Kanbantavler

Kanban boards, or kanbantavler, are visual management tools used to map and optimize how work moves through a process. They are a core element of the Kanban method, which originated in the Toyota Production System and has since been adapted for software development, IT operations, and other knowledge-work domains. A kanban board typically shows the workflow stages as vertical columns, with each card representing a work item such as a feature, bug, or task. Cards contain information like title, assignee, priority, and due date, and boards can be physical or digital.

A standard board uses columns that reflect the steps in the workflow, from backlogged work to completed work. Cards are moved left to right as they progress. Many boards include swimlanes to separate work by team, class of service, or priority. Important features include explicit work-in-progress (WIP) limits, which cap how many items can reside in a column at once to reveal bottlenecks and encourage smoother flow. Explicit policies, such as a definition of done or entry/exit criteria, help ensure consistency.

Key metrics associated with kanban boards include lead time and cycle time, used to assess delivery speed and process efficiency. The approach emphasizes visualization, flow management, and continuous improvement through regular reviews and incremental changes.

Kanban boards are used across industries and settings, from agile software teams to manufacturing and service delivery. They can be implemented with physical boards or digital tools (such as Trello, Jira, or Azure DevOps), often enabling collaboration, automation, and integration with other workflows. The method remains focused on transparency, adaptability, and steady, predictable delivery.