Handbook

Kanban — connection to the SDLC foundation

Kanban optimizes flow through a visualized value stream with explicit policies and WIP limits. This blueprint still requires traceability (intent → spec → plan → PR → release) and ceremony intents as a vocabulary for why…

1. SDLC phases A–F (how Kanban maps)

Phase Kanban expression
A — Shape Upstream discovery; options on board or separate funnel; ordering policies
B — Plan Replenishment selects what enters “committed” columns; no fixed sprint box unless you add it
C — Build Pull through columns per Definition of Workflow; daily coordination
D — Verify Explicit column/Done policy; test/QA swimlanes
E — Release Release policy (on demand, batch, train)
F — Operate & learn Service delivery review; retrospectives; feedback to upstream options

Prescriptive rule: If you have no replenishment and no review cadence, you have a board, not a managed Kanban system.

2. Tracking spine

Artifact Kanban mapping
Intent / request Ticket/card at intake; may live off-board until triaged
Spec Linked doc / acceptance on card
Plan Column policies + optional commitment point
Tasks Subtasks or child cards
PRs Linked from card; DoW may require link before merge
Reviews Policy per transition
Release Release train or continuous; card state “released”

3. Ceremony intents (C1–C6) ↔ Kanban meetings

Intent Typical Kanban ceremony
C1 — Align & decide Replenishment; prioritization cadence with stakeholders
C2 — Plan the slice Refinement before pull; splitting options
C3 — Execute & unblock Stand-up / workflow meeting
C4 — Review & quality Review columns; QA ceremonies; release checklist
C5 — Reflect & improve Team retrospective; systems thinking on flow
C6 — Knowledge share Review meeting with stakeholders; doc walkthrough

4. Role archetypes

Kanban role (typical names) Archetypes
Service request manager / product manager Sponsor proxy, Orchestrator
Delivery team Implementer, Quality advocate
Coach (optional) Orchestrator, Quality advocate

5. Kanban-specific commitments (conceptual)

  • Visualization of workflow.
  • WIP limits (or explicit WIP policies).
  • Explicit policies (Definition of Workflow, DoD per column).
  • Manage flow — focus on lead time and predictability, not utilization alone.

6. Anti-patterns

Anti-pattern Fix
Infinite columns, no WIP policy Define minimal viable workflow + limits
“Everything urgent” bypass lane Governance: only Steer can authorize class-of-service
Board only for dev; upstream invisible Extend visualization or link to intake funnel