Handbook
Kanban — major processes & flow maps
Customize column names to your Definition of Workflow.
1. Pull through the value stream
Customize column names to your Definition of Workflow.
2. Replenishment decision
3. Blocked work escalation
4. Release train (optional policy)
5. Phase mapping (A–F)
| Phase | Kanban locus |
|---|---|
| A | Options / discovery |
| B | Replenishment |
| C | Doing |
| D | Verify / DoD |
| E | Release policy |
| F | Ops feedback → options |
6. Flow details (walkthrough)
Value stream — Columns are agreed workflow states, governed by your Definition of Workflow and WIP limits. Pull when downstream capacity is available; pushing work into Doing without capacity hides queueing and inflates lead time.
Replenishment — Chooses which options enter the committed system. Items must fit WIP and class-of-service rules and have clear dependencies; otherwise defer, split, or run alignment/spikes before pull.
Escalation — Blockers get fast team response (e.g. swarm) when policy allows. If resolution needs priority trade-offs or misses a time threshold, escalate to service delivery or steering; record the decision before resuming flow.
Release train — Done on the board may still batch to production on a train or calendar. Align the diagram with your release policy (or continuous delivery if that is your Definition of Workflow).
7. Authoritative sources & further reading
- Kanban University — The Kanban Guide — Current guide text for the Kanban method.
- Agile Alliance — Kanban (glossary) — Short definition and roots.
- Kanban Guide for Scrum Teams — Integrating Kanban with Scrum.
- ProKanban.org — Professional Kanban community and training paths.
Full curated list: External reference URLs (methodology guides).