Systems thinking
Somesh Kumar Sahu
Product Engineering | Agile Management | Data Science | Emerging Tech Enthusiast
Systems thinking is a holistic approach to problem-solving that considers the interconnectedness of various elements within a system. In the context of Kanban implementation, it means looking beyond the Kanban board itself and analyzing how it interacts with the broader environment. Here's how systems thinking is applied to Kanban:
Understanding the Big Picture:
Optimizing Flow:
Benefits of Systems Thinking in Kanban:
STATIK (Systems Thinking Approach to Introduce Kanban):
One practical example of applying systems thinking to Kanban is the STATIK method. STATIK is a framework that helps organizations implement Kanban by focusing on understanding customer needs, identifying sources of dissatisfaction in the current system, and then designing a Kanban board that optimizes flow throughout the system.
In conclusion, systems thinking provides a valuable framework for implementing Kanban effectively. Organizations can leverage Kanban to achieve optimal workflow, increased efficiency, and improved customer satisfaction by considering the bigger picture and the interconnectedness of various elements.
STATIK: A Deeper Dive into the Systems Thinking Approach to Kanban
STATIK (Systems Thinking Approach to Introduce Kanban) is a structured methodology that utilizes systems thinking principles to guide the implementation of Kanban within an organization. It goes beyond simply setting up a Kanban board and analyzes the entire work system for optimal flow and efficiency. Here's a breakdown of the eight key steps involved in STATIK:
1. Understand Why the Service Fits for Purpose:
2. Understand Sources of Dissatisfaction with the Current System:
3. Analyze Demand:
4. Analyze Capability:
5. Model Workflow:
6. Discover Classes of Service:
7. Design the Kanban System:
8. Socialize the Design and Negotiate Implementation:
Benefits of STATIK:
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Note: While the first and last steps are often used for more complex implementations, the middle six steps form the core of STATIK and are frequently applied when introducing Kanban.
By utilizing STATIK, organizations can leverage the power of Kanban within a broader systems thinking framework. This results in a Kanban system that is more aligned with organizational goals, customer needs, and overall work system efficiency.
Imagine a busy restaurant kitchen overwhelmed with orders. The chefs (the Kanban team) are struggling to keep up, leading to long wait times for customers (dissatisfaction) and frustrated staff. To improve efficiency, the restaurant manager (you) decides to implement a Kanban system using the STATIK approach.
1. Why Kanban? (Understand Why the Service Fits for Purpose)
The restaurant's purpose is to deliver delicious food to customers in a timely manner. A Kanban system can help prioritize orders, ensure smooth flow in the kitchen, and ultimately, improve customer satisfaction.
2. Sources of Dissatisfaction (Understand Sources of Dissatisfaction with the Current System)
3. Analyze Demand (Analyze Demand)
4. Analyze Capability (Analyze Capability)
5. Model Workflow (Model Workflow)
6. Classes of Service (Discover Classes of Service)
7. Design the Kanban System (Design the Kanban System)
8. Socialize and Negotiate (Socialize the Design and Negotiate Implementation)
The Outcome:
By implementing STATIK, the restaurant kitchen can improve its Kanban system. This leads to:
This analogy demonstrates how STATIK, using a systems thinking approach, can be applied to optimize any workflow, not just software development. By analyzing all aspects of the system, STATIK ensures a Kanban implementation that is tailored to the specific needs and context, leading to improved efficiency and overall success.
I hope you discover it to be valuable.
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Disclaimer: This post is written by the author in his capacity and doesn’t reflect the views of any other organization and/or person.
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