Kanban is a visual project management methodology that originated from Toyota's manufacturing processes in the 1940s and has since been adapted for knowledge work and software development. The term 'Kanban' means 'visual signal' or 'card' in Japanese, reflecting its core principle of using visual c…Kanban is a visual project management methodology that originated from Toyota's manufacturing processes in the 1940s and has since been adapted for knowledge work and software development. The term 'Kanban' means 'visual signal' or 'card' in Japanese, reflecting its core principle of using visual cues to manage workflow.
At its foundation, Kanban utilizes a board divided into columns representing different stages of work, typically including 'To Do,' 'In Progress,' and 'Done.' Tasks are represented as cards that move across the board as work progresses, providing team members with a clear view of project status at any given moment.
Key principles of Kanban include:
1. Visualize Work: Making all tasks visible helps teams understand the current state of projects and identify bottlenecks quickly.
2. Limit Work in Progress (WIP): By setting maximum limits on how many tasks can be in each stage simultaneously, teams prevent overloading and maintain focus on completing existing work before starting new items.
3. Manage Flow: Teams continuously monitor how tasks move through the system, aiming to optimize the speed and efficiency of delivery.
4. Make Process Policies Explicit: Clear rules about how work moves between stages ensure consistency and shared understanding among team members.
5. Implement Feedback Loops: Regular reviews and meetings help teams adapt and improve their processes over time.
6. Improve Collaboratively: Teams work together to identify areas for enhancement and implement changes incrementally.
Kanban differs from other agile methodologies like Scrum because it does not require fixed-length iterations or specific roles. This flexibility makes it particularly suitable for teams handling continuous delivery or maintenance work where priorities frequently shift. For Project+ certification candidates, understanding Kanban demonstrates knowledge of adaptive project management approaches that emphasize continuous improvement and efficient resource utilization.
Kanban Methodology: A Complete Guide for CompTIA Project+
Why Kanban Methodology is Important
Kanban methodology is a critical topic for the CompTIA Project+ exam because it represents one of the most widely adopted Agile frameworks in modern project management. Understanding Kanban demonstrates your ability to manage workflow efficiently, reduce bottlenecks, and deliver continuous value to stakeholders. Organizations across industries use Kanban to improve productivity and visualize work processes.
What is Kanban Methodology?
Kanban is a visual workflow management method that originated from Toyota's manufacturing system in the 1940s. The term Kanban is Japanese for 'visual signal' or 'card.' In project management, Kanban uses a board with columns representing different stages of work, and cards representing individual tasks or work items.
The core principles of Kanban include: • Visualize the workflow - Make all work visible on a Kanban board • Limit Work in Progress (WIP) - Restrict the number of tasks in each stage • Manage flow - Monitor and optimize the movement of work items • Make process policies explicit - Clearly define rules for how work moves • Implement feedback loops - Regular reviews and adjustments • Improve collaboratively - Evolve the process through experimentation
How Kanban Works
A typical Kanban board consists of columns such as: • To Do (Backlog) • In Progress • Review/Testing • Done
Work items move from left to right across the board as they progress through stages. WIP limits are set for each column to prevent overloading team members and to identify bottlenecks. When a column reaches its WIP limit, no new work can enter until existing items move forward.
Key Kanban metrics include: • Lead Time - Total time from request to delivery • Cycle Time - Time spent actively working on an item • Throughput - Number of items completed per time period
Kanban vs. Other Methodologies
Unlike Scrum, Kanban does not use fixed-length iterations (sprints) or prescribed roles. It allows for continuous flow and can be implemented alongside existing processes. This makes Kanban particularly suitable for: • Operations and support teams • Environments with frequent priority changes • Teams seeking incremental process improvement
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Kanban Methodology
1. Focus on visualization - Remember that the Kanban board is the central tool for making work visible to all team members.
2. WIP limits are essential - When questions mention reducing bottlenecks or improving flow, WIP limits are often the correct answer.
3. No fixed iterations - If a question contrasts Kanban with Scrum, remember Kanban uses continuous flow rather than sprints.
4. Pull system - Kanban operates as a pull system where team members pull new work only when they have capacity, rather than having work pushed to them.
5. Incremental change - Kanban emphasizes evolutionary improvement rather than revolutionary change to existing processes.
6. Watch for keywords - Questions containing terms like 'visual management,' 'continuous flow,' 'WIP limits,' or 'pull-based' often point to Kanban as the answer.
7. Know the metrics - Be able to distinguish between lead time (total time) and cycle time (active work time).
8. Flexibility - Kanban can be applied to any existing workflow, making it a good choice for questions about adapting processes with minimal disruption.