The Process of Tracking Dependencies On A Kanban Board
Kanban boards are significant workflow management tools that increase efficiency and visualize work tasks. One of their great benefits is the ease with which they help separate work into phases. Common columns for this include "To Do," "In Progress," and "Done." For complicated projects, there are often interdependencies among various tasks, and sometimes the lack of outcomes from one task can hold up the performance of others. On a Kanban board, tracking these dependencies is easy, preventing bottlenecked workflows.
Here's how you can track your dependencies effectively on a Kanban board:
- Identify Task Dependencies Early
You need to establish when a task is dependent on another. Sometimes, dependencies are internal—one task may not start until another is finished. Other times, they may be external, where external factors influence a task's completion. Recognizing these dependencies early allows you to plan the flow of tasks better.
- Use Visual Indicators
The beauty of a Kanban board is its visual nature. This can be exploited by using visual indicators for dependency tracking. Colored tags or labels are commonly used to mark dependencies between tasks. For example, a red tag can indicate that one task is blocked by another, while a yellow tag can mean that a task is waiting for a resource. Arrows or lines connecting dependent tasks can visually illustrate the relationships, helping the team understand which tasks depend on others.
- Add Dependency Information in Task Descriptions
While visual indicators are useful, they can sometimes be ambiguous or insufficient. A more detailed approach is to include dependency information directly in a task's description or comments. This could include notes about which task is blocking it or specific dependencies that need to be resolved. This approach provides a quick reference for team members when they need more details.
- Create Dependency-Specific Columns
Another approach is to use dependency-specific columns on your Kanban board. You can include columns like "Blocked" or "Waiting for Approval." Dependent tasks are then differentiated from others, making it easy for the team to see which tasks are waiting for external input or completion of a preceding task before progressing.
- Use WIP Limits to Manage Bottlenecks
One of the key features of Kanban boards is the ability to set WIP (Work In Progress) limits to avoid overburdening any step of the workflow. When managing dependencies, it's important to revise WIP limits to reflect the impact of blocked or waiting tasks. Setting appropriate WIP limits ensures that tasks in the "In Progress" column aren't overloaded, allowing dependent work to be completed before new tasks are taken on.
- Track Dependencies Regularly in Stand-Up Meetings
Daily stand-up meetings are an excellent opportunity to review and discuss any dependencies. During the stand-up, team members can highlight issues related to blocked tasks or dependencies causing delays. Regular discussions about dependencies help the team identify and resolve potential roadblocks quickly.
- Use Digital Kanban Tools With Dependency Capabilities
If you use a digital Kanban board, many tools like Trello, Jira, and Asana offer built-in dependency tracking features. These tools allow you to link tasks, and the system can highlight dependencies to make progress tracking and delay identification easier. Using such tools minimizes the possibility of overlooking dependencies, ensuring that the project stays on track.
Conclusion
Tracking dependencies on a Kanban board is crucial for maintaining a smooth and efficient workflow in complex projects. By identifying dependencies early, using visual indicators, adjusting WIP limits, and leveraging digital tools, you can ensure tasks progress without unnecessary delays. With these strategies in place, your team can keep projects on track and reduce the risk of bottlenecks.
