Do you want your business processes to be more efficient? Who does not? Well, stay with us to learn about the Kanban methodology.
Although it is true that it began to develop many years ago, it is still widely recognized today. Many brands choose to apply it, but how to do it?
Our goal today is to explain what Kanban is, how to use it, and give you some examples to get it up and running successfully.
What is the Kanban methodology?
To know what the Kanban methodology is, let’s first focus on the meaning of the term. “Kanban” is the Japanese word that corresponds to “Sign” or “Card”.
With Kanban, the value chain in a brand is controlled to know what is being produced, how much stock there is and when the production is carried out. The methodology focuses on each of these phases to ensure that what is needed for the next one is being created.
In short, the Kanban method refers to a system whose objective is to increase the efficiency of the production process. That is why it is so common in manufacturing brands, moreover, it originated in one of them.
The history of Kanban began in the 1940s in a famous brand in the automotive sector: Toyota. Who was in charge of the development of the methodology was Taiichi Ohno.
Ohno focused on creating a system that would help plan the various activities at Toyota. The Kanban application would help to optimally manage and control stocks and jobs in the production stages.
Why did Toyota decide to create this methodology? Because the brand had low efficiency and productivity compared to the competition in the United States.
Taiichi Ohno was the one who applied this methodology in the manufacturing area, but over the years it was extended to other sectors. In the year 2004, David J. Anderson applied Kanban in the area of software development, IT, and general knowledge work.
Regardless of what they do, any company can benefit from this methodology, as it gradually improves any process that is carried out.
What are the benefits of using the Kanban methodology?
It is important to note that the Kanban method is visual, hence the Japanese word for “Board” is used. With the methodology it is possible to make a table in which the flow and workload are known.
In addition to being associated with theKanban is one of the so-called. So, just like them, it offers many benefits. What is Kanban and what is it for?
Next, we define some advantages and characteristics:
1. Prevents overload and contributes to time measurement
When you start with Kanban, the process is visualized by phases. Thanks to this, work overload is avoided and it contributes to the calculation of the approximate time to carry out specific activities.
This advantage allows that when applying the methodology you know how productive your brand is being with the activity carried out. Thus, you increase the value of your products or services.
2. Employees stay active
One of the biggest problems in carrying out projects is that the work team is inactive at times. This affects overall performance, efficiency, and optimal results.
When the Kanban methodology is applied, this problem is avoided. Those who are participating in the project can see the completed and pending tasks. That way, they know where to focus their efforts.
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3. Reduction in execution time
Each task or process requires a certain amount of time to complete. Because with Kanban efforts are focused on the right activities, the execution time is shorter.
The phases of the Kanban methodology contribute to processes not only being carried out in less time, but also with better quality.
4. The application of Kanban is simple
To apply it, you do not need to invest a large amount of money. It’s easy to implement, and if you do it properly, you’re guaranteed to get clear visual references.
5. Elimination of processes of little or no value
One of the things you want to achieve when carrying out a project is to reach the raised. But, if you focus on the wrong activities, this will be difficult to achieve.
That is why it is so important to make sure you are focusing your resources on the right processes. The Kanban methodology prevents you from wasting time on processes with little value.
6. Increase process clarity
This advantage is very useful for the work team, but especially for those who are working remotely. The centralization of tasks is ideal to obtain clear information about what the other people involved in the project are doing.
What are the principles of the Kanban methodology?
By the mid-2000s, those in other industries concluded that it wasn’t just automotive brands that could benefit from the Kanban methodology. It was at this time that it began to be implemented in other areas.
One of the people who embraced Kanban in knowledge work was David J. Anderson. At this time it was determined that the methodology was based on four important principles, which we will now detail.
Although the methodology is simple to apply, if you make sure to take its principles into account, it will be much more flexible.
The principles that make up the Kanban method are:
1. Start with what is being done now
One of the reasons Kanban is so easy to apply is that it doesn’t require any setup. That is, there is no need to change workflows, since the methodology can be implemented in an active process.
The Kanban application does not require drastic changes, so it is easy to use in all kinds of brands.
2. Commitment to the implementation of evolutionary changes
Instead of applying large configurations in the current business processes, the Kanban system implements small and continuous changes, which are characterized by being evolutionary and incremental or progressive.
Thanks to this principle, big mistakes are avoided, since there is a possibility that the radical change that is implemented will not have good results.
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3. Respect for processes, current positions and responsibilities
The principles of retrospective Kanban connect, making this methodology consistent.
The Kanban system recognizes that what exists in the brand at the moment of entering it can be valuable. Therefore, it is worth keeping. The principles are a sign that the methodology does not prescribe changes, but they are not prohibited either.
It is sought that the processes, positions and responsibilities are complemented with progressive and evolutionary changes that Kanban proposes.
4. Foster leadership at all levels
For every business to achieve peak performance, the mindset of the people involved must be nurtured to continually improve. The most outstanding leaders can emerge at any time.
Leadership should not only be fostered in brand management positions, but at all levels of the brand.
The approach that the Kanban methodology has regarding leadership is that it can come from different directions, so it seeks to promote the continuous improvement of this skill at all levels of a brand.
At any level, useful ideas can be generated and the leadership necessary to implement changes that improve the brand can be demonstrated.
Types of Kanban Methodology
In the Kanban system there are two kinds of models that are used in different industries: movement and production.
1. Kanban of movement
It is used to communicate with the sectors of production in a brand. The message that is transmitted is focused on when to carry out a certain activity or start with the next stage of the production chain.
It contributes to the production of a product being carried out in a controlled manner. This must be in accordance with the way in which your customers buy the products and with the inventory of your brand.
2. Kanban of production
The software used for the application of Kanban or cards is available at all stages of the process. In addition, each person who is in charge of carrying out a task can access them.
The information cards or the software explain the “To Do”, “Doing” and “Done”, that is, the tasks to be completed, which ones are in process or have been completed.
The information given about each task or stage must be detailed, it is valid to specify the following:
- Brief explanation of the procedure or activity.
- Deadline to start or complete it.
- Name of the person in charge of the task.
The two Kanban classes that exist show that this methodology is ideal for.
What is the difference between SCRUM and Kanban methodologies?
The methodology and Kanban have similarities, but we will only focus on two of them. The first is that both are part of the which are very common and used.
The second is that they are excellent of projects and activities. But… What is the difference between SCRUM and Kanban?
There are several differences between the SCRUM and Kanban methodology, they are the following:
- Kanban is more flexible: because it adapts to active projects, positions and other aspects of the business.
- SCRUM has a time limit: the method has “sprints” or sessions that take place over two weeks. The brand must determine the time in which the SCRUM will end. This does not happen when applying Kanban.
It is important to note that both methodologies can be combined. What do you get if you decide to do it?
With Kanban you improve processes and with SCRUM you finish them in less time, but without leaving quality and efficiency aside.
How to apply the Kanban methodology in your business?
The steps to follow to implement the Kanban system are:
1. Evaluate the needs of your business
This is the first of the phases, where it is essential that you carefully analyze the needs of your brand. Evaluate projects that are being carried out or have been carried out.
Then, determine which ones can be complemented with the Kanban methodology.
We also recommend analyzing the demand for the activity that is being carried out and a deadline to complete it. With this information in mind, create a convenient schedule that suits your business needs.
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2. Create the goals of the Kanban application
The objectives should focus on the performance of the activities to be carried out. If you create them, they can become a key aspect in the application and success of Kanban.
Your goals should be balanced and not overly challenging as they can lower the motivation of the people involved. When you create them, keep in mind the real capabilities of your brand.
3. Train those who are part of the work team
If not, it would be like starting the house from the roof. Then,…
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