Kanban

Kanban is a lean method, a framework to visualize work and improve the flow of value through the system.

Initiated by Toyota as part of the Toyota Production System, Kanban (in Japanese) is a visual card used as a scheduling system, showcasing the essential information and progress of the work through the product development system.

Following four essential practices help optimize the flow of value:

• Visualize the workflow
• Limit work in progress
• Manage flow
• Make process policies explicit

Through pull based movement of the work, Kanban helps achieve evolutionary improvements in process and product.