What Is Kanban? | Vantage
Kanban Kanban is a workflow management method that visualizes work on a board with columns representing stages (To Do, In Progress, Done). Work items move through columns from left to right. Work-in-progress (WIP) limits restrict how many items can be in each column at once, preventing overload.
Why kanban matters
Kanban optimizes flow: the steady movement of work through the system. By limiting WIP, Kanban prevents the common anti-pattern of starting many things and finishing few. This reduces context switching, shortens cycle times, and makes the team more productive.
How it works
Set up a board with columns for each workflow stage. Set WIP limits for each column (e.g., "In Progress" limited to 3 items). When a column is at its WIP limit, the team must finish or remove an item before starting a new one. Track cycle time (how long items take to move from start to done) and optimize for shorter, more predictable cycle times.
Common mistakes
Not setting WIP limits (defeats the purpose of Kanban)
Too many columns (creates unnecessary process)
Not tracking cycle time
Using Kanban boards without Kanban principles (just a task list)
Mixing Kanban with sprint commitments (choose one cadence)
Related terms
How Vantage relates
Vantage generates dependency-aware tickets that can be managed on any board: Kanban or sprint-based. The dependency relationships help teams sequence their Kanban board so that blocking items are prioritized first.