Kanbanjärjestelmän

Kanbanjärjestelmän, often referred to simply as Kanban, is a visual workflow management method. It originated in Japan and was popularized by Toyota in the late 1940s as part of their just-in-time production system. The core principle of Kanban is to visualize work, limit work in progress, and maximize efficiency.

The system typically uses a Kanban board, which is a visual representation of the workflow. This board is divided into columns representing different stages of a process, such as "To Do," "In Progress," and "Done." Tasks or work items are represented by cards that move across the board as they progress through the workflow.

A key element of Kanban is the concept of "pull." Instead of pushing work forward to the next stage, work is "pulled" by the team when they have the capacity to handle it. This helps to prevent bottlenecks and ensures that work is done at a sustainable pace. Limiting the amount of work in progress (WIP) is another crucial aspect, as it encourages focus and prevents overload.

Kanban is not just a tool for manufacturing; it has been widely adopted in software development, IT operations, marketing, and many other knowledge-work domains. Its flexibility allows it to be adapted to various team sizes and project complexities. The continuous improvement aspect is also central, with teams regularly reviewing their Kanban boards and processes to identify areas for enhancement. The system aims to deliver value quickly and consistently by optimizing the flow of work.