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Kanban

What Is Kanban?

Kanban is a visual workflow management method that helps teams track and control work by displaying tasks on boards with defined stages. Originally created by Toyota as a production signalling system, it uses cards and columns to illustrate tasks as they move from start to finish.

Detailed Explanation

Today, teams across industries use Kanban to manage their work efficiently. Each task appears on a card, placed in columns like "To Do," "In Progress," and "Done." By limiting how many items can sit in each column (known as WIP limits), teams stay focused and avoid bottlenecks. Kanban also encourages a pull system—teams pull new tasks only when they have the bandwidth, ensuring smoother delivery and fostering continuous improvement by revealing slowdowns early.

Use in HR or Business Context

HR teams and managers use Kanban not just for software projects but to organise any process-driven workflows—like hiring, onboarding, or content creation. A Kanban board can display the stages of recruitment, from screening to offer. It helps managers visualise bottlenecks, adjust priorities, and keep everyone aligned in real time, making every step more visible and manageable.

Why It Matters Today

In fast-paced and remote-working environments, Kanban brings clarity and speed. It helps teams adapt quickly as priorities shift, supports transparent progress tracking, and encourages incremental improvement. More than just a board, Kanban keeps teams focused, efficient, and agile—whether they’re delivering code, planning events, or managing HR projects.