What is a Kanban board?

The best definition of Kanban board is “a workflow management tool that is used to visualise work at its stages”. The two key elements of a board are cards and columns. Kanban cards usually represent tasks. Typically, columns represent stages on the board.

Why is it called a kanban board?

The term comes from the Japanese “kanban” (看板), which means “signboard”. Here is a brief story of term creation. Japan, the 1940s: Taiichi Ohno introduced Kanban boards to Toyota to effectively compete with American automotive manufacturings. Kanban approach along with Lean management helped Toyota to increase productivity and reduce wastes during production. The company still uses Kanban board and even educates children about Kanban and Toyota Production System.

Who uses Kanban system?

Generally, Kanban layout depicts three columns:

  1. To Do
  2. Doing
  3. Done

This layout is simple and covers the three main stages all the processes are to overcome. Regardless of its nature, each goal-oriented activity needs them. This is why Kanban board is a one-size-fits-all tool. You can monitor personal stuff on a board. The approach is equally good for individual users, start-up teams and small business. Educators use the method for management-level staff and students. Enterprise companies tend to choose Kanban to make sure everyone fulfils the job.

What kanban board tool should I choose?

Kanbanchi for Google Workspace is the online project management software with Kanban Board, Gantt Chart and Time Tracker. Kanbanchi needs no installation because you can access it in your browser. It is also widely used for team collaboration and task management because it provides a platform that all team members can access at one time. Kanbanchi complements Google Workspace apps and becomes part of Google’s infrastructure.

Kanbanchi classic kanban board

Kanbanchi is built specifically for Google Workspace. You sign up with Google account, manipulate your project boards as files in Google Drive, give flexible access permissions, create events in your Google Calendar, attach Google docs, sheets and forms to your boards, and more.


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