Kanban Basics
What does the word "Kanban" mean, and why is it relevant to teams?
It means "visual signal" and reminds teams to make work visible.
what does WIP stand for, and why is it important in Kanban?
WIP means Work In Progress. It helps control how much work is started at once to avoid overload.
200 pts
What is Cycle Time in Kanban?
It’s the amount of time a task takes from the moment work begins until it is done.
Why is it important for teams to make their workflow policies explicit?
So everyone understands the rules, expectations, and what each step means.
What is the main reason for using a Kanban board?
To make work visible so the whole team can see what’s being done, what’s next, and what’s stuck.
Which company and industry first introduced the Kanban method?
Toyota, in the automotive manufacturing industry.
What happens when a team has too much WIP?
Work slows down, context switching increases, and nothing gets finished quickly.
What does Throughput measure in a Kanban system?
The number of tasks completed in a given time period, like per week.
When should a task be placed in the “Expedite/Urgent” lane?
Only when it is truly urgent and needs to skip the normal process to be completed quickly.
If a task is in a “Waiting” or “Blocked” column, what does that mean?
The task can’t move forward yet due to a dependency or issue.
How is work delivered in Kanban compared to Scrum?
In Kanban, work is delivered continuously without sprints.
If the “In Progress” column has reached its WIP limit, what should you do before pulling in new work?
Finish an existing task first before starting a new one.
What is the difference between Lead Time and Cycle Time?
Lead Time is from when the task is requested to when it’s done. Cycle Time starts when work begins.
What is a Service Delivery Review in Kanban?
It’s a regular meeting to review how work is flowing and discuss ways to improve.
Why do teams use colors, tags, or avatars on cards?
To show who owns the task, its type, or its priority at a glance.
What does it mean to “start with what you do now” in Kanban?
It means you begin with your current process and improve gradually.
How do WIP limits help identify bottlenecks?
When tasks pile up in one column, it shows where the flow is getting stuck.
What does it mean if your team’s average Cycle Time is increasing?
It means tasks are taking longer to complete, possibly due to delays or inefficiencies.
Why should teams visualize their full workflow from request to delivery?
To identify where work is delayed, duplicated, or unnecessary steps are added.
How does visualizing work improve team collaboration?
It helps the team stay aligned, spot issues early, and work more efficiently together.
Is Kanban only for software teams, or can other teams use it too?
Any team can use Kanban, including support, operations, or business teams.
Who should be involved in setting WIP limits for the team?
The team should decide together based on their real capacity.
How can flow metrics help teams improve their delivery process?
They show where delays happen and help the team adjust for faster, smoother delivery.
What is the purpose of a Daily Kanban (or standup) meeting?
To discuss what’s in progress, spot blockers, and ensure tasks are flowing smoothly.
What Lean principle is supported by using Kanban boards to improve processes?
Kaizen – the practice of continuous improvement.