kanban Certification

Kanban Board: What It Is and How to Use It

Posted on November 13, 2025 by sharath

Kanban boards are popular tools for managing projects and tracking work progress. They allow you to see what tasks are being worked on and how much progress has been made. In this article, we will teach you how to use a kanban board, including the different types of cards and columns that can be used. We will also show you some example boards that you can use for your projects. So, let’s get started!

What is a Kanban board?

The Kanban board is an intuitive tool that helps teams visualize their workflow. It uses a simple visual chart to help in tracking progress – showing tasks, the people involved and where they are in the work process. It also allows team members to easily see who is working on what at any given time. The main benefit of using a Kanban board is that it helps teams to quickly identify and resolve bottlenecks in the workflow, enabling them to deliver projects faster.

Kanban boards also allow teams to be more flexible and responsive to changes, as they can easily add or remove tasks from their work streams without disrupting the entire process. The use of a Kanban board is becoming increasingly popular in project management and agile software development, as it allows teams to quickly adapt to changing demands. With its simple visual design, the Kanban board is a powerful tool that can help any team become more organized and efficient.

History of the Kanban System

The Kanban system is an approach to streamlining their production process. It was designed to reduce waste, optimize resources, and improve efficiency by better managing the flow of tasks and materials within the organization. Over time, it has evolved into a comprehensive tool for managing workflows across organizations of all sizes. The concept began with a simple visual tool: cards were used to track and manage tasks, materials, and inventory within each station of the assembly line.

As the system was refined over time, it became the basis for a complete system of inventory management, production scheduling, and project tracking. Today, the Kanban system is used by organizations around the world to improve their processes. It can be applied to virtually any type of work, from software development and manufacturing to operations management and customer service.

By visually representing each task or item in the workflow, the Kanban system allows team members to quickly identify bottlenecks and take action to reduce or eliminate them. Additionally, it can help teams increase their efficiency by providing better transparency into workflows and enabling faster decision-making.

The Fundamentals of Kanban

The fundamentals of Kanban form the backbone of this agile methodology. They define how teams visualize work, manage flow, and continuously improve performance across processes. Understanding these basics helps ensure Kanban is applied effectively at any scale, from personal productivity to enterprise operations.

Visualization of Work: The first principle of Kanban is to make work visible. A visual workflow helps everyone understand what’s happening, what’s pending, and where potential slowdowns exist. Tasks are represented by cards, and their movement across columns reflects real-time progress. This transparency helps eliminate confusion and improve accountability across the team.
Limiting Work in Progress (WIP): WIP limits are essential for maintaining flow efficiency. By setting boundaries on how many tasks can be worked on simultaneously, teams can prevent overloading and focus on completing high-priority items. This reduces context-switching and ensures steady progress without compromising quality.
Managing Flow: Kanban promotes smooth and predictable movement of work through every stage of a process. Teams continuously monitor flow metrics such as cycle time and lead time to identify delays or inefficiencies. Optimizing flow helps improve delivery speed and predictability.
Implementing Feedback Loops: Regular feedback is central to Kanban. Daily stand-ups, retrospectives, and review meetings allow teams to discuss progress, challenges, and opportunities for improvement. These structured discussions enable ongoing alignment and incremental changes that compound into major efficiency gains.
Continuous Improvement (Kaizen): Derived from Japanese manufacturing philosophy, Kaizen emphasizes ongoing, incremental progress. Teams constantly evaluate their workflow, suggest refinements, and test new practices. Kanban encourages this adaptive mindset, where improvement never stops and processes evolve with experience.
Data-Driven Optimization: Modern Kanban tools provide analytics dashboards that help track throughput, identify recurring blockers, and reveal performance trends. Using these insights, teams can make informed decisions backed by data rather than assumptions, leading to more effective process evolution.
Flexibility and Scalability: Unlike rigid frameworks, Kanban can be implemented at any level — for individuals, teams, or entire organizations. Its adaptability allows seamless integration into existing workflows without major disruption, making it suitable for diverse industries like software development, marketing, HR, and manufacturing.
Respect for People and Roles: At its heart, Kanban is a human-centric system. It values the expertise of team members, encourages ownership of tasks, and promotes sustainable work rhythms. This focus on people over process leads to higher morale, better engagement, and consistent productivity.

By mastering these fundamentals, organizations can transform how work gets done. Kanban isn’t just a visual board — it’s a philosophy that balances transparency, discipline, and agility to create a culture of continuous improvement.

Elements of Kanban board

A Kanban board is a physical or virtual tool that helps people visualize and manage work. It is a central part of the Kanban methodology, which is often used in software development and other project-based work.

The Kanban board typically contains three columns: one for work that needs to be done, one for work that is in progress, and one for work that is completed. This simple structure helps team members see what needs to be done, what is being worked on, and what has been finished.

In addition, the Kanban board can also contain additional columns for other purposes, such as “ blocked” or “on hold.” By visualizing work in this way, the Kanban board can help teams better understand and manage their workflows.

How to use a Kanban board?

Kanban boards provide an efficient way to organize and manage tasks. Here’s how to get started using a Kanban board:

Set up the board – Start by creating columns to represent each stage of the process, such as “To Do”, “In Progress”, and “Done”. You can also add additional columns based on your specific goals or tasks.
Add tasks – Using cards or notes, add all of the tasks that need to be completed in each column. Be sure to include any deadlines and other important information for each task.
Prioritize tasks – As new tasks come up, prioritize them by assigning them a priority level such as “high”, “medium”, or “low”. This will help you to easily identify which tasks need to be completed first.
Monitor progress – As tasks are moved from column to column, it’s important to keep track of their progress. You can use the board as a way to measure project completion and identify any potential bottlenecks or delays.

By using a Kanban board, you can take control of your tasks and ensure that all of your projects are completed on time and to the highest standard. With this simple yet effective tool, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your goals.

Kanban Board Examples/Templates

A Kanban board is a tool that can be used to visualize and manage work. There are many different Kanban board examples and templates available online, but the most important thing is to choose one that will work well for your specific needs. One of the most popular kanban board examples is the Scrum board. The Scrum board is divided into three columns:

To Do, In Progress, and Done. This simple layout makes it easy to see what needs to be done and track progress. Another popular option is the Kanban Flow board, which uses swim lanes to organize work into different categories.

This can be helpful if you need to track multiple projects at once. Whatever type of kanban board you choose, make sure it’s something that will help you achieve your goals.

Best Kanban Certifications

While there are many Kanban certifications available, there are a few that stand out as the best options for those looking to improve their project management skills. The KMP course is one of the most comprehensive and highly respected Kanban certifications available.

It covers all aspects of Kanban, from theory to practice, and provides participants with the knowledge and tools they need to implement Kanban effectively in their organizations. AgileFever offers a Kanban certification program that is well-regarded by industry experts.

Whichever certification you choose, make sure that it aligns with your goals and objectives for your project management career. Kanban boards are a great way to visualize your work and keep track of what still needs to be done. They can help you avoid overwhelm and stay on top of your tasks. You can use them for personal or professional projects, and they’re especially helpful if you’re working on a team.

Key Kanban Principles for Software Development Success

Posted on January 20, 2025 by sharath

One of the most commonly used project management methods is Kanban, which came out of the manufacturing industry and now finds widespread application in software development. It emphasizes seeing work as done, restricting work in process, and establishing a regular cadence of workflow. Here in this blog, we will look at the essential Kanban principles that guarantee software development success.

Understanding Kanban:

Kanban is a visual approach which enables teams to perform more efficiently. In regards to that, it makes use of a Kanban Board, which is an actual physical representation of the workflow. Some columns symbolise different stages in the work process, and each card represents a task or user story that proceeds from one column to a subsequent one.

Visualizing Work with a Kanban Board:

The first Kanban rule is a visualization of the work. Teams will be able to identify the progress of each task through the use of a Kanban board. It also assists in locating constraints, balancing labour loads, and increasing the overall clarity or transparency of operations.

Setting WIP Limits:

Kanban’s second principle is WIP limits. WIP limits stop the team from being overwhelmed with too much work at any one time as this can lead to multiple tasking and lower productivity. When teams set limits for WIP, they have their attention drawn forward to ensure that tasks are completed before moving on to new operations thus generating good flow and high speed in delivering output.

Implementing Core Kanban Principles:

For Kanban implementation, a team must know and utilize the key Kanban principles. The major principles are visualizing workflow, limiting WIP, managing flow, and making policies explicit, among others. In this regard, teams must adopt these principles to make the work process run smoothly.

Applying the 4 Kanban Principles:

Besides the core principles, four other Kanban principles are very important in the successful practice of software development. The guiding values should involve commencing with what you have, accepting a gradual approach with evolution, keeping present duties, positions, and job descriptions unchanged, and recognizing the leadership potential of each individual.

Benefits of Kanban for Agile Teams:

There are many advantages of Kanban for Agile teams. it supports the better flow of work, diminishing blockades and amplifying productivity. In addition, kanban encourages team members to self-evaluate their improvement to continually advance processes using small steps. It gives a level of agility by allowing them to adjust their responses to the evolving needs of the customer.

Continuous Improvement with Kanban:

One of the important aspects of Kanban is continuous improvement. Teams should carry out regular reviews of the workflow to detect any weaknesses that need to be addressed. The results will be better customer satisfaction at lower costs due to greater efficiency and effectiveness of the work process.

Best Practices for Successful Kanban Implementation:

There are a few practices that teams need to observe when implementing Kanaban for the team to succeed. The key elements for the implementation of Kanban within Agility are to understand Agile principles, optimize work in progress, use Kanban Cards for tracking tasks and follow Kanban cadences like Daily Stand-ups and Retrospectives. Adherence to these principles will allow teams to exploit the potential of Kanban for their team’s success in software development.

Conclusion

Success in software development relies on Kanban principles. Teams should always visualize the work they are doing, have work-in-process limits, as well as ensure continuous improvement in the flow of their work for greater achievements and productivity. This means that with Kanban being the basic principle, the 4 extra principles should be followed by a team as they apply Kanban to their product development process. Teams should learn about the advantages of Kanban and use best practices to make working processes more effective and efficient leading to the success of a project.

Kanban Metrics – What are they and Important ones to track

Posted on January 13, 2025 by sharath

Kanban metrics are important to track to ensure that your team is using the Kanban system effectively. In this blog post, we will discuss what Kanban metrics are, and how to track them. We will also provide an example of a kanban board and how to read the kanban metrics for that board. Finally, we will provide some tips for improving your team’s Kanban metric tracking process.

Kanban Overview

Kanban is a visual and agile methodology for managing projects. It helps teams create workflow, identify bottlenecks, and optimize processes. Kanban boards are used to visually track project progress, tasks, and deliverables while limiting work in progress (WIP), which can help reduce overall lead times. Kanban boards are divided into columns that represent different stages of work. Generally, the columns will include steps such as “To Do”, “In Progress” and “Done”. To ensure effective workflow management, teams can set Work in Process (WIP) limits on each column to limit how many items are allowed in each stage. This helps to prevent any single stage from becoming overloaded with too many tasks.

Training: Team Kanban Practitioner Training

Kanban boards also help teams to effectively collaborate on projects by providing a clear view of the work that needs to be done and who is responsible for it. They provide an opportunity for team members to receive real-time feedback and updates, so everyone is kept up to date on progress. Kanban can be effective in a variety of industries, from software development and manufacturing to marketing and sales. It’s also used for personal task management applications, such as grocery shopping lists or home improvement projects.

What are Kanban Metrics?

Kanban metrics are a collection of performance measures used to track the progress and success of Kanban teams. These metrics provide an objective way to understand how well the team is achieving its goals, identify problems before they become major issues, and measure the effectiveness of changes made over time. The most commonly used Kanban metrics include cycle time, work-in-progress (WIP) limits, throughput, lead time, and defect rate. By monitoring these metrics regularly, teams can gain visibility into the performance of their workflows and make improvements accordingly.

As anyone who has ever tried to implement a new system knows, change is not always easy. To successfully adopt a new way of working, it is important to have a clear understanding of the goals and objectives that the new system is designed to achieve.

Training: Kanban System Design Training

This is especially true when it comes to Kanban metrics. By understanding the various Kanban metrics and how they can be used to measure success, organizations can set clear goals and track their progress over time.

One of the most important Kanban metrics is the lead time metric. Lead time refers to the amount of time that elapses between when an item is first placed in a work queue and when it is finally completed. Measuring lead time can help organizations identify bottlenecks in their workflow and make necessary adjustments.

Another important Kanban metric is throughput. Throughput refers to the number of items that are completed within a certain period. Measuring throughput can help organizations to identify trends and optimize their workflow.

It provides organizations with a valuable way to track their progress and ensure that they are making continuous improvements. By understanding the various Kanban metrics and how they can be used, organizations can set clear goals and measure their success over time.

Training: Kanban Systems Improvement Training

Good and Bad Metrics

Metrics are important tools that businesses use to measure their performance. They can provide valuable insights into areas of business that are doing well and areas that need improvement. However, not all metrics are created equal.

Some metrics, known as vanity metrics, can give a false sense of progress and lead businesses astray. Other metrics, known as actionable metrics, provide clear and concise information that can help businesses make better decisions. Businesses need to know the difference between good and bad metrics to make the most of their data.

Vanity metrics are metrics that don’t provide any real insights into business performance. Examples of vanity metrics include likes, follows, and page views. These metrics may make businesses feel good, but they don’t give any clear indication of what needs to be improved.

Actionable metrics, on the other hand, provide specific and concrete information about areas of business that need attention. examples of actionable metrics include customer satisfaction rates, conversion rates, and revenue per visitor. These metrics help businesses to focus on the areas that will have the biggest impact on their bottom line.

When it comes to choosing which metrics to track, businesses should focus on actionable metrics instead of vanity metrics. Actionable metrics will give you the information you need to make informed decisions about your business. Vanity metrics may make you feel good, but they won’t do anything to improve your bottom line.

Key Kanban Metrics to Track

The Kanban methodology is a popular lean manufacturing technique that helps businesses improve their efficiency and productivity. Various metrics can be used to track the performance of a Kanban system, but some of the most important ones include lead time, throughput, and WIP levels.

Lead time is the average amount of time it takes for a task to be completed, from start to finish. Throughput is the number of tasks that are completed within a certain timeframe. WIP levels refer to the amount of work in progress at any given time. Tracking these key metrics can help you to identify bottlenecks in your process and make necessary improvements.

To effectively track Kanban metrics, it is important to have a clear understanding of what each one represents and how it impacts your business. By doing so, you will be able to make more informed decisions about where to focus your improvement efforts.

Training: Certified Kanban Management Professional

Final Thoughts

Kanban metrics are an important part of the process, but they need to be tracked and monitored to be effective. By tracking Kanban metrics, you can ensure that your team is working efficiently and meeting deadlines. If you’re not currently tracking Kanban metrics, we suggest starting today! It will help improve your workflow and keep everyone on track.

Compare TKP, KMP, KMP1, & KMP2 – Best Kanban Certification

Posted on January 9, 2025 by sharath

There are many different Kanban certifications to choose from. This can make it difficult to decide which certification is right for you. In this blog post, we will compare the four most popular Kanban certifications: TKP, KMP, KMP1, and KMP2. We will discuss the pros and cons of each certification and help you decide which one is best for you.

What is Kanban Certification?

Kanban certification is a way of demonstrating your proficiency in using Kanban to manage software development projects. The certification process involves passing an exam that covers the basics of Kanban, including its history, terminology, and Key Principles.

Once you have successfully obtained your certification, you will be able to use the Kanban Method with confidence, knowing that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to complete projects. In addition to providing you with a valuable credential, Kanban certification can also help you to stand out from the crowd when applying for jobs or pitching your services to potential clients.

With the Kanban Method becoming increasingly popular, obtaining certification is a great way to show that you are ahead of the curve and ready to meet the demands of the modern workplace.

Team Kanban Practitioner Certification (TKP Certification)

The Team Kanban Practitioner certification is a great way to demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement and help your team work more efficiently. The certification process is designed to help you learn the basics of Kanban, as well as how to apply it to your specific team’s needs.

Once you’re Kanban certified, you’ll be able to share your knowledge with other members of your team and help them implement Kanban principles in their work. In addition, the certification will show potential employers that you’re serious about continuous improvement and have the skills to help organizations achieve their goals.

TKP certification is a great way to enhance your teaching skills. The coursework covers a variety of topics related to teaching, including effective methods for instructing students, classroom management techniques, and how to create an engaging learning environment.

In addition, TKP certification allows you to network with other teachers and learn from their experiences. As a result, TKP certification can help you become a more effective teacher and better prepared to meet the needs of your students.

If you’re looking for a way to improve your team’s productivity, the Team Kanban Practitioner certification is a great option.

When to do TKP Certification

TKP certification can be beneficial for teams that are looking to improve their workflow and productivity, as well as those seeking to become more agile. It is also a great choice for teams who want to gain an understanding of the Kanban methodology and its principles, such as flow, continuous improvement, visualizing work, limiting work in progress (WIP), and ensuring feedback loops.

The certification is offered in both online and classroom formats, providing an easy way to learn the fundamentals of Kanban. Those who complete the training will gain an understanding of how the methodology works, how it can be applied, and what its benefits are in terms of improved productivity and workflow. Participants will also learn how to implement Kanban within their teams and organizations.

When considering when to pursue this certification, it is important to understand the team’s goals and needs. If a team is looking for ways to become more agile and productive, this might be the perfect time. Additionally, if there are new members or personnel changes, it could be beneficial to set aside time for everyone to become familiar with Kanban and its principles. The certification is also a great choice if the team is just starting and looking to get organized, as it will provide an understanding of how Kanban works and can be implemented.

Overall, TKP certification provides teams with an understanding of Kanban and its principles, enabling them to improve their workflow and productivity. It is a great choice for teams looking to become more agile, as well as those who are just starting or undergoing personnel changes. Taking the time to pursue this certification can bring long-term benefits for teams, ensuring they have the knowledge needed to make the most of the Kanban methodology. Understanding when to pursue TKP certification is important, so teams can gain the maximum benefit from it.

Kanban Management Professional Certification

The Kanban Management Professional (KMP) certification is designed for those who want to learn how to effectively implement and manage Kanban projects. The certification process requires candidates to complete a training course, pass an exam, and submit a case study.

Upon successful completion of the certification process, candidates will be able to demonstrate their knowledge of Kanban principles and practices and show that they are capable of managing Kanban projects effectively. The KMP certification is an internationally recognized credential that can help you advance your career and improve your organization’s bottom line.

KMP Certification

There are many different types of certifications available to project managers, but one of the most popular is the KMP certification. The KMP certification is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and is a globally recognized credential.

To earn this certificate, candidates must pass an exam that covers the key knowledge areas of project management. These include project scope, schedule, cost, quality, risk, and communications management. The KMP credential is valid for three years and can be renewed by completing continuing education requirements.

Because the KMP credential is so highly regarded, it can open doors to new job opportunities and help project managers advance their careers. For these reasons, the KMP certification is an excellent choice for any project manager who wants to take their career to the next level.

When to do KMP certification?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of when to do KMP certification. The best time to complete the certification process will depend on several factors, including your experience level, the type of job you are seeking, and the requirements of your chosen field.

However, in general, it is advisable to complete KMP certification before beginning your job search. This will ensure that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to be successful in your chosen career.

Moreover, many employers prefer to hire candidates who have already completed KMP certification. Therefore, completing the certification process before beginning your job search may give you a competitive advantage.

Kanban System Design Training and Certification

Kanban System Design Training and Certification offers a comprehensive training program to help professionals develop the skills necessary to maximize efficiency through the Kanban method. This course is designed for those who have an interest in improving their ability to design, implement and maintain successful Kanban systems.

It covers all aspects of Kanban system design, from basic principles and terminology to advanced topics such as Kanban modelling, forecasting and measurement. By taking this course, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to develop their own Kanban systems that are tailored to their individual organization’s needs.

KMP1 certification

The Kanban System Design Training (KMP1) certification is designed to help individuals and teams gain an understanding of the fundamental principles and practices of Kanban. It covers topics such as workflow visualization, team collaboration, continuous improvement and measuring performance. The certification provides a comprehensive overview of how to design and implement a successful Kanban system within an organization. It includes hands-on exercises to help with the design process and provides customized resources for scaling Kanban across an organization.

The KMP1 certification is the first step in a three-level certification program that leads to certified Kanban Practitioner (KP) status, which is required for those wishing to become a Certified Professional Scrum Master. By obtaining the KMP1 certification, individuals and teams will gain a deep understanding of how to design an effective Kanban system that meets the needs of their organization. This knowledge can be used to create a culture of continuous improvement and increase efficiency in any environment.

When to do KMP1 Certification

Kanban System Design Training (KMP1) certification is suitable for anyone interested in improving their ability to design Kanban systems, especially those who are considering applying the process in their workplace. The certification focuses on how to identify and address workflow problems through a set of best practices and principles. It covers business objectives analysis, visualizing work and workflow, and design of Kanban systems and their implementation.

KMP1 is best suited for experienced professionals who have some knowledge of the Lean principles on which Kanban is based. The certification is helpful for individuals looking to accelerate the introduction of Kanban into their organization, as well as those seeking a deeper understanding of how to apply and maintain Kanban sustainably.

Kanban System Improvement Training and Certification

Kanban System Improvement Training and Certification is designed for those looking to improve their existing Kanban systems or implement new ones. Whether you are a team leader, a project manager, an executive, or someone with experience in business process improvement, this course will give you the knowledge and skills you need to effectively improve your organization’s current Kanban system. The course covers the fundamentals of Kanban, including Lean principles and Total Quality Management (TQM) techniques; how to design a Kanban system that meets your organization’s objectives; how to implement a Kanban system into existing processes; and how to ensure effective implementation.

You will also learn how to measure the success of your Kanban system, identify areas of improvement and develop strategies to address them. Upon completion, you will be able to confidently create, manage and improve a Kanban system that increases efficiency and maximizes customer satisfaction. This course is valuable for professionals interested in improving project management practices within their organization or those looking to pursue professional certification in the field.

KMP2 Certification

Kanban System Improvement Training is designed to help organizations gain an understanding of the principles and practices behind Kanban. The training covers topics such as Kanban board set-up, metrics, workflow optimization techniques, and more. The course also provides hands-on practice on how to use the system effectively to increase efficiency and productivity.

Participants will gain real-world experience on how to implement and manage the system within their organization. After completing the course, participants will be able to identify key areas for improvement and develop strategies for the successful implementation of Kanban System Improvement initiatives.

When to do KMP2 certification

KMP2 training is an important step in any organization’s effort to improve its Kanban system. It is especially critical for organizations that are looking to achieve a higher level of efficiency, productivity, and quality control within the production process. KMP2 training helps organizations better understand the principles behind Kanban and how it can be used to improve their operations.

KMP2 training is also helpful for organizations that wish to create a realistic and effective Kanban system. Through the course, representatives from different departments of the organization can learn how to design and implement an efficient production process that works with their specific needs. Additionally, participants can gain a better understanding of Kanban’s potential usage in other areas of the organization, such as supply chain management and customer service.

Best Place to get Kanban Training and Certification

AgileFever is the best place to get Kanban training and certification. It offers comprehensive online courses covering all aspects of Kanban, including theory, practice, and applications. The courses are designed to help you gain an in-depth understanding of the principles of Kanban and how they can be applied in various contexts. You will learn how to apply Kanban in different contexts and how to use it effectively to optimize team performance.

Each course is designed with an interactive video-based format, providing a rich learning experience that encourages active participation. At AgileFever, you will receive personalized guidance from experienced instructors who will support you through the entire certification process. Our certified Kanban trainers will help you gain the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage Kanban projects.