The Set-Up Phase in Kanban includes processes related to the initiation of a workflow or initiative. The key processes in this phase are Form Kanban Team and Optimize Workflows.
To ensure the effective application of the Kanban method, this chapter identifies inputs, tools, and outputs for each process as either mandatory or optional. Items marked with an asterisk (*) are mandatory and considered critical for workflow success, while those without an asterisk are optional.
It is recommended that the Kanban Team and individuals new to the Kanban method focus primarily on the mandatory inputs, tools, and outputs. In contrast, Product Owners, Kanban Managers, and other experienced Kanban practitioners should aim for a comprehensive understanding of all the information in this chapter.
This chapter is written from the perspective of a single Kanban Team working on one Kanban Workflow, which may be part of a larger organization, program, or portfolio. Additional guidance on scaling Kanban is provided in a later section.
The Set-Up Phase occurs at the beginning of the Kanban Workflow creation. During this phase, the Kanban Core Team and key stakeholders are identified, starting with the Product Owner, who has ownership of the Kanban Workflow.
Figure 6-1 provides an overview of the Set-Up Phase processes, which are as follows:
- Form Kanban Team : This process involves identifying and assembling the core team responsible for managing the Kanban Workflow. Key roles typically include the Product Owner, Kanban Manager, and team members who will actively contribute to the workflow’s execution and continuous improvement.
- Optimize Workflows: In this process, the team evaluates existing workflows (if applicable) or designs a new workflow to optimize efficiency. The objective is to identify areas for improvement, define process policies, and establish clear work-in-progress (WIP) limits to maintain a smooth and balanced flow of work.
These processes form the foundation for effective Kanban implementation, ensuring that the right team structure is in place and the workflow is designed for optimal performance from the start.
Figure 6 1: Overview of Set-Up Phase Processes
Note: Asterisks (*) denote a “mandatory” input, tool, or output for the corresponding process.