What are WIP Limits?
It's the maximum amount of work that can exist at each stage of a workflow.
Definition
WIP stands for "Work In Progress," and a WIP Limit, or limit of WIP, is the maximum amount of work that can exist at each stage of a workflow in methods like Kanban.
Clarification
Limiting work in progress isn't about reducing the total amount of work to be done but limiting the number of tasks being handled simultaneously (multitasking). Its purpose is to improve focus and promote the philosophy of "Stop starting and start finishing."
Importance
WIP limits help teams identify inefficiencies, expose bottlenecks, and focus on completing tasks, ultimately improving workflow performance.
Application
Teams set WIP limits for each stage of the workflow, typically based on historical data, and adjust them over time to optimize performance.
Performance Improvement
WIP limits focus teams on completing tasks, which can lead to performance improvement, increased throughput, and reduced delivery times.
Bottlenecks
WIP limits expose bottlenecks and inefficiencies in the workflow, allowing teams to address them more effectively.
Continuous Evaluation
Teams regularly assess and adjust WIP limits to reflect changes in workflow performance.