Kanbantavla

Kanbantavla is a term used to describe a kanban board, a visual management tool used to visualize work and optimize flow in lean and agile workflows. The name blends 'kanban' with 'tavla', the Scandinavian word for board, reflecting its use in Nordic contexts.

A Kanbantavla typically consists of columns that represent stages in a process, such as Backlog, To Do, In Progress, Review, and Done. Each work item is represented by a card that can include title, assignee, priority, and due date. Teams may apply work-in-progress limits to each column to prevent overload.

Boards can be physical, using sticky notes and a wall, or digital, implemented in software such as Trello, Jira, or Asana. The board is updated in real time to reflect current status, creating a shared, transparent picture of work and bottlenecks.

The Kanban concept originated in manufacturing as part of the Toyota Production System in the mid-20th century, emphasizing pull-based workflows and visual signals. The term 'kanban tavla' appears in several languages as a direct translation of 'kanban board'.

Variations exist across industries, including software development, service delivery, and personal productivity. While the core idea remains the same, teams tailor columns, WIP limits, and policies to their context. The Kanbantavla remains a common tool for visual management and continuous improvement.