In Kanban, the Definition of Workflow (DoW) is not a static checklist. It is a dynamic model of how work flows through a value stream, and how progress is made visible. The Kanban Guide defines it as the explicit agreements and policies that guide how work is selected, started, progressed, and completed.
It includes:
- Entry criteria: What makes work ready to enter the system.
- WIP limits: How much can be in progress at once.
- Exit policies: What constitutes ‘done’ for each state.
It’s how you define “what we mean when we say we’re doing the work.”
This isn’t about micromanagement. It’s about making the system legible, so we can improve it. Kanban treats workflow as something we inspect and evolve. Not define once and forget.
The implications of a Definition of Workflow in Scrum
Scrum doesn’t explicitly define a “Definition of Workflow,” but it does have a Definition of Done (DoD) and expects teams to visualise their work.
The strongest work on Definition of Workflow — ranked by substance, not recency. How this is ranked
Getting started with Kanban
Learn how to launch a Kanban pilot, define workflows, use metrics like cycle time and throughput, and foster continuous improvement for …
Mastering Kanban: A Simple Guide to Its Core Principles
Learn the three core Kanban principles, visualising workflow, actively managing tasks, and continuous improvement, to boost team efficiency, …
Understanding Kanban: A Tool for Transparency and Continuous Improvement
Explains how Kanban visualises workflows, tracks metrics, and supports continuous improvement, helping teams identify bottlenecks and …
Mastering Kanban: The Essential Guide to Defining and Visualising Your Workflow for Maximum Efficiency
Learn how to define and visualise workflows in Kanban to boost team clarity, alignment, and efficiency, with practical steps for stable …
Getting started with Kanban
Learn how to launch a Kanban pilot, define workflows, use metrics like cycle time and throughput, and foster continuous improvement for …
Mastering Kanban: A Simple Guide to Its Core Principles
Learn the three core Kanban principles, visualising workflow, actively managing tasks, and continuous improvement, to boost team efficiency, …
Understanding Kanban: A Tool for Transparency and Continuous Improvement
Explains how Kanban visualises workflows, tracks metrics, and supports continuous improvement, helping teams identify bottlenecks and …
Mastering Kanban: The Essential Guide to Defining and Visualising Your Workflow for Maximum Efficiency
Learn how to define and visualise workflows in Kanban to boost team clarity, alignment, and efficiency, with practical steps for stable …
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Mastering Kanban: A Simple Guide to Its Core Principles
Learn the three core Kanban principles, visualising workflow, actively managing tasks, and continuous improvement, to boost team efficiency, …
Understanding Kanban: A Tool for Transparency and Continuous Improvement
Explains how Kanban visualises workflows, tracks metrics, and supports continuous improvement, helping teams identify bottlenecks and …
Mastering Kanban: The Essential Guide to Defining and Visualising Your Workflow for Maximum Efficiency
Learn how to define and visualise workflows in Kanban to boost team clarity, alignment, and efficiency, with practical steps for stable …
Getting started with Kanban
Learn how to launch a Kanban pilot, define workflows, use metrics like cycle time and throughput, and foster continuous improvement for …