Kanban allows continuous flow where items start and finish independently. Teams can implement Kanban gradually without disrupting existing processes.