Lean Metrics – Flow & Kanban Systems

“Flow” is one of the fundamental principles of Lean thinking," which pertains to the progression of work through a given system. A system with "good" flow is characterized by a steady and predictable movement of work, while a system with "bad" flow is marked by frequent stops and starts. The maintenance of a consistent flow of work is crucial for achieving faster and more dependable delivery, thereby enhancing the value provided to customers, teams, and organizations.?

?In a system designed to manage the flow of tangible deliverables, such as a car assembly line, identifying bottlenecks that impede progress is relatively straightforward. However, for knowledge work, flow issues are more challenging to discern. This is a primary reason why teams employ Kanban boards, which enable them to visualize how work is flowing through their system. By observing flow, teams can gain insight into their capacity, readily identify problems, and concentrate on restoring the flow of work. When integrated with a Kanban system, Lean metrics can furnish actionable intelligence, facilitating not only the prompt and dependable delivery of value, but also the continuous improvement of the process.