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How to Manage Projects More Efficiently Using the Kanban Approach

Kanban is a task management approach that helps in improving project management efficiency.  The word Kanban is a Japanese term that is translated into ‘billboard’. Originally, the concept was introduced by Toyota to improve its manufacturing efficiency. However, later it was modified by the academicians to make it compatible with almost every type of project. 

Here we will look at some of the benefits of the Kanban approach and how using project management software can help in implementing the technique.

What is Kanban Project Management Technique

Kanban is a just-in-time (JIT) agile project management technique. The process is a popular framework for managing the tasks related to the project. Using the technique can help match the tasks with the capabilities of the team. The goal is to ensure flexible planning, improved focus, greater transparency, and faster output throughout the lifecycle of the project.

Kanban allows a project manager to:

• View work in progress
• Understand the impediments and take steps to remove them
• Empower team to better manage the task and work flows
• Ensure effective communication
• Encourage team collaboration

In Kanban, the projects are color coded to represent priority and their delivery date. The feature is included in the project management software. It helps in defining and prioritizing tasks, and allowing feedback to be received from the employees. At its most basic, the Kanban divides tasks into three categories:

• Completed
• Work in progress
• Awaiting  feedback

The visual board can help the project management to track progress and take steps to ensure timely completion of the tasks.

How a Project Management Tool Can Help in Implementing Kanban

Kanban is a visual tool that helps in visualizing the work flow of the project. A project management tool makes it easy to incorporate Kanban visual boards for managing the tasks. 

First, the project manager creates tasks and then assigns them to the project team members. Next, the work is prioritized to ensure that the most important task gets completed first. This will help avoid production delays and ensure timely completion of the project. 

The workflow consists of a sequence of tasks that take the project from the start to the end. Every time a task is created, the right resources are assigned and then it is prioritized. Seeing how the tasks relate to each other will help in better team collaboration, improved efficiencies, and greater profitability.

Conclusion

Kanban is a visual technique that helps in assigning and prioritizing the tasks. The technique helps in making the tasks clearer for the employees. By seeing how the tasks relate to each other, the employees will better understand their roles. It will foster team collaboration and result in improved productivity. In this respect, project management software proves invaluable as it allows you to implement Kanban technique to achieve improved project outcomes.