Kanban is a visual workflow management method used to optimize and manage work processes, especially in software development and manufacturing. Originating from Toyota's manufacturing system, Kanban involves the use of visual boards (often digital or physical) divided into columns representing different stages of the workflow, such as "To Do," "In Progress," and "Done." Each task or work item is represented by a card that moves across the board as it progresses through the stages. The key principles of Kanban include limiting work in progress (WIP) to reduce bottlenecks, visualizing work to identify inefficiencies, and continuously improving the process based on feedback and performance data.

Kanban is highly adaptable and can be used in various industries to enhance productivity, transparency, and collaboration. By focusing on the flow of work rather than fixed timelines, Kanban allows teams to respond flexibly to changes in priorities or requirements. This makes it particularly effective in environments with ongoing or unpredictable workloads. Kanban also encourages incremental improvements, enabling teams to gradually optimize their processes and deliver value more consistently.