Do you know if you're using a Kanban?

What is a kanban?

A kanban is a visual project management system that helps teams manage work in progress and optimize workflow. The word kanban is derived from Japanese and means "signboard" or "billboard." The term "kanban" was first used to describe a visual project management system in the 1940s by Toyota, a Japanese automobile manufacturer.

What defines a kanban?

A kanban system is based on a board that displays work items, such as tasks or cards, and their progress through different stages or columns. Kanban boards typically include columns such as "to-do," "in-progress," and "done." Each work item is represented by a card, and team members move the cards between columns as they progress through the workflow. Kanban is designed to help teams visualize their work, identify bottlenecks, and optimize their workflow by limiting work in progress, reducing waste, and improving efficiency.

What are some common kanbans?

One of the most frequently cited kanbans is Trello. Trello is an example of a kanban tool that allows teams to create and manage kanban boards and move cards between columns to track progress and manage tasks. Other oft mentioned kanbans are Jira and Asana. Jira kanban boards allow teams to visualize and manage their work in progress, set work limits, and track performance metrics, while Asana kanban boards allow teams to organize their work into columns, track progress, and collaborate in real-time.

How does Trello work as a kanban?

Trello works as a kanban tool by providing users with a visual board that allows them to track the progress of their work. The board is organized into columns, each of which represents a stage in the workflow. Users can create cards within each column, representing individual tasks or items that need to be completed.

As users work on each task, they can move the card to the appropriate column to reflect its current status. For example, a card might start in the "To Do" column, move to "In Progress" when work begins, and then move to "Done" when the task is complete.

Trello's kanban boards are highly customizable, allowing users to create boards that reflect their specific workflows and processes. Users can add custom labels, due dates, checklists, and more to each card, providing additional context and information about each task. They can also assign tasks to team members and set up notifications and alerts to keep everyone on track.

Overall, Trello's kanban board provides users with a simple, visual way to manage their work, track progress, and collaborate with team members. It's a powerful tool that is easy to use, making it a popular choice for teams of all sizes and types.