Kanbanachtige

Kanbanachtige is a Dutch term that describes practices and workflows that resemble Kanban without necessarily adopting the full Kanban Method. In common usage, it denotes a visual management approach where work items are represented as cards on a board and move through defined columns that represent stages of a workflow. The approach emphasizes visibility, flow, and continuous improvement, using pull-based scheduling and, often, work-in-progress limits to prevent bottlenecks.

Core characteristics include a visual board, explicit WIP limits, a pull system that releases new work only when others advance, policies that define when and how work can move, and measurement of flow through metrics such as cycle time and throughput. While inspired by Kanban, kanbanachtige implementations may omit some formal elements of the Kanban Method or combine them with other agile practices.

Applications are common in software development, IT operations, and other knowledge-work environments, where teams seek greater transparency and smoother delivery without committing to a specific methodology. They can be used as a transitional or hybrid approach, bridging Kanban concepts with Scrum or other frameworks.

Because kanbanachtige is an umbrella term rather than a formal methodology, practices vary widely. Without disciplined governance and explicit policies, the approach risks drift or scope creep. Success typically depends on clear board design, realistic WIP limits, ongoing improvement, and stakeholder engagement.

See also: Kanban, Lean manufacturing, Agile software development, Scrum.